Getting your driver's license is a major milestone. But what happens when it's time to get behind the wheel all by yourself? It's normal to feel nervous about your first solo drive, but being prepared for the big day will help you stay calm and confident. These tried-and-true teen driving tips and new driver advice will have you feeling like a pro in no time.
Know the Rules of the Road
First thing's first: always obey the traffic laws when you hit the road. That means driving within the posted speed limits and fully stopping at all red lights, for starters. There are also several common rules that new drivers often overlook:
Use your turn signal to let other drivers know your intentions — including when you plan to pass.
Maintain a safe following distance when driving behind another vehicle.
Always yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists.
Treat unmarked intersections and broken stop lights as full four-way stops.
Worried about keeping up to date with traffic laws in your state? You can always check your local DMV website for updates to the driver's manual.
Check Your Vehicle
Before you drive, have a mental checklist of things to review in the car. This is especially important when you share a vehicle because other drivers may fiddle with your settings — and you don't want to get distracted about them mid-trip. Here's what to look for:
Driver's seat: Adjust as needed so you are a comfortable distance from the steering wheel. Adjust the seat height if possible.
Mirrors: Make sure both side and rearview mirrors are set so you can see properly.
Fuel level: If gas is low, your first stop should be a fill-up.
Comfort settings: Set the climate controls and radio station/music selection before you drive.
Though you're unlikely to have mechanical issues on your first solo drive, sometimes things happen. Before heading out, make sure you have the contact number for any roadside assistance provided by your insurance company. If you experience a dead battery or flat tire, pull over as soon as it's safe to do so. From there, you can call for assistance or get to work on changing your tire or using your jumper cables to get moving again.
Manage Your Nerves
One overlooked aspect of road safety for teens is psychological: you need to get a grip on your nerves before you pull out into traffic. A great way to reduce anxiety is with breathing techniques that help calm your body and your mind. Try 4-7-8 breathing for a moment when you sit down in the driver's seat. With this technique, you breathe in for a count of 4, hold your breath for a count of 7, and breathe out for a count of 8. Repeat the cycle a few times until you feel more centered.
If you still feel nervous, try giving yourself a pep talk. Remind yourself that you passed your test and know everything you need to know. You can also try visualizing yourself making a successful trip before you put the car into motion. The key is to get behind the wheel regularly, as practice will help boost your confidence.
Plan Your Route
You may have ridden to the grocery store as a passenger your whole life, but driving yourself there can be surprisingly hard the first time you do it. So before you make your first solo drive, turn on your GPS or map app and review the route before you even start the car. This way you'll have an idea of what's coming and can better anticipate the directions that the GPS calls out as you're driving.
It's also a good idea to check your app for traffic conditions and road work. Knowing the possible problems ahead of time can help you prepare an alternate route — or at least be ready when your app reroutes you.
Stay Focused
When it comes to safe driving for young adults, one of the biggest challenges is distracted driving. For a generation that has grown up with smartphones, the technology can be addictive. Unfortunately, taking your eyes off the road to glance at your texts can be deadly: in the 5 seconds it takes to read a text, a driver going 55 mph will travel the length of a football field without looking at the road.
The best way to avoid distracted driving is to keep your phone in the glove box while you're driving. If you need to use your phone for its GPS or map app, input your route ahead of time and make use of your phone's "do not disturb" functions while driving. Newer cars will also allow you to use hands-free functions, but be careful: some states have rules against any phone use by teens while behind the wheel.
Phones aren't the only distractions. Loud music, snacks, and even intense conversations with friends can all keep you from paying attention. It's best to avoid these distractions entirely on your first solo drive — and for the foreseeable future, as you gain more experience behind the wheel.
Get the Skills You Need to Succeed
If you haven't gotten your license yet but are looking forward to the big day, make sure you're ready. Review everything you need to know by taking an online driver's ed course. They're comprehensive and convenient, and you can even get a discount on your insurance so you're ready to make that first solo drive when the time comes.
Updated 11/07/2024