How to Drive

How to Drive
I thought this would be appropriate since I got my license today even though I am no expert at it. Almost everywhere you go, you will drive to get there. It is a necessary skill to get between places. Lets say you want to get a bite to eat at Wawa. How do you get there in the shortest amount of time? Or lets say you want to go on vacation. How do you get to the airport? The point is that you will drive to most of the places you go. Driving is a skill that is easy to learn, but it takes years to get good at.
The first thing you need to drive is a car that is insured. If you do not have a driver’s license, you need a learner’s permit, which is obtainable from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and a person with a license over the age of 18 in the car with you (only if you want to drive legally). It also helps to be familiar with the rules of the road and the signs. Once you’re in the car, turn the car on by putting the key into the ignition, which is usually located just to the right of the steering wheel. Before driving, it also helps to be familiar with the controls of the car, which vary by different car types. Before starting, you need to make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted. You want to be able to see the entire back window from your rearview mirror.
Now that you are ready to drive, place your right foot on the brake. This lesson is only for cars with automatic transmission. Pull the lever, (usually located between the two front seats) from park (P) to drive (D). The brake needs to be pressed for this to be able to occur. Place both hands on the steering wheel. Imagine if a clock was the steering wheel. Grip the wheel where 10 and 2 would be on the clock. Slowly release the brake and the car should start to move. If your going straight, pivot your right foot to the gas pedal (on the right side), and slowly push it, or your car will take off. An important thing to remember is to move the steering wheel, not your hands (unless making a hand over hand turn, which will be discussed later). Another good habit is to constantly check your mirrors. The next thing you need to learn is to turn. Before you make a turn, you need to turn on your signal, which is located behind the steering wheel sticking out on the left side. Push it up to indicate a right turn and down for a left turn. Almost every turn you make will require using the hand over hand technique. If your making a right turn, start turning the wheel toward your right hand. At the same time, your right hand will release from the wheel and cross over your left hand. Re-grip the wheel with your right hand and continue turning. Once you make the turn, you need to recover (get the wheel straight), by doing the reverse of what you did while turning.
Safe lane maneuvering is also necessary for successful driving. If you are driving on a multi lane road, switching lanes may be necessary to pass a slow driver, or to get in the proper lane to make a turn. If you wanted to move to the right hand lane, first it is necessary to put your right turn signal on. Next look into your rearview mirror to see if there is someone driving behind you in that lane. If it is clear, look over your right shoulder to double check no one is there and then turn the wheel right and let the car drift into the lane. However, when switching lanes, you should not slow down.
This is just a brief guide on the basics of driving. Always remember to follow the rules of the road, stop at red lights and stop signs and always pay attention to your surroundings.