I had no idea how to drive and I have no driver’s license, so I got some friends who are old drivers to help me learn. Firstly, we started to find a car that could be used for teaching.
My friends recommended the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla because these two cars are very suitable for new drivers. So I went to the used car market and bought a used Toyota Corolla, which cost me a little money but was totally worth it.
We started with the basics. I learned how to adjust the mirrors, the seat, and the steering wheel to make sure I was comfortable and had a good view. My friend made me practice starting and stopping the car over and over again until I could do it smoothly without jerking.
- Start the Engine: My friend showed me how to start the engine and let it warm up for a bit.
- Adjust Seat and Mirrors: I learned how to adjust the seat, steering wheel, and mirrors to fit my body and ensure good visibility.
Next, I practiced driving in an empty parking lot. I drove around, practiced turning, and got a feel for how the car responded to my inputs. This was a bit nerve-wracking at first, but it got easier with practice. I made sure to use the turn signals every time I turned, even though there weren’t any other cars around. My friend said it’s important to build good habits from the start.
Practicing in the Parking Lot
- Forward and Reverse: I practiced driving forward and in reverse, getting a feel for the gas and brake pedals.
- Turning: I drove in circles and figure-eights to practice turning the steering wheel and judging the car’s turning radius.
- Parking: I practiced parking between cones, learning how to align the car and judge distances.
Once I felt more confident in the parking lot, we moved to quiet residential streets. I learned to watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and other cars. I practiced stopping at stop signs, yielding to other vehicles, and making turns at intersections. I also learned to keep a safe distance from the car in front of me. My friend told me to follow the “three-second rule,” which means staying at least three seconds behind the car in front.
Driving on Residential Streets
- Stop Signs and Traffic Lights: I learned to come to a complete stop at stop signs and to wait for the green light at traffic lights.
- Yielding: I practiced yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks and to other vehicles when required.
- Lane Changes: I learned how to check my mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes, and to use my turn signals to indicate my intentions.
After getting comfortable on quiet streets, we tackled busier roads. I learned to merge onto highways, change lanes in traffic, and handle different types of intersections. My friend gave me tips on how to stay calm and focused, even when other drivers were being unpredictable. I also practiced driving in different weather conditions, like rain, to get a feel for how the car handled on wet roads.
Dealing with Traffic
- Merging: I learned how to merge smoothly onto highways, matching my speed to the flow of traffic.
- Lane Discipline: I practiced staying in my lane and avoiding unnecessary lane changes.
- Defensive Driving: I learned to anticipate what other drivers might do and to be prepared to react.
Finally, after weeks of practice, I took the driving test and passed! It was a great feeling to finally get my driver’s license. I continued to practice regularly to keep my skills sharp and build my confidence. Driving is a big responsibility, but it’s also a lot of freedom.
After continuous practice, I can confidently drive in the city and on highways now. Although there may still be some shortcomings, I believe that with continuous practice, I will become a qualified driver.