Learning to Drive

A New Driver & Parent Participation Guide

9/4/97  (Draft copy #4)

Chapter 1 - Getting Ready

Session 1

Introduction

How to Use the Guide

 

The purpose of this guide is to help prepare young drivers for the road.  New drivers need lots of practice.  Much of this practice can be done with parents or other caring adults.  This guide will help you plan for these practices and provide tips on what to practice, where to practice, and how to practice safely.  Following the suggestions and hints in the guide will help you and the new driver prepare for a lifetime of safe driving.

 

It is important that both the adult giving the practice and the new driver read this guide.  The information is for both of you.  Be sure to take this guide with you in the vehicle and refer to it whenever you need to.  Remember to read or review each section that will be practiced before you hit the road.  It also is important to follow the sessions in order.  If the new driver does well on a session, it can be done more quickly than others, but every chapter should be covered in the practices.  Remember, important information is presented in the earlier sessions that is needed for the later sessions.  Never be embarrassed to go back and reread a session.  In fact, if the new driver starts having problems in later sessions, it is a good idea to return to and practice the early sessions again.

 

It All Starts With a Good Plan

 

Before starting, it's important to plan your practice activities.  Decide where you want to go and what you want to do before setting out.  Also, take some care in selecting the area where to practice – the first time out is not the time to drive in rush-hour or on a high speed expressway.  Learn to survive on the road by careful practice.  Plus, even if your new driver has been in a car millions of times and is certain that they know everything, make sure to review past sessions and go over any new information before starting out on each practice session.  Don’t assume anything.  Plan lots of practice time, but remember this is still new for the learner.  A 30-minute practice session is probably long enough, without being too long at first.   As the new driver learns, practice sessions can be longer.  Remember, there's no substitute for practice.

 

One thing else, during the time when the new driver is learning, it is important that the other drivers in the household (everyone) practice good driving habits.  It’s important for the new driver to learn good habits from the start. Good habits formed early last a long, long time.  Its worth the effort folks.

 

Lastly, the term “car” will be used in this guide.  We apologize to all you “non-car” drivers out there, however, the term includes vans, minivans, pickups, sport utilities, and other vehicles used by families and individuals for their own use.

 

Know The Rules of the House – Sign a Parent/Teen Contract

 

Your first lesson is to make sure your new driver-to-be knows exactly what's expected of them.  Just as there are rules of the road, there are rules of the house for the car.  And one can't be learned without the other.  If getting your teens attention is difficult, try swinging the car keys back and forth in front of them – works every time.  Now lets talk about a contract.

 

A nice way of making sure everyone understands the rules is to use a parent/new driver contract.  No, you don’t need a lawyer, but it is necessary to define the issues, and get the whole thing in writing.  For your use, a sample contract can be found the back of this guide – use it or make one up, whatever fits your needs.  It is necessary, however, to talk about, and agree on, the rules and responsibilities involved. Some points to keep in mind…

 

        Be sure that you and your new driver understand that learning has responsibilities.

        Drivers can injure themselves and others, including passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists.  It pays to be safe.

        Agree on conduct expected during the practice sessions – this means both the parent and the new driver.

        Make the ground rules clear at the beginning and stick to them during the practice.

        Develop rules for using the car (when, where, who buys gas, etc.).

 

Ready To Go... Sort Of

 

As excited as a young driver will be to drive past a friend's house right away, it's best to begin somewhere that offers fewer distractions and is a safe place to start learning to drive.  A large deserted parking lot is ideal.  If a lot is not available, a quiet side street will work just fine.  Using these type of areas enable your new driver to get a feel for the vehicle and how it responds, without having to worry about traffic,  pedestrians or road hazards.  It also will help you to become more comfortable with the idea of your new driver behind the wheel of your car.

 

One of the first things to practice is the coordination of hands and feet.  Although this sounds funny, the novice driver tends to forget the hands while using the feet and the feet while using the hands.  Remember, if your new driver is a teenager,  their bodies and minds are still growing.  Sometimes they are not very coordinated.  As someone once said, they are a work still in progress.

 

Once the new driver is comfortable starting, moving the car forward, controlling the speed and direction at the same time, stopping, backing, and parking the car, practice can be moved to the street or to a busier street.  Don't worry…it will be OK.  By following the steps outlined in this guide, your new driver will slowly learn to be a safer driver.

 

Things to Remember

 

During each practice session, it is important to follow the rules, be nice to each other... no yelling.  Here are some other hints to use during your shared time with your new driver.

 

        Speak clearly and tell the driver precisely what to do.  "Look out" is not always helpful.  Make instructions simple and timely.  Instructions should also be far enough in advance so that your driver has plenty of time to think about it, prepare for it, and then do it.  This is going to sound like a ton of things to do all at once to the new driver, so keep it short, simple and clear. For example:  “At the next traffic light, turn right.”  (Mention where first and then what.)

        Be sure to leave enough time for a good practice session.  Don't expect to cover everything in 10 minutes.  There is no magic time period for practice.  You need enough time to cover a topic or procedure, but it doesn’t take long for a new driver to get tired or bored with the practice.  Around 30 minutes behind the wheel is a reasonable time.  In the early sessions, remember to leave enough time to get to where you are going  and for the practice.  Later, when the new driver is driving to the practice, this time can also be part of the practice, even if only review.

        Don’t hit the beginner with too much at once – One step at a time…after all, you've had years to practice and what may seem easy to you is not easy to a learning driver.  There may be times when it might be helpful for the new driver to talk about what they're doing as they drive.  For example, “The light is turning yellow, I'm slowing down.” This helps the driver to relate what they see with what they are going to do.  It's can help the new driver learn...kind of like teaching oneself.

        During practice, try and keep the risk to danger low and move from easy driving to harder.  For example, start off in light traffic and  work toward heavy traffic, from low speed roads to high speed ones.  This will be more helpful for your new driver, as well as for your blood pressure.

        Be ready to give timely help – Remember, share your experience; you're still captain of the ship.  It's OK to provide cues as you go along, but don’t over do it.  For example, if the driver is entering a situation where they might have to stop too fast, cue them:  “Get off the gas, begin to brake.”  As soon as the driver responds with the correct braking action, offer a positive response such as, “That was a good!  Nice and smooth.”

        Stay calm, don’t laugh at what may seem to be silly mistakes.  The new driver will make lots of mistakes.  That’s one of the reasons they need lots and lots of practice.  Your job is to make it a safe and rewarding practice.  If you and your new driver have done your homework and are prepared, it will be easier to do than you think and could even be enjoyable for both of you.

        Be positive –  Always start out by giving positive feedback rather than negative – we all react better to that.  When you do have negative comments, write them down and go over them later, if possible.  If it is a serious mistake, pull over and discuss it.  Decide how to correct it.  Remember, no yelling!  You may need to go back to an easier practice.  It’s OK to do so.

        Feedback (the positive kind) should be simple, relevant and provided as soon as is safe to do so.  If you say, “Nice job of looking ahead and slowing down for the red traffic light,” while sitting at the intersection gives positive feedback, reinforces the action, which is how we learn.

        Stop and discuss performance when necessary (bad or good) – There's no time like the present.  Find a safe place to pull over and talk about it. –– This section seems to contradict the “Be positive”  bullet point above.

        Relax – the person next to you is probably more nervous than you are.

        Stay calm.  Be a defensive driver…not an offensive driver.

        Don't try to do too much too soon.  It is important to learn as you go and you have lots to learn.

        Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.

                 

Getting a Learner’s Permit…Step One of Becoming Street Legal

 

Before your new driver can go out on the road, they must have a Learner’s Permit.  For information about getting a Learner’s permit in your state, contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles, or Department of Public Safety, or whatever Agency in your state that issues driver licenses.  Get a copy of your state’s Drivers Manual.  Most states require that the new applicant pass a knowledge and vision test before the learner’s permit is issued.  The Manual will tell you what is needed, how you go about getting the permit, and reading it will give you the information you need to pass the knowledge test.

 

For your convenience, you'll find a Model Driver Manual located at the end of this guide.  The information in it may cover some of the same safety facts that is in your state manual, but it also may cover more.  Read it.  It may be review or new information.  Either way, it is useful information for the practice sessions.  Make sure that you and the new driver read both your local state manual and the Model Manual.

 

Tips to Remember

 

o        Plan your practice trip before you go

o        Know the rules

o        Read the your state’s driver manual, the Model Driver Manual, and your owner’s manual

o        Be nice to each other

 

Session 2

Before You Drive

 

OK, here we go.  There are several topics that need to be covered before the driving starts.  First, it is important that both of you have read your state driver manual, the Model Driver Manual that’s in the Appendix of this Guide,  and reviewed the owners manual for the car that will be used for practice.  If more than one car is used, make sure that the owners manual for each is read.

 

Conduct a Vehicle Check

 

It's time to dig out that owner's manual and read it.  If you're like a lot of people, this may be the first time you've ever actually read it yourself.  There are a few things everyone needs to keep in mind before driving.

 

        Pathway - Check that the pathway under and around car is clear.  If there are small children around, always know where they are before you move the car.  Be sure to check to see if any of their toys are under or behind the car.

        Tires – A quick look to make sure all have air in them.  However, you also need to check the tires with an air gauge every couple of weeks.  The correct air pressure is on the side of the tires and is listed in the owner’s manual.  When checking the air pressure, check to see that the tires have good tread and are not damaged.  The tires are all that is between your car and the road.  Take care of them.

        Windows & Mirrors  – Make sure they're clean and the mirrors (rear and side) are adjusted properly.  The side mirror(s) should be set so you can just see the side of the car.  The rear mirror so that you can easily see out the back window.  Check the mirrors each time you get into the car and adjust if needed before you drive off.

        Check under the hood - Do this before a long trip and every couple of weeks.  If you don’t want to check or don’t care too, make sure someone does.  The engine and brake oil, coolant, and window washer levels should be checked to make sure they are full.  If fluids need to added, follow the directions in the owners manual for what to use and where it goes.  With modern vehicles, one may not need to add fluids.  However, there is one big exception - window washer fluid.  Especially in the winter, it is easy to use up the washer fluid.  Make sure it is full.  Use a washer fluid that will not freeze.  While under the hood, make sure every thing generally looks OK (caps, belts OK).

        Fuel cap and lid - Where it is and how it opens.  Your driver will not want to look stupid  looking for it at the gas station.  Remember to put the cap back and close the lid after putting gas in the car.  Make sure you use the type of gas recommended in the owner’s manual.  

        Spare tire - Where it is and that it is ready to be used.  You don’t have to know how to change a flat tire but if it needs to be changed, you’ll need it.  If it is a standard tire, make sure it has air in it.  Check it when you check the other tires.

 

Lights and Signals

 

These are undoubtedly things a new driver already know – especially since they've been sitting in the car for the past couple of months when you weren’t home and imagining how great it's finally going to be to drive.  But, just to be check each one.  It helps to stand outside the car and see what they look like (also to be sure that they are working).

 

        Running/parking lights – knob, button, switch…easy to turn on.

        Low/high beams – click on/click off.

        Brake lights – You must have someone outside the vehicle to check that they are working.

        Turn signals – push-up for the right side, pull-down for the left side, check that they are working.

        Dash/interior lights – how to turn on/off and up (brighter) and down (dimmer).

 

Safety (Seat) Belts

 

        Seat belts only work if used, everyone needs to use them - driver and passenger(s).  Some states require that they be used.  Insist that your new driver wear a seat belt.  And if you don't wear one, it's time to start.  This is the time for "do as I say, and as I do."

 

Gauges/Warning Lights

 

        Dashboard gauges and warning lights – all cars have a speedometer and fuel gauge.  Your car will have either a gauge for engine temperature, oil pressure, and voltage, or warning lights.  These and other warning lights will light-up when you first turn on your engine.  If all is well, they will soon all go out.  If one doesn’t, something may be wrong.  Have it checked.  You will have high beam and turn signal indicators.  The car also may have a tachometer and trip meter.  Know where each is located and how to read them and know when something is wrong with the engine.  If the engine doesn’t go, you don’t go.

 

Vehicle Controls

 

        Steering wheel and steering column  – Steering wheel, that's the big round thing…don’t worry, they'll know.  Most car horns are in the steering wheel.  Controls on the column include the turn signal level, and others might be for the window wipers, cruise control, steering wheel adjustment, hazard light, and headlights.  On some cars these controls are on the dash.  Some cars have the transmission level on the column.  For others it will be elsewhere, usually extending from the floor.  Learn your car’s controls, what they do and how they work before you drive.     

        Transmission - The gear selector control will be either on the steering column or on the floor (automatic or manual).  You have to shift it (manual) or it does it by itself (automatic).  More on this later.

        Accelerator (gas pedal) – Used to control the car’s speed.  May also be used to start the engine (see owners manual)

        Brake (pedal) – Used to stop the car.  If the car has antilock brakes (ABS), you will need to teach your new driver how they work.  More on this later.

        Parking Brake  – Used to hold the car when parked.  The control will be between the front seats (lever - release usually a button on the lever) or on the floor under the dash (pedal - release usually a handle under the dash).  Practice engaging and releasing the parking brakes.  Get into the habit of using them every time you park the car.

        Clutch (if present) – Used to change gears in a car that has a manual transmission.  More on this later.

        Heating/cooling – Used to control the temperature inside the car.  Controls are usually on the dash.  See owners manual for operation. You know that rule that the driver controls the temperature?  You may want to rethink that.

        Cruise control (if present) – Used to hold a steady speed while traveling.  Some will only work above a certain speed.  Tapping the brake will disengage it.  See the owners manual for how to turn on, operate, and turn off.

        Entertainment (radio, tapes, CD) – Your young driver probably knows more about this than you do.  Best not to have on during the practice sessions.  Each of you needs to work on the practice so it can be safe and useful.

 

Find a proper driving position – getting comfy behind wheel

 

Before each practice session, the new driver needs to find a comfortable driving position behind the wheel.  It is important to be seated correctly so as to be able to see (including using the mirrors) out of the car, and to be able to steer and use the brake and gas pedal easily.  A position that has the young driver all squeezed together so that the knees are under the chin or that has the arms and legs stretched out fully is not it.  Both hands need to be on the steering wheel with the arms slightly bent, and the legs positioned so the feet just reach the firewall.  Let the new driver try different seating positions until they find the right combination.  

 

SUBHEAD:

Tips to Remember

        Make sure car is ready to go

        Use safety belts

        Adjust mirrors


Session 3

Mirrors Are Your Friends - Use Them

 

It may seem odd that you might actually have to teach a teen about using mirrors, but in this case it’s true.  Novice drivers must learn to use the mirrors to see what is behind and to the sides of the car.  This must be done frequently, but one cannot lose sight of what going on in front of the car either.  It's a hard habit to develop.  Remember, watching what's happening in front, behind and beside you all at the same time seems like a lot to do.  The following are times when a driver has to pay closer attention to other traffic.

 

Changing Traffic - Do mirror checks whenever you see a change in traffic or conditions in front of you.  This often will require a driving change by you, in which case you need to know what traffic to the sides and rear are doing.  In heavy traffic, things are happening all the time, which means checking the  mirrors all the time.

 

Stopping - Any time you are going to slow down or stop, check behind you.  When stopping, continue to check as you slow down.  Even after stopping, continue to check the rear so you know what’s behind you.  Remember, before the foot goes to the brake pedal, the eyes should go to the rearview mirror. 

 

Lane changes - Check the mirrors before changing lanes, while you are changing, and just after you have changed lanes.  Also check the mirrors before making turns and then again just after making a turn.  Knowing what traffic is doing around you helps you to better control the space around your car so you can determine the best driving action needed.

 

Blind spots - Don't trust that the mirrors see everything - they don’t.  All cars have an area to the rear and both sides that the mirrors cannot see.  These areas are called “blind spots.”  The larger the vehicle, the larger the blind spots.  For example, semis have very large blind spots.  So large, your entire car can be in it and the truck driver does not know you are there.  That is one reason you do not want to drive next to a truck, or any other vehicle for that matter.

 

Here is one way of learning about these blind spots.  With the car parked, have someone walk around in different areas to the rear and behind the car while you are in the driver’s seat.  Watch the person with the mirrors and you will see them move into and then out of the blind spots.  Now, switch places.  This way you can see the areas, from outside the car, where the driver can’t see you.  Remember, always drive through or drop back; never stay in another vehicles blind spot.

 

Because of these blind spots, you must do a “head check” before changing lanes.  This requires a turning of the head to glance to the sides to see if other traffic is in your blind spot.  It means checking the blind spot before pulling into traffic from the curb or when merging into traffic from an entrance ramp.  A head check involves making a quick check over the shoulder, in the direction of the lane you want to move into.

 

Thanks to convex mirrors, the phrase "objects in mirror are closer than they appear" is now pretty common.  If you see a car in the convex mirror, that car may be much closer to you than it looks because of the way the mirror is designed.  These mirrors help see into part of the blind spot, but cannot see all of it.  You still need to make a head check when changing lanes. 

 

Don’t forget to clean your mirrors when you clean your windows.  It’s one of those good habits to get into.

 

SUBHEAD:

Tips to Remember

 

        Use your mirrors

        When looking in a mirror, only glance.  Glance again if needed.

        Don’t forget to check the blind spot when changing lanes or turning

        A head check is a just a quick glance over your shoulder, check again if needed

 

Session 4

How Does This Thing Go? 

A Vacant Parking Lot Is Good

 

Well, it's finally time to start actual driving.  Once you and your new driver are in a big, open and vacant parking lot or quiet street, park the car and turn off the engine.  One of the most difficult parts for the parent during these practices is to be patient and not to assume that the new driver knows everything already.  Try to see things through your teenager's eyes.

 

Have the new driver get behind the wheel, get comfortable, adjust the mirrors and then start the car by following the directions in the owner’s manual.  Then, be sure that they know where all the controls, switches, and gauges are and that everything is working. Now is a good time to learn about shifting gears.

 

Shifting Gears

 

If your car has an automatic transmission, read over the section, but there is nothing for you to practice at this time.  If you have a manual transmission (a “stick shift”) vehicle that you can use, it is useful to be able to drive one.  If you can drive a manual you can always drive a car with an automatic transmission.  But if you only learn to drive with an automatic you will not be able to drive a car with a manual transmission. Also, manual transmissions are just a lot more cool to drive.

 

Manual Shift

 

Vehicles with manual shift will have a clutch and a gearshift lever.  The gearshift lever will be on the floor or on the steering column.  The clutch pedal is on the left of the brake pedal.   The clutch pedal must be pushed-in completely (to the floor) to start the engine, to shift gears, and when the vehicle comes to a full stop. 

 

Before you try to drive forward, it is helpful to practice shifting into each gear a few times.  Make sure the vehicle is on level ground and the parking brake is on.  You may have to turn the key on to shift gears, but do not start the engine.  Push the clutch pedal to the floor, then shift into first. Then, simply follow the pattern inscribed on the gear shift knob. Practice shifting into each gear several times so that you can do it without looking at your hand. 

 

Once you have a feel for shifting, depress the clutch and start the engine.  Practice starting the vehicle on level ground first.  While keeping the clutch depressed, shift into first and release the parking brake.  Rest your right foot on the gas pedal, keeping the engine at idling speed.  Raise the clutch pedal slowly until you feel the car move forward.  At this point press down on the gas pedal slowly.  You will hear the engine go faster and the car will start to move forward.  If the car starts bucking, you are not giving it enough gas.  Let the clutch all the way out.  Continue to press on the gas pedal to go forward.  Once you are moving 5-10 mph, push in the clutch, take your foot off the gas, and brake to a smooth stop.

 

Repeat this several times until it can be done smoothly.  In fact, many new drivers need to practice moving the car forward for several practice sessions.  Don’t fret!  This is the hardest part of driving a stick shift. It’s very important to be able to start moving the car smoothly.  Practice starting, moving the car forward and shifting as much as is needed.

 

Once the new driver is comfortable starting and moving forward while on level ground, have them practice on a slight hill (if available).  They need to practice with the car facing up-hill and down-hill.  With the car facing up-hill, you will need to use the parking brake to aid you in starting off smoothly.  Otherwise, the car will roll backwards when you release the parking brake.  You need to release the parking brake slowly while releasing the clutch and slowly stepping on the gas.  With the car going down-hill, you will need only to keep you foot on the brake and release it as you are releasing the clutch, then slowly step on the gas.  As before, practice this until it can be done easily and smoothly.

 

If the parking lot is large enough, you also can practice shifting gears.  If not, find a quiet street (wide, little traffic, few or no parked cars) to practice moving the car forward.  When comfortable, start off and accelerate to the speed recommended in the owner’s manual for changing gears.  When near that speed, depress the clutch, let up on the accelerator, then shift to second gear.  Raise the clutch smoothly and apply pressure to the accelerator as you did when first starting to move the car.  To shift to higher gears, follow the same procedure.  Stop when safe to do so, and repeat shifting practice.

 

As you practice, listen to the sound of the engine just before you shift.  Soon you will be able to “hear” when to shift.  Do glance at the speedometer as often as needed.  Remember to check the owner’s manual for the recommended shift speeds for the vehicle.

 

After you can shift without causing the car to buck, you can now learn to downshift.  Downshifting can be used to help slow the car and is needed when driving on steep roads.  Before you downshift, make sure the car is not going too fast for the gear you will be shifting into.  Check the owners manual for these speeds. 

 

To downshift, take your foot off the gas pedal, depress the clutch, and move the gear shift to the new gear.  Ease up on the clutch smoothly.  If you intend to continue slowing, use the brake and then downshift as needed until you stop.  If you downshift to slow down for a turn or because the car slows going up a hill and you need a lower gear to continue, then press on the gas pedal gently after downshifting.

 

You should downshift before turning corners, before going up or down steep hills, and whenever the car needs more power than stepping on the gas can give it.  Be careful when downshifting not to over-rev the engine. 

 

When stopping a car with a manual transmission, make sure to depress the clutch as you slow to a stop.  If possible, downshift to a lower gear before you must come to a stop.  This is also useful if you are in traffic that is slowing and you need accelerate, you can do so easily.  Once you have stopped, make sure you keep your foot on the brake pedal until you move again.

If you are stopped for an extended period, take the car out of gear and put it into neutral.  Be sure to keep your foot on the brake and remember to put the car back into gear just before you need to move forward again.

 

Automatic shift

 

Driving a vehicle with an automatic shift is a lot easier than having to shift gears.  With an automatic transmission, the gears are shifted for you.  The gear shift lever can be on the steering column or on the floor.  If the shift lever is on the steering column, place your foot on the brake and move the gear indicator from “P” to “D.”  If the gearshift is on the floor, place your foot on the brake and then shift from “Park” to “Drive.”  With your foot still on the brake, release the parking brake.  Before taking your foot off the brake, make sure your path forward is clear. 

 

SUBHEAD:

Tips to Remember

        When parked, always use the parking brake

        Practice "smooth" starting.

        Practice “smooth” shifting.

        Always put the gear level into park or leave in first gear when parking.   

        Always push in the clutch just before stopping.

        Be sure to depress the brake pedal  before putting an automatic transmission in gear.

 

Session 5

Braking: Who’s in Control?

 

Cars have powerful engines to move them along.  All that the car has to stop it, is its brakes.  It is very important to learn how to safely slow down or stop the car under different speeds and roadway conditions (for example, on a gravel road, or on a wet road).  In this session, the new driver will practice how to stop safely.  Once again, this practice should be in a parking lot, the larger the better, or on a quiet street.

 

When the car is moving and you step on the brake, you can feel the car start to slow down.  The harder you step on the brake, the faster you slow down, but this is true only up to a point.  You can cause your tires to slide if you brake too hard.  If your tires are sliding, you are not slowing down anymore and you are not in control of your car - not a good situation.  If your car has an Antilock Braking System (ABS), this system will not let the tires slide if you brake too hard (more later on using ABS).

 

Always brake with the right foot.  This is needed on cars that have a manual shift and is just a good habit to get into.  Even if you are learning to drive in a vehicle that has an automatic shift, learn to brake with the right foot.  Using the right foot for braking will also help prevent the error of applying both the brake and accelerator under certain conditions.  When braking, use the ball of the foot (that part of the foot between the toes and the arch) on the brake pedal.  Also, you can stop more smoothly, if you let up a little on the brake just before the car comes to a full stop. 

 

Control Braking

 

The key to smooth and safe braking is control.  You, as the driver can be in control of your brakes if you learn to use them properly.  But as for most things, to be in control takes lot of braking practice.  With practice, you can start to have a feel for the brakes and how they are working, and most important, how well they are stopping the car.

 

Practice stopping the car from different speeds.  Keep the speeds fairly low (under 30 mpg).  Stop several times at about 5 mile increments (5, 10, 15, etc.).  Each time you stop, try and stop the car smoothly.  Remember to use the ball of your foot on the brake pedal.  Repeat the practice several times.

 

Next, pick a spot where to stop - a line, crack, something that can be easily seen from the car.  Pick a spot that has lots of room before and beyond it.  Now, practice stopping at different speeds as before, only you must stop at the stop line.  Practice at each speed until you can stop with the front of the car being within two feet of the line without the front of the car going over the line.  Get out of the car and check how close you are after each stop.  This way you can start to get a feel for how close the front of the car is to the line.  Remember, when you leave the car, put the transmission in neutral or park, and set the parking brake before you get out of the car.

 

An aid to use that helps some is to put an empty cardboard box on the line.  It’s easier to see and easier to see how close you are after you have stopped.  Continue to practice braking until you can stop (the first time) within 2 feet of the line 8 out of 10 times and not go over the line 10 out of 10 times.

 

Hard Smooth Stops.  For hard stops, press on the brake as hard as you can or until the tires start to slid.  Always let up on the brake if the tires start to slide and then press once again, but not quite as hard as before.

 

Anti-lock brake system (ABS) braking.  If your car has an ABS (see owner manual), the tires will not slide.  So you can press as hard as you can on the pedal.  You may feel the pedal kick the bottom of your foot or the pedal may feel like it is moving up and down.  Either way, keep your foot hard on the brake.  It's supposed to do that.  Do not pump the brakes.  If you must brake hard, step on the brake as hard as you can and keep pressing on the pedal until you stop.

 

Wet Conditions.  The new driver needs to practice braking under wet conditions.  This can be done during a rain or shortly after when the roads and parking lots are still wet.  Wet conditions can cause two changes in braking.  First, the brakes can get wet.  When they do, they do not work as well, so it takes much longer to stop.  Second, the roadway can be slippery.  Under this condition, it also takes longer to stop.  This is why it is important to practice braking when its wet but under safe conditions.  First, just practice braking to a stop from different speeds - keep the speed under 30 mph.  Next, practice stopping at a stop line when it is wet.  Practice stopping from different speeds.

 

If possible, try stopping after passing through a large puddle.  If the brakes get wet you will notice the difference.  If the brakes are wet, they must dry before they will work again.  One way to dry-out the brakes is to push down slightly on the brake pedal and let the car keep running forward.  Another way is to rapidly push down and then let up on the pedal.  Always check to see if the brakes are working after passing through deep puddles, or running or standing water.  After a heavy rain, gutters are often full and run into the street, or you must cross water at in now flowing at intersections.  It is easy to get the brakes wet.  Remember, they don’t work very well when they are wet.  Dry then out before next time you have to stop.

 

NOTE:  If at any time during the braking practice the car starts to slide, stop braking, let up on the pedal and then brake again.  You will know the car is sliding if you hear the tires squealing or you turn the steering wheel slightly and nothings happens.  You may also be able to feel it slid.  Remember, if the tires are sliding, you are not in control anymore.  You want to get back in control as quickly as possible.

 

Session 6

Review Time

 

It is time to review the past sessions and what the new driver has been practicing.  Review with them the following.  If they need to, redo the Session once again.  Don’t feel bad about having to do so.  There is a lot to learn and it takes time.

 

o        First, review the “Things to Remember” in Session 1.  It is these rules and considerations that will make or break the two of you being together in these practice sessions.

o        Vehicle readiness (windows/mirror clean, path around car is clear, tires have air, fluids are full , car has fuel)

o        Procedures for preparing to drive (adjusting seat, seat belt, mirrors)

o        Procedures for starting the engine (car in park or clutch in, parking brake set)

o        Procedures for moving the car forward smoothly

o        Procedures for stopping the car smoothly and stopping where you want (stop line)

o        Repeat any of these as needed.  Remember, it takes time and practice to a good driver.

 

Session 7

Believe it or Not - Good Parking Can Lead To Good Driving

 

Before we go out into traffic to practice our driving, we are going to learn how to park the car for different types of situations.  It is important to learn to park before we go into traffic, because parking requires that you to have to back-up and we have not practiced that yet.  Also, parking, (especially parallel parking) requires you to use skills that will be necessary once you do go out into traffic.

 

It is helpful to first practice with no cars next to the parking space.  When comfortable, practice parking next to one other car and finally between two of them.  Always go slow and be careful not to hit anything.  It’s very important not to hit anything.  People tend to yell when their car gets hit or scratched.

 

Before we practice parking, we need to practice backing up.  It is best to practice backing in a large parking lot.  Do not practice backing on the street.  It is illegal and could be very dangerous.  A parking lot that has clearly marked parking spaces also would be helpful as the parking spaces can be used when practicing parking.

 

Practice backing up in a straight line for a short distance first and then for longer ones.  When backing, you must turnaround and look out the rear window.  The easiest way to do this is to put your right arm over the seat or to grab the back of the passenger seat if you have bucket seats.  Put your left hand on top of the steering wheel.

 

After you are comfortable with backing in a straight line, practice backing and turning.  If there are empty spaces in the parking lot.  Pick one to back into.  One way to practice this is to drive by the space, stop, and then back and turn into the space.  Remember to turn the steering wheel (hand on top of the wheel) in the direction you want the car to go.  If you want the rear of the car to turn toward the passenger side, turn the steering wheel toward the passenger side.  If you want the rear of the car to turn toward the driver’s side, turn the steering wheel toward your side of the car.

 

Angle Parking

 

First, practice parking in a space where there are no cars on either side. Next, park in a space with a car on one side; then practice parking in a space with cars parked on both sides.

 

Moving into the space.  Once you have found a space, turn on your turn signal to let others around you know what you're going to do.  Pull up until you can see into the space.  Turn the steering wheel and move into the space without the front or sides of the car crossing over the parking line on either side of your space.  Continue to move forward until the front of the car is even with the back of the parking space or until the tires hit the curb.  The best position is to center your car in the space.  Make sure you get out of the car and look to see how well you did after each parking attempt.  Make sure you put the gear lever in park or in neutral and the parking brake is on before you get out of the car.  It sometimes is helpful to watch someone else park, so you can see what the car is doing while being parked.  Make sure you stand in a safe position away from the car.

 

When there is a car parked on the driver’s side, be careful that your front bumper does not hit it.  When there is a car parked on the passenger’s side, you must watch that you do not hit it with the passenger side of your car.

 

Backing Out of The Space.  You back out of the space just as you entered it.  However, it’s  much more difficult because you are backing into traffic.  You must back slowly to be sure that it is safe and that any oncoming traffic sees you.  Remember that oncoming traffic has the right of way and you must let them pass before you back up.  Also, if you are in a mall or shopping center parking lot, remember to make sure there are no pedestrians crossing behind you.

 

Back out very slowly and be prepared to stop at any time.   Back straight out until the back of the car parked on the driver’s side is between your front tires and the front of your car, then turn the wheel.  If there is no car on the drivers side but one on the passenger side, back until the rear of the car on the passenger’s side is about even with you, then you can turn the wheel.  Make sure you do not hit either car.

 

Remember you must turn around and look out the back and side windows of your car.  Try to look through the car next to you to see if there is oncoming traffic.  If you cannot, you must back very slowly until you can see that the way is clear.   Once you have backed out of the space and are in the traffic lane, stop, shift to a forward gear and drive off.

 

Practice angle parking until you are comfortable with parking and have not hit anything.

 

90 Degree Parking Space

 

This type of parking space is common in shopping centers, but also could be found on streets. The way you park in this type of space is like angle parking, but because you must turn your car more sharply to get in or out of the space, it is a little more difficult.

 

Moving Into The Space.  Remember, always go slow when parking.  In some cases, you will not be able to turn into the space on your first turn.  A easy way to park in these spaces is to assume that you cannot turn into the space with one turn.  Turn so that the driver half of your car is headed into the space next to the one you want to turn into.  Stop before you hit anything, back up about half a car length and then pull into the space.  Remember to use your turn signal before slowing and turning, and to be careful not to hit the cars parked on either side of you.

 

Backing Out of The Space.  Check for vehicle and pedestrian traffic in all directions.  Move slowly back until the back bumpers of the vehicles parked next to you are between your front tires and the front of your car.  Slowly turn the steering wheel, watching for traffic to the rear and coming from both directions.  Check frequently to make sure that your front bumper does not strike anything.  Often, you will need to stop, pull up, and then continue to back into your lane, or, if it is safe to do so, continue to back into the second lane or until you can turn and move forward safely without hitting anything.  Remember to check for traffic in all directions and be especially careful of people walking behind you.

 

Parallel Parking – It's Easier Than You Think

 

Many people fear having to parallel park and go out of their way just so they don’t have to.  It is the most difficult parking, but can be done without too much trouble.  It's somewhat like a lane change in reverse – only a lot slower and in a shorter space.  The key is going slowly and using reference points to guide your backing into the parking space.

 

If possible, find a wide street that has parallel parking, and try and find a parked car with at least two empty spaces to the rear (or at least one large one).  Practice parallel parking under these conditions before trying to park between two cars or on a busy street.  Finally, move to an area that has more traffic.

 

Moving Into The Space.  Signal that you're stopping to park by tapping the brake pedal and turning on your turn signal.  If a car is following you, stop next to the space and let them go around.  If they stop, you can now pull up and you will then have enough room to back into the parking space.

 

Move forward, until you car is next to the vehicle which is parked in front of the empty space, leaving two to three feet of space between the two cars and stopping when your front door (passenger side) is next to the driver front door on the parked car.  Keep your foot on the brake, shift into reverse, check traffic and when safe, start backing very slowly straight back.  Keep backing straight until your front door (passenger side) is next to the rear tire of the parked car.  Now turn the wheel sharply toward the curb (remember, hand on top of the wheel) and continue to back up until you can just see the rear of the parked car.  At this time, turn the wheel back (toward the street) until you are backing in a straight line into the parking space.  Continue to back until your front wheels are about even with the rear of the parked car.  Now turn the steering wheel sharply away from the curb and continue to slowly back up until your car is in the space or your rear tires hit the curb.  Make sure you stop before you hit the car that is parked to the rear of your space.  If needed pull-up and then back up until you are centered in the space and your car is no more than about 18 inches from the curb.

 

If you get mixed-up or get into the space in such a manner you can not park, then pull out and start again.  With a little practice it will slowly become easier.  Remember to go slow and don’t hit anything.

 

Leaving The Space.  This is the easy part.  If you are in correctly, all you need to do is to back up and then pull out of the space.  Back as near as possible to the car parked behind you without hitting it.  If you can see the rear tires of the car parked in front of you, you should be able to pull out in one move.  If not, you will need to stop before hitting the car parked in front, turn the steering wheel sharply the other direction, back up and then go forward again.  Before pulling into traffic, signal, check your rear and side view mirrors, glance over your shoulder and when safe, pull into traffic.

 

Chapter 2

Life on the Streets - Driving Under 45 mph

 

Session 7

Learning to Crawl

 

Learning to drive is a little like learning to walk.  You must crawl before you walk, and walk before you can run.  Cars are large, heavy machines that can hurt you and others if not used safely.  It is for this reason that this guide was developed and why the various practice sessions are done in the order they are presented.  The purpose of this practice is to learn to control the car and drive smoothly and safely. 

 

The sessions so far have practiced basic vehicle handling skills, but out of traffic.  It is now time to hit the road, so to speak and start to practice driving in traffic.

 

Before getting out in traffic, be sure to review your state driver manual and the model driver manual in the Appendix.  Review these for traffic laws, rules of the road, especially traffic signs, signals, roadway markings, the concepts of "right-of-way" versus "weight-of-way," and the procedures for turning and merging.  Lastly, make sure that the new driver is comfortable with going into traffic.

 

Remember, even with driving in traffic, take it a step at a time.  If the new driver gets tired, stop the session.  It is hard enough to learn all that needs to be known about being a safe driver without dealing with other problems at this time.

 

Even a quiet, residential street can be a dangerous place to drive.  Kids playing, cars rolling through stop signs, cars parked along the road,  and cars backing out of driveways are just some of the common problems.  Care and caution are always in order and driving at the speed limit is needed.  You need to scan ahead and to the sides and be prepared to stop if needed.  Driving around in neighborhoods can be a good way to practice many driving skills - steering, scanning including mirror use, and stopping and starting.  As with the parking lot practice, practice each session until you are comfortable with it.


Plan Where You’re Going

 

  OK.  So, where are you going?  Remember, you are to plan each practice before you hit the road. As captain of the ship it's up to you to choose the route before you even get in the car.  Plan so you have at least 30 minutes of practice time on the session you are working on.  As soon as possible, have the beginner drive to and from your practice routes.  Even with later practices in harder traffic areas, the more your new driver can drive, the better.

 

Start off each practice simple and safe.  Begin in low traffic volume with no complicated intersections.  Remember, for now, keep the practice to roadways with a speed limit of 45 mph or less.  It is OK to cross higher speed roads, as long as it is done at a traffic light.

 

Keeping a Cushion of Safety

 

Good drivers like to keep a cushion of safety around their cars.  This is no more than an area that you keep free of other roadway uses, including cars, trucks, pedestrians, and bicyclists.  This cushion of safety works with how you drive, how well you tell others what you are planning on doing, and how you prepare for what others might do.  Unlike bumper cars where the objective is to hit someone, the object of driving safely is not to hit or be hit by anyone.  This is your cushion of safety.  One goal of this practice session is to learn better speed control, lane position, and good communication, all of which will help a driver maintain a cushion of safety.

 

Scanning

 

To know what others are doing around you, you must know that they are there and what they are going to do.  It is a lot easier to know someone is there than to be sure about what they might do.  This is one of the reasons you want to keep a cushion of safety around you, because you do not know what others might do. 

 

To know what is going on, means you have to look around you, including using the mirrors.  Looking ahead, you should try and look about 8 - 12 seconds ahead of the car.  What does this mean?  It means that you are looking down the road to where your car will be in 8 - 12 seconds if you keep moving about the same speed.   By looking down the road this distance, it allows you time to plan and, if needed, to take action.  This is smart and safe driving.

 

To know how far 8 - 12 seconds means in distance, you will need to count.  One way is to pick out a car ahead of you.  When that car passes something that you can easily see, like a sign post, start counting.... one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, etc. until your car reaches the sign post.  If you get there before you count one thousand eight, you need to look further down the road.  Keep practicing this, and after a while, you will slowly get a feel for about how far down the road you need to look. 

 

Don’t forget that you also must look to the sides and to the rear of your car to see what is going on behind you.  While practicing scanning, make a point of looking ahead and then every few seconds look to the rear.  Only look at the rear view mirror for a second and then look ahead again.  If there is something you need to watch or look at more closely behind you, do so by glancing back and forth (forward, backwards).  You can look at the mirror as often as you like, but you must continue to look forward and to the sides in between times.  Remember, only look in the mirror for a glance before looking back down the road.  Also remember, what is in front of you will generally cause more problems than what is behind you.  Never take your eyes off the view in front for more than a second.

 

Practice keeping a cushion of safety around your car during the trip.  Practice looking 8-12 seconds ahead by picking an object and then counting until you reach it.  Pick an object and say how far it is - 10 seconds, and then count to see if you were close.  It is important to be comfortable with your cushion of safety and to know how to scan the road ahead.


Session 8

Ready, Set, Go!  Sort of

 

The first few seconds after a traffic light changes to green is a very dangerous time period. This is the time when cars trying to push the red light will be crossing in front of your car.  If you are first in line at the light, pause just a couple of seconds before starting.  Make sure to look in both directions before moving into the intersection.  Look left first and then right.  Left first because cars coming in that direction will cross in front of you first.  Besides being closest to you, these cars also are those who might be the last to clear the intersection from that direction.  Even if you are not first in line, when the car in front of you begins to move, pause a moment before moving.  If the lead car has to stop, you can stop before you are in their trunk.

 

The Four-Second Rule

 

When moving along in traffic, it is most important to follow the car in front of you at a safe distance.  A safe distance is that distance needed by you to stop should the car you are following suddenly jam on their brakes.  It’s hard to determine just how far behind you should follow. Yes, another rule has been developed that makes it easy to know this distance.  It is called the “four-second rule.”  Following this rule will give you at least four seconds of following distance behind another car.  It allows you to be in control of your car and have control over any "surprises" from the car you are following.  In the safe driving game, the fewer surprises the better.

 

There is an easy way to tell if you are within a four-second following distance.

 

        Watch for when the rear of the car in front of you passes a sign, pole or some other easily seen point.

        Count the seconds it takes you to reach the same spot - “one-thousand-one, one-thousand- two, one-thousand-three, one-thousand-four."  Does this sound familiar?  It should be.  It is the same procedure you used to see how far forward you needed to scan.

        You are following too closely if you pass the mark before you count to one-thousand four.

        If so, drop back and then count again at another spot to check the new following distance.

Repeat until you are following no closer than "four seconds."

 

Another part of following, is that when you stop behind another car,  stop where you can see the rear tires of that car.  If you can see the rear tires, you will have enough room to pull around the car if needed.  It also allows you a smoother start and easier delay as covered above.

 

Better Braking

 

We practiced braking in the parking lot and have been braking during the previous sessions.  However, braking is such an important action in driving, it cannot be practiced enough.  The key to good braking is learning to have a feel for how the car is stopping.  With an ABS, it’s also knowing how to work them so the ABS can work properly to help you be a better driver.

 

Better braking is making sure that when you brake, the ball of your foot is in the center of the brake pedal.  It's keeping the foot on the brake peddle and using a good steady pressure while braking.  It’s gently letting-up on the brake just before you stop to allow the car to come to a smooth stop.

 

Most importantly, it’s driving so you only have to brake at red lights, stop signs, and when you want to stop.  This can be called defensive driving and will be dealt with later in the Guide.

 

SUBHEAD:

Tips to Remember

 

        Remember, don't try to do too much too soon.

        Practice scanning techniques, looking 12 seconds ahead.

        Delay your starts – pause a moment after the car in front of you takes off.

        Maintain a four-second following distance.

        When stopped, keep the tires of the car in front of you in sight

        Practice better braking techniques.

 

Session 9

Communicating With Other Road Users

 

There are two rules to follow: 1) Avoid surprises by telling others what you intend to do, and 2) Be civil when you communicate.  It is most important to tell others what you are about to do on the road.  Traffic moves along because drivers know what others are doing or are going to do.  Whenever you change direction, slow or stop, you need to tell others.  By signaling a turn before you start to turn, or by signaling that you are stopping before you actually start to slow down, gives others time to react to you safely.  This allows them time to change their direction or speed.

 

The use of the hands to communicate is common.   This also is true during driving.  For example, you may always signal that you are about to turn or stop by using the appropriate hand signal.  This signals are covered in your driver manual.

 

There are, however, many hand signals that are not a good idea to use while driving.  Some of these are rude at best, and could cause you trouble from an angry driver.  Angry drivers are out of control.  You cannot be a safe driver and be out of control.  This type of communication does not belong on the road.  Polite gestures of the head or hands are always welcome.  For example, if someone lets you pull into the roadway from a side road or while parked, give them a small wave.  This says thank you.

 

Then there's the horn. The purpose of the horn is to make others aware of your presence – not vent your anger.  Use it to help to establish eye contact with other drivers and with pedestrians if needed.  Tap it.  Don’t sit on it.

 

Right-of-way Rules

 

One aspect of driving that gives many drivers problems is how to deal with right-of-way.  Right-of-way is a procedure that allows drivers to know what to do under situations where there are no other guides (like a traffic light).  Right-of-way is covered in your driver manual and the Model Driver Manual, but because it gives fits to drivers, we will review parts of it.

 

Right-of-way rules set procedures for who (which driver) can continue, who has to stop or yield, and who goes first.  All vehicles on major roads have the right-of-way over cars entering the roadway from side roads or drive ways.  The driver entering the roadway must yield to vehicles on the major road.  Often the cross street or driveway will have stop or yield sign.  But if it is an alley or a private drive, it may not have a sign.  You still must yield to other cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians crossing your path on the major roadway.

 

Other right-of-way situations involve intersections with 4-way stops or no stop signs at all.  At a 4-way stop, the car who stops first should go first.  If two cars arrive at the same time, then the car on the right should go first.  If you get there at the same time and there is a car on your left, you go first.  If there is a car on your right, you let them go first.  Make sure you read your driver manual, and review it as needed.  It’s easy to forget things and these things could allow one to become an unsafe driver.

 

Residential Intersections

 

Intersections within a residential area are mostly uncontrolled (no traffic lights or stop signs), but can have lots of traffic using the street, especially at certain times.  We will cover each type of intersection. 

 

No Traffic Controls.  As you approach an intersection that has no traffic light or stop or yield sign, slow down and be aware of the possibility of crossing traffic.  This is especially true for intersections where the crossing traffic also does not have any controls.  If the intersection is blind (you cannot see down either street far enough to be able to stop if someone is coming) you need to slow enough to be able to stop if needed.  Remember, even if you have the right-of-way, it doesn’t stop someone from running into you.  You must always be alert when you drive and be prepared for the worst.

 

Stop Signs.  As you approach an intersection that has a stop sign in the direction you are traveling, prepare to stop.  Do not wait until the last minute and then slam on the brakes.  Slow as you approach and then use steady, smooth braking to stop the car.  If the intersection has a stop line or a marked pedestrian crossing, you must stop before you reach them.  When you approach a stop line or a pedestrian cross walk, stop when the beginning of the cross walk first disappears behind the hood.  This will keep your front bumper in back of the walk.

 

A complete stop at the stop line is a legal stop.  A rolling stop, an almost-stop and a pretty-darn-close-to stop are not legal and could result in a ticket.

 

After you have stopped, and you cannot clearly see to the right or left, inch your vehicle slowly forward until you can easily see in both directions.  Even if crossing traffic has stop signs, do not assume that cars will stop.  Check for traffic in both directions before entering the intersection.  While stopped and during the time you inch forward and then move-out, scan to the left, to the right, to the front, and to the rear.  Look left and right at least two times.  It is easy to miss something with the first glance.  Remember, you are looking for other vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians that will be crossing your path.  Make sure your path is clear in the direction you are going before you cross the intersection.

 

Turning Right.  Before turning right, make sure there is no traffic approaching from your left and no oncoming traffic turning left into your path.  Do not begin your turn without checking for pedestrians crossing where you will be turning.

 

Turning Left.  Before you turn left across oncoming traffic, you must be sure that you have a safe gap in traffic.  A safe gap is a space that allows you to turn smoothly and safely before an oncoming car gets to you.  You must also look where you are turning to make sure that no other cars or pedestrians are in your path.  You do not want to have to stop in front of oncoming traffic.

Do not turn until you can safely cross and continue forward after you turn.

 

SUBHEAD:

Tips to Remember

 

        Avoid rude hand signals.

        Be civil.

        Short taps on the horn only.

        At a stop sign - come to a stop when you see the stop line just disappear under the front of your hood.

        Come to a complete stop at stop signs.

        Yield right-of-way to other traffic.

        If you don't have a clear view, inch your vehicle forward until you can see clearly.

        Look left, right, and to the front and rear before moving forward.

        Don’t forget to look for pedestrians, bicycles and motorcycles.


CHAPTER 3

Moving Right Along

        

Session 10

Changing Lanes

 

One of the more difficult and dangerous parts of driving is changing lanes.  You will need to change lanes when driving on a multi-lane road.  Remember, it is best to stay in the right lane unless passing or preparing to turn left.

 

When you change lanes, you must be sure the lane is clear of other traffic and that you do not turn in front of, or into, traffic that is passing you.  This includes turning into “turning lanes.”  Turning lanes are just that, lanes where you can turn without blocking moving traffic.

 

Here are some steps that will help you make safe lane changes.  First, only change lanes if you must.  If you need to change lanes, signal your intentions.  Check that the way is clear (including checking the blind spots).  Move into new lane.  Cancel turn signals.

 

It is best to first practice changing lanes when there is no traffic around.  Then practice on low speed roads with little traffic and then with more heavy traffic.  Don’t rush!  Many crashes are caused by drivers not changing lanes safely.  It is important to be safe when changing lanes.

 

Merging

 

Merging is when you must pull into traffic.  When traffic is traveling at high speeds, merging can be very dangerous.   Do not practice high speed merges until the next Chapter. First practice merging when turning onto a roadway from a side street, driveway, or when parked on the side of the road.   

 

Start by merging into slow moving traffic and work up to higher speed roads.  Look to see that there is a safe gap to pull into.  Signal that you are about to merge and then accelerate briskly when safe to do so.  Briskly does not mean leaving rubber on the road, but it also does not mean moving at a turtles pace.  You want to get-up to the speed of traffic as soon as possible, but you must do so smoothly and safely.  The key to safe merging is to enter into a gap in traffic without causing oncoming traffic to slam on their brakes or make an emergency lane change.  It takes lots of practice to learn what is a safe gap.

 

Yielding

 

When you see a “Yield” sign for your lane, it means that you must yield to other traffic.  Examples where you will see this sign are where two lanes merge into one, a smaller road merges into a larger road, or a road with a lower speed limit merges with a higher speed limit road.  You must yield in these situations if there is a sign or not.  For example, if you are pulling into the roadway from a drive way, the traffic on the roadway has the right-of-way and you must yield to it until there is a gap or someone slows and allows you to enter the road.  Remember, you must yield to any and all traffic that has the right-of-way.  You might want to review the right-of-way rules.

 

Mall Parking Lots

 

Mall parking lots can be very confusing and have lots of traffic.  It is a good place to practice interacting with other traffic (cars, people, shopping carts).  You must watch for cars parking and then backing into the lane of traffic.  You must watch for people walking everywhere, including kids darting about and even pets.  In very large parking lots there may even be multiple levels of parking.  If you park, park in a safe area that is (will be) well lighted at night.  Note the location of the car.  Take your keys and lock the car!

 

Large parking lots allow you to practice parking, entering and exiting traffic, watching for pedestrians, and watching out for others who are not looking out for you - they are looking for their cars or a parking space.  Spend lots of time driving around in these parking lots.  Always drive at a safe speed.  This lets you stop easily if you must.

 

Passing on 4-Lane Roads

 

Passing another vehicle is one of the hardest and most dangerous driving activities, especially on two lane roads.  DO NOT PRACTICE PASSING ON TWO LANE ROADS YET.  Wait until the next Chapter.  You first want to practice passing where both cars are going in the same direction.  Passing is no more than making two lanes changes, but when at high speed and/or in heavy traffic and/or on a two lane road, it is very dangerous.

 

First, do not pass unless you must.  To pass, remember what you need to do for a lane change.  Signal your intention, check for traffic coming from behind, make sure no one is in your blind spot, change lanes, and then pass the car (on the left side).  To move back into the right hand lane you will need another lane change.  Signal your intention, check that you have room to safely return (you can see both head lights in your rear view mirror), move back into the lane, make sure the turn signal is off and continue on your way.

 

A couple of things to remember about passing.  Once you pass, make sure you keep up your speed.  Also, if cars are moving at the speed limit, you will have to break the speed limit to pass.  You could get a speeding ticket.  So remember, only pass when safe to do so.

 


CHAPTER 4 

City Driving 

 

Session 11

 

If the new driver is comfortable with what they have learned so far.  You can now move on to more complex driving situations.  These situations are made more difficult because the driver must watch for more traffic, sometimes in limited space, and often with drivers who are not always paying total attention to their driving.  There are more signs to pay attention to, many which are hard to read, traffic lights at every corner, pedestrians, jaywalkers, buses taking up more than their share of the road or having to move around cars that are parked illegally.  There are lots of things to learn and experience.  Pick your areas to give you different types of situations, speeds, and traffic flow.  Practice turning, both right and left, with and without turn lanes, pulling into traffic, parking on the street, crossing busy roads, lane changes, merging, school zones, large parking lots, narrow and wide streets, and one-way streets (if available).

 

Remember, several different practices times are needed.  Don’t over do it.  If the new driver gets tired, frustrated or flustered, don’t push it.  Return home and practice again at another time.  The objective here is to help your driver experience multiple distractions while keeping a safe path of travel  Go easy at first with a few turns and a straight-ahead direction at most lights.  Practice helps make the driver become aware of things happening around them while focusing on being a safe driver.

 

Once the new driver has driven in city traffic, let them drive when errands are to be done.  This gives them practice and allows shopping to be done.  Many new drivers love to practice and will be happy to drive most anywhere you want to go.  Let them practice.

CHAPTER 5

Highway Driving – The Open Road

 

Session 12

 

The asphalt ribbon.  Freedom.  Cruising the interstate.  To some, the highway is what driving is all about.  Highway driving practices are to help learn about high speed driving on as many different roadways, under different conditions,  as are available to the new driver in your area.  You should try and practice on two-way highways (no passing yet),  multiple-lane highways, and limited access highways, expressways or toll roads.

                 

As with the other training sessions, planning the practice is the key.  Look at a local map of your area and plan a route that will enable the new driver to comfortably explore and experience different highways.   For one of the sessions, plan to make frequent exits (if possible) where you can easily travel a short distance, turn around, and get back on the highway. For at least one of the sessions, a long drive on the highway is recommended.  Here is where a planned trip with the family may be used for at least part of this practice. 

 

Make sure to review the trip with the new driver before you leave and after you get back.  Cover each of the different driving situations.  And remember, be positive.

 

Entering the Highway.  It is much harder for a lot of drivers to use the entrance ramps than the exit ramps.  Often, you must start from a stop, or from a very slow speed, and have very little ramp to get-up to the speed of traffic, all the while watching the vehicles on the ramp in front of you, those behind you, and finding a safe gap in traffic into which to merge.  It is best to practice entrance ramps with light traffic first and then work-up to more crowed conditions.

 

Because this can be difficult for the new driver, the parent should assist in watching for a safe gap.  Also remember, it is much easier to merge while traveling at the speed of traffic than it is to merge and speed-up all at the same time.  If there is no traffic on the highway, the merge is straight forward and much easier.

 

Keep Steady Speed.  Learning to keep a steady speed takes some practice, especially going up and down hills.  Even if your car is equipped with cruise control, it is best not to use it until the new driver can keep a steady speed.  Staying within plus or minus 5 mph is a good goal.  Remember to look 8-12 seconds ahead and keep the 4-second following rule.  Try and keep the car centered in the lane.  If there is a strong cross wind, this task will be more difficult.  Remember, when driving at high speeds, you are covering a lot of ground in a very short period of time and your margin of error is much smaller.  Pay attention to your driving.  Keep a safe cushion around your car, and use your mirrors to see what is going on behind you.

 

When on a multi-lane road, practice changing lanes when there is no traffic around.  Sooner or later you will come upon a slower vehicle (e.g., large truck) that you can practice passing.  When changing lanes, try and maintain your speed.  If traffic is heavy, practice moving into gaps (safely) where traffic is moving both faster and slower than what you are traveling.  This will help the new driver begin to have a better perception of speed.

 

Exiting the Highway.  Once again, before you begin your brief highway journey, discuss with your new driver what to do when it comes time to exit.  Know where you want to exit and prepare for it.  Move to the right lane if not already in it.  Signal in advance of the exit ramp.   Make sure to turn it off when on the ramp.  Maintain your speed up for as long as possible.  Do not drive on the shoulder.  Wait for the exit lane and then move smoothly onto it.  Brake and slow to the posted exit speed when on the ramp.

 

SUBHEAD:

Tips to Remember:

 

        Entering the Highway:

                 Look for safe gap while on the ramp.

                Try and reach traffic speed before merging.

                 Always enter into the first lane, do not cut across more than one lane.

        Maintain a Steady Speed

                 Plus or minus 5 mph  

                 Look 8-12 seconds ahead to see the big picture.

                 Stay at least 4 seconds behind the car in front of you.

                 Keep your eyes on the road but don’t forget to check your mirrors. 

         • Exiting The Highway

                 Signal before you get to the exit.

                 Maintain speed until you reach the exit lane.

                 Once in the exit lane, slow to the posted  ramp speed.


CHAPTER 6

Special Situations…There Are Many

 

Session 13

 

Traffic, Road Conditions, and more Traffic

 

It is a jungle out there.  Keep in mind, that every time you're behind the wheel, you could be involved in a crash.  It could happen to you.  There are lots of bad drivers on the road and you are still learning.  This means be careful, but it also means you need to practice under a variety of conditions.  That's why it's important to include conditions such as hillcrests, parked cars, work zones, double-parked cars, narrow bridges, and difficult weather (snow, ice, rain) into your practice sessions.  If the new driver is ready and these conditions present themselves, they should be included, but not if it is too dangerous to do so.  The intent is to gain useful experience, not to be involved in a crash or stuck in a snow drift far from home.

        

Night Driving

 

Many drivers have problems driving at night.  It is hard to see the roadway, lane dividers, and roadway signs.  Oncoming cars, following cars, street lights, and other lights can cause glare.  A dirty front window doesn’t help.  Sometimes it seems you are driving in a cave.  In bad weather, it can be even worse.  It is best for the new driver to practice under these conditions a little at a time, but it is important to practice them.

 

Remember, you need to use your low beams when in town and with approaching cars.  When on a two lane road, an oncoming car’s headlights can be very bright.  If you look at the right side of the road until the car passes, it will help you see better.  It is a good idea to practice switching the headlights from low to high beam without looking at the controls.  Practice this procedure away from traffic or when sitting in the driveway.

 

Here are a few tips to help you during your practice drives at night:

 

        Drive within your headlights.  It is easy to out drive your headlights.  What this means is you cannot stop within the distance you can see.  To be safe, you need to drive within your headlights.  This way you can stop if you see something hazardous in the headlights.

        Adjust your rear mirror for night use to avoid glare from headlights behind you.  Remember to use the daylight setting during the day.

        Never drive, especially at night,  when you feel drowsy or after you have consumed alcohol or taken medication.  This will affect your judgment and alertness.

        Be even more watchful for pedestrians and cyclists, who are even harder to see at night.

        If you are having trouble seeing because of an oncoming cars headlights, they also are having trouble, so dim your high beams and look at the right side of the road or your lane.

        Until you are much more experienced at driving, do not drive in bad weather unless it is necessary.  Dangerous conditions include heavy fog, and icy conditions.  If at all possible, especially at night, do not drive under these conditions.   

        Watch for brake lights several cars ahead.  This will alert you that you may need to slow or stop.

        When dusk or dark, always use headlights.  They help you see better and also help others see your car.  Never use parking lights when driving.  They are for parking only.

 

Bad Weather

 

Here are a few tips for driving in bad weather (rain, snow, icy):

 

        SLOW DOWN!  This is the best tip for any bad weather.

        Rain and snow make the roadway slippery.  This means your car cannot stop or turn anywhere near as well as on dry roads.  It takes you much longer to stop and you need lots more room to turn.  Double your normal following distance.  Remember, just because you can drive fast in snow and ice doesn't mean that you can stop fast, too.  No one can!

        Roads can be very slippery just after rain begins.  This is because oil, grease, and dirt from cars gets on the road and takes a while to wash away.

        Make sure your wiper blades are good and the wipers work.  When it starts to rain is not the best time to discover that your blades don’t work or don’t work well.

        Make sure your tires have good tread and the correct air pressure.  Tires work best when they have the correct air pressure in them.  Tires need tread to have a grip when the road is wet.

        When the road is wet or snowy, brake slowly and smoothly, well in advance of where you need to stop.  Use snow tires or chains on snow covered roads.  Remember it is hard to stop or turn, so go slowly. 

        If you must travel in bad weather, notify someone where you are going and when you expect to get there.  Call when you do get there and let them know you have arrived safely.

        Don’t be a “port-hole” driver – you're driving a car, not a submarine.  Clear snow and ice from all windows before attempting to drive.  You need to see around you, especially in bad weather.

        If you must drive in fog, use your headlights or fog lights.  Only use your low beams.  Your high beams get reflected by the fog and don’t let you see as well.

 

Oooh... Driving Those Hills and Curves

 

For those who have hills or mountains, driving in them can be a challenge.  It is important to pay close attention to the roadway and warning signs.  Look as far down the roadway as possible.  Try and know what lies ahead to prepare for it.  Pay close attention to warning signs for curves and downgrades.  Keep a good space between you and any vehicle in front of you.  This will allow you room to stop, change lanes, or slow safely if the need arises.   On downgrades, watch your speed closely.  It is easy to go much faster than you intend.  Use your brakes and lower gears to control your speed.  Whenever you face a hill or curve, remember:

 

        Look far ahead and make frequent mirror checks for what other traffic is doing.

        When going around a curve, look as far into the curve as possible.

        Slow down before you enter the curve. Use the right roadway edge for guidance when turning to the right.  Use the center line or dashed lane markings for guidance when turning to the left.

        Do not brake hard when turning in a curve, it can cause your car to skid.

 

Roadway Railroad Crossings

 

People are killed and injured each day at roadway railroad crossings.  The biggest problem are drivers who try and beat the train to the crossing.  When they lose, they often lose their lives.  Trains are big, very big, and very heavy.  It takes a train a long distance to stop.  Even if the engineer sees you in the crossing, there is no way the train can stop before it hits you.  That's why it's very important to be on guard when you need to cross over railroad tracks.

 

Always slow down when you see warning signs for a railroad crossing, and you must stop when you see a stop sign, flashing red lights, or lowered crossing gates.  To look for an approaching train, you have to slow down, look, and listen.  And never drive around the crossing gates that are down.  It is against the law and is very dangerous.

 

Passing on Two-Way Roads

 

To pass another car on a two-lane highway, the driver waits for just the right moment, speeds up, passes around the car in front, and eases back into the right lane.  It sounds easy, but…

even for the experienced driver, passing on a two-way road is dangerous.  It requires split-second timing and good, clear judgment.  Whenever you pass another vehicle on a two lane-highway you occupy the same lane as oncoming traffic for a short period of time.  One error, one moment of not paying attention, and you may suddenly face a head-on crash.  Not a good situation.

 

It is important that you learn to pass safely.  There will be times when you will need to pass a slow moving vehicle in your lane.  It could be a slow moving truck going up a steep grade, a farm tractor moving to another field, or just someone who is moving slowly.  As long as you are moving within the speed limit, you can pass these vehicles.

 

The following will give you some hints on how to safely pass another car.

 

Hints for Passing.  First, make sure that you need to pass.  Many two lane roads have passing lanes every so often.  If these lanes are available enjoy the scenery and pass where it is much safer - using the passing lanes.  Other roads will give you the distance until the road widens into multiple lanes.  Again, it is much safer to wait and pass when on a multi-lane road.

 

There are times when you will need to pass on a two lane road.  It can be done in a manner that will make your pass much safer.  Do not get on the bumper of the car to be passed.  It makes it much harder to see around them.  Hang back a little and watch for a safe passing area.  A safe passing area will have a broken or dashed line on your side of the center line.  If there is a solid line, it is not safe to pass.  Now, make sure no other vehicles are coming towards you and are close enough so that you can not safely pass.  Lastly, make sure there is room in front of the car you want to pass.  They may be following other cars and trucks.  If there is a line of cars waiting to pass, you need to wait your turn.  It is very dangerous to pass more than one car at a time and to pass out-of-turn.  Other drivers are not expecting it and they could pull-out into you.

 

When it is safe, turn on your left turn signal and speed-up.  Check ahead once again to be sure it is safe, check your mirror to be sure no one is passing you and check your blind spot just before you pull into the other lane.  Keep looking ahead for approaching cars.  Pull into the passing lane and continue to speed up.  As you pass the other car start looking in your rear view mirror for when it will be safe to return to the right lane.  It is safe when you can see both headlights in your mirror.  Turn on your right turn signal, check your mirrors, and then pull back into the right lane.  Make sure the turn signal is off and continue down the road.  After a couple of seconds slow down to your traveling speed. 

At any time before you pass, if you're not absolutely certain that it is safe, drop back into your lane and wait until it is safe.  You have time to give but there is only one of you.  Be safe.

 

Emergencies

 

Smart drivers have an emergency kit in the vehicle.  You can make one up for yourself or buy one that is already made up.

 

If you have a crash

 

See your state Driver’s Manual for what is required if you have a crash.  Make sure your car insurance is up to date.  All States require that vehicles be insured for liability.  If you have questions, where you can call for additional information is listed in your driver’s manual.

 

Chapter 7

Alcohol & Driving

 

Session 14

 

Just a few words

 

There's a great deal of information on alcohol use and the hazards of drinking and driving.  Because it is a problem, it must be discussed with your new driver.  There is no better time to talk about it than right now.

 

What does alcohol do to a person?

 

Alcohol affects people differently. However, what's true for everyone is that it is a drug which depresses the central nervous system.  As a depressant, alcohol acts like an anesthetic, slowing the activity of the brain and spinal cord.  The drinker experiences the depressant action of the alcohol in reduced tension and lowered inhibitions.  These feelings can frequently be observed in the drinker as he or she becomes more talkative, loud, or as he or she begins to do and say things that are not a part of his or her normal behavior.  Even though these feelings come from the slowing down effects of alcohol, they are referred to as “getting high.”  If enough alcohol is consumed, drowsiness and, eventually, sleep will result. None of these things are good for the driver of any age.

 

What happens when you drink alcohol?

 

Unlike most food, alcohol does not have to be digested.  Once it is swallowed, alcohol is absorbed directly into the blood stream through the walls of the stomach and small intestine.  This absorption process may be slowed, however, if there is food in the stomach.

 

As the amount of alcohol in the blood increases, several things happen to the body: vision becomes impaired, depth perception becomes distorted, and the pupils of the eyes react more slowly to variations in light.  Also, coordination deteriorates, the ability to solve problems is reduced, and the ability to recall past events or learned knowledge is diminished.  The mind simply can’t manage to put it all together; and as a result, the person may exhibit poor judgment.  Coffee won't help sober up someone who's been drinking. All it does is to create a more wide-awake drinker. Only time will permit a return to sobriety and safe driving.

 

How much is too much?

 

The attitude of those who do not drink might be that any amount of alcohol is too much.  For those who do drink the definition of “too much” varies.

Most safety organizations feel that you should not drink and drive, period.  If you drink, don’t drive.  All states have laws against drunk driving.  See your state driver’s manual for the laws in your state.  The penalties for drunk driving are very tough.  You could loss your drivers license and your insurance rates will go up.  It’s not worth it.

 

All states have age 21 laws.  This means you must be at least 21 years of age before you can buy  alcohol.  This means beer, wine and liqueur.

 

Things to Talk About:

 

        Your teenager is not to use alcohol.  They have gone to a party where alcohol is served, and drinks the punch that someone has put alcohol into.  It’s getting late, and your teenager feels a little “strange” and is afraid to drive home.  What should they do?

        Your teenager has ridden to a party with a friend who now appears to have been drinking.  What should they do?

 

Contract

 

Many parents and teens find that one way to deal with the problems of alcohol is to draw-up a contract between the teen and the parents.  One is included for your use, however, feel free to use another one if you want. 

 

Key to the contract working is for both parties to abide by it.  It only works if you both obey it.

Work it out between yourselves.  Others find it does help.

 

Some Final Hints

 

Driving is a very important part of your life.  Cars cost money to buy and to maintain.  The fuel needed so you can drive your car costs money.  Driving can be fun.  Don’t waist your money or your life.  Drive safely.  Be considerate of other road users, they have as much right to be on the road as you do.  Enjoy yourself and have a lifetime of safe driving.

 

It take lots of time and practice for someone to be a good safe driver.  This means there are no short cuts.  The only way to be a safe driver is to practice and then practice some more.  Even experienced drivers have to pay attention to their driving.  Work on it and enjoy it.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

 

 

Floyd, Russell, A Parent’s Survival Guide to Driver Education.  South Burlington High School, Jericho, VT.

 

Manitoba Public Insurance,  The Co-Pilots Manual.  Winnipeg, MB.

 

Mottola, Frederick, Zone Control Driving System.  Interactive Driving Systems, Inc., Cheshire, CT., 1995.

 

Propulsion International Inc., Handbook Plus, The Companion for Today’s Driver. Science and Culture Press Inc. Quebec, Canada, 1995.

 

Washington State Traffic Safety Education Association (WTSEA), Curriculum Resource Guide:  Master Guide for Implementing a Performance-Based Curriculum. 1995.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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