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8 #MustKnow Things For A First-time Driver

Team AckoJan 17, 2024

The feeling of getting your first car insurance and being able to drive a vehicle on your own is an amazing feeling for a first-time driver. You learned to drive, you passed all those tests, and now finally you’re allowed to start driving without the aid of another experienced driver. But beware, there are things that you might overlook in all the excitement.

Contents

#1 Safety First
#2 Sitting Position
#3 Be Alert
#4 Use Mirrors
#5 Carrying documents
#6 No Road Rage
#7 Honk Less
#8 Use indicators

So, here are the things all first-timers #MustKnow while driving:

#1 Safety First

Since you have just started driving you might not be in the habit of putting on a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt is one of the few things which are mandatory to do after you sit in the driver’s seat. Seat belts constrict your movement and lock you in your seat, which can prevent you from getting hurt in the event of a crash.

#2 Sitting Position

It is advised to be seated in a comfortable position while driving a car. Adjust the seat to a proper height from where the road is clearly visible and your feet can press the pads comfortable all the way to the end. The position of your hands while holding the steering wheel should be such that there is a slight bend at the elbows, allowing you can make a half circle with both hands. Keeping your hands straight or holding the wheel close to your chest will create difficulty while turning.

#3 Be Alert

Being alert and attentive while driving a vehicle is super important. You may have understood by now that you need to actively multitask while driving. It’s not only about operating the vehicle but also about being aware of your surroundings. Is a vehicle too close? Is a pedestrian crossing the road? Am I going too fast? You need to continuously keep asking yourself such questions while driving. Thus, be alert.

#4 Use Mirrors

Using car mirrors gives the driver an idea of his surroundings, for example – approaching vehicles. Some drivers have the habit of using only the rearview mirror, this isn’t correct. If not a complete 360-degree view, using mirrors will still extend your field of vision to a great extent.

#5 Carrying documents

As a new driver, you might not be aware of the documents which you need to carry all the time while driving the vehicle. It is mandatory for a driver to carry his driver’s license, the car’s registration certificate (RC), Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUC), and a valid car insurance policy while driving. Not carrying these documents will result in fines.

Also, read: Car Insurance for College Drivers

#6 No Road Rage

Passing the driving test was nothing. The real test begins now! You need to remain calm and composed in difficult situations. You can find solutions to problems only if you can think straight. Things done as a result of road rage have led to serious crimes like harassment, murder, etc.

#7 Honk Less

Elaborating on the above point, while driving, it is absolutely necessary for you to show patience. Avoid honking. You are only in control of your own vehicle, you can’t make other vehicles move as per your liking. Honking will only lead to a build-up of frustration for you and for those around you.

#8 Use indicators

Your vehicle’s indicators are necessary for other drivers to understand your course. Thus, use indicators to indicate left or right turns. Not doing so can result in mishaps with other drivers. Use indicators while changing lanes, taking turns, or while parking your vehicle by the side of the road.

The above things will hold true irrespective of your driving experience. Remember that you will soon get accustomed to driving and become an expert at it. However, ignoring safety, rash driving, breaking the law, etc. can prove to be extremely dangerous. Always drive safe!

Also, read: Car Insurance Tips for Late Drivers

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions.

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