When your right hand gets to the 4 or 5 position, release it and cross it over your left hand. Re-grip the wheel and continue turning. To straighten out the car after a turn, simply loosen your grip in both hands and the steering wheel will automatically begin correcting itself.
Apply more pressure to slow down the correction; apply less pressure to speed it up. Your hands should stay stationary as the steering wheel moves back to its original spot. Learn how to switch lanes. At some point when driving, you'll need to switch from one lane to another, sometimes quickly.
Doing so is easy, but you have to remember to indicate to let other drivers know that you're planning on switching lanes. Here are some things to keep in mind whilst switching lanes: Indicate with your blinkers for at least two seconds before beginning to switch lanes. This lets other drivers know what you are planning to do. Quickly scan your mirrors and look over your shoulder to check for any cars in your blind spot s. Don't just rely on your mirrors to tell you where other cars are; use your eyes to quickly look for yourself before actually switching lanes.
Slowly move the car into the other lane. Turn your hands on the steering wheel ever so slightly in order to change lanes. It only takes a very slight movement of the wheel; as most modern cars are fitted with power steering. It should take anywhere from one to three seconds for you to change lanes. Any less and you're doing it too quickly; any more and you're doing it too slowly. Stay a healthy distance behind other cars, and avoid tailgating. How far you should stay behind the car in front of you depends on how fast you are traveling.
You want to give yourself two to five seconds to react, depending on your comfort level. If the car in front of you were to abruptly come to a halt, at your current speed, would you have enough time to both react and calmly slow your car down without colliding into the car in front of you? To judge this, watch as the car in front of you passes a fixed object on the road, like a billboard.
As soon as the car passes that object, begin counting: one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand How many seconds does it take for your car to pass the same object on the road?
Part 3. Drive defensively. Driving defensively is a very important concept that too many drivers either take for granted or don't understand. Driving defensively will help save you money , ensure a pleasurable driving experience, and — most important —help you stay alive. Driving defensively is an umbrella term for several different concepts: Don't assume that other road users will obey the rules, or pay attention, or be cautious.
Rules of the road are enforced to make sure that everyone is safe. Often those rules are broken by selfish or clueless drivers. Don't assume that drivers will use their blinkers before they turn, for example. Don't assume that drivers will slow down for you to merge. Don't assume that drivers won't drive past red lights. If you see a potentially dangerous situation, avoid it before it happens. Don't linger immediately to the right of a big semi-truck, for example.
Don't try to pass a drunk driver who's swerving in and out of lanes. Use all your senses to be aware, at all times, of what's happening on the road. Drivers often learn to tune out the rest of the world and "get in the zone," simply because they've done the same thing hundreds, if not thousands, of times.
Don't get too complacent behind the wheel. Use sight to monitor other cars' speeds and their habits. Use hearing to listen for car horns and the sounds of screeching. Use smell to be aware of burnt rubber or other caustic aromas that may indicate an accident.
Stay in the right lanes for slower speeds and the left lanes for faster speeds. On highways, and to a lesser extent on streets, the leftmost lanes are usually reserved for faster traffic, while the rightmost lanes are reserved for slower traffic. It's rude and dangerous to tailgate someone going slower than you in the right lane. At the same time, it's selfish to hog the left lanes when you're going considerably slower than other traffic. Get in a lane that's going roughly your speed and stay there until you need to turn or leave the road.
Whenever possible, pass cars on the left side instead of the right side. Because the general speed of traffic increases going right to left, it's important to pass on the left. You're speeding your car up and going faster than the car ahead of you, so you want to pass using a lane that's meant for faster cars.
Follow this general rule of thumb even if it's not a "law" where you drive! Remember: drive right, pass left. Trucks and semis are far larger than normal cars, meaning that their blind spots are far bigger. Trucks often stay in the rightmost lanes and switch lanes to the right, rarely switching lanes to the left. Passing trucks on the left, therefore, means you're driving your car out of their territory, lowering your risk.
Abide by the speed limits. Speed limits are there for a reason. They're not there to make driving less fun; they're there to make the road a safer place for all. Be extremely careful in abnormal driving conditions. When the weather acts up, tone it down a notch and drive even more defensively than normal. When it rains, for example, the water interacts with the oil on driving surfaces, making it very slick and slippery.
In these conditions, it's hard for your tires to get good traction. Winter creates more difficult driving situations; with colder temperatures as well as icy and snowy surfaces.
Learn how to drive your car during the winter. Be courteous on the road. Being courteous simply means acknowledging that there are other people using the road, each with his or her own agenda, and many of whom don't want to be stuck in their car. Make their life on the road a little easier if it's easy for you; the thought is that they'll pay it forward at some point, and you may be the beneficiary of their largesse.
Use your horn to alert other drivers, not to chide them. The horn is a powerful device. Use your horn when someone merges into your lane without seeing you, or when a light has turned green but they're still sitting idle.
Don't use your horn because you're stuck in a traffic jam to express your frustration. Use a wave to thank someone. When someone lets you into their lane, wave your hand to thank them. It doesn't take much effort, and it's a nice acknowledgment of "thanks" for keeping you in mind. Don't disobey the rules of the road just in order to be courteous.
This is important. If you stop at a four-way stop and you get there first, you're the one who gets to go first. Don't stop and let the person who got there after you go. It holds up efficiency and often creates confusion.
Have fun. Driving can be dangerous, and there sure are a lot of rules that you need to remember, but it's important to have fun while you're behind the wheel. Even while staying responsible, driving can be incredibly exhilarating. Just remember that the road doesn't belong to you alone and you should be fine. Part 4. Learn how to parallel park.
Parallel parking is when you have to back your car into a tight parking spot, usually a very complex maneuver. There are a couple of tried and true tricks to parallel parking, which you can learn here. A very important part of urban driving. Learn how to merge in heavy traffic.
Merging onto a highway can be a difficult thing to do, especially if the traffic is denser than expected. The important thing to do here is to accelerate enough and judge whether you're going fast enough to fit safely between two cars. Use a roundabout. They may not be popular in America, but if you've ever driven outside the U. Often used instead of stop signs, roundabouts are efficient but need to be understood before conquered. Learn how to drive uphill.
Driving uphill can be a challenge, particularly if you're driving a manual car. Master the art of downshifting when going up a steep hill.
Save gas. With the rising cost of fuel, driving smart means more than just avoiding accidents. Those drivers who can save fuel while they drive ultimately have more money to spend on car accessories. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article?
Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow. Simon Miyerov Driving Instructor. Simon Miyerov. Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer. Not Helpful 3 Helpful Not Helpful 1 Helpful You need to press down hard but gradually so you don't stop too suddenly. Make sure that the person behind you has enough time to realize you're stopping, or they might rear end you.
Not Helpful 73 Helpful Have someone drive you to a safe open area free of pedestrians and other cars. Hop in the car and just drive. You'll get a feel of the wheel after you practice a bit in an open space.
Not Helpful 89 Helpful Is it more difficult to drive a manual transmission or automatic transmission? Manual transmission requires the use of three pedals and timing for the clutch to engage gears. Therefore, a manual transmission is more complex and more difficult to drive than a car with an automatic transmission.
Not Helpful 57 Helpful You have to release the acceleration pedal and concentrate more on the brake pedal to help regulate your speed. Keep an eye on your speed. If traffic is very slow to a point where you must stop the car , make sure you have a good amount of space in front of your car. Tip: When slowing down and coming to a stop, look at the car in front for yours back tire and stop when you see the bottom of their tires meet your car's hood.
Not Helpful 51 Helpful Concentrate on steering and pump the brakes. Not Helpful 61 Helpful There are 2 pedals: the gas pedal which moves the car, and the brake that slows or stops the car. Not Helpful 52 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube.
When driving bigger cars, make sure you are clear of the road ahead before overtaking. Helpful 13 Not Helpful 0. Wear your seat belt. This is the easiest way to be safe in a car, and it's illegal in many countries not to wear one. Helpful 21 Not Helpful 2.
Helpful 21 Not Helpful 3. When you're starting out, driving a car can be scary at times, but with practice and other techniques, you can overcome a fear of driving. Helpful 11 Not Helpful 1.
If you are a new driver, always ride with an experienced driver until you are confident enough to drive independently. Helpful 10 Not Helpful 1. Helpful 18 Not Helpful 4. When you park your car and before you exit the vehicle, be sure to turn off the lights, engage the handbrake, lock the doors, and remember where you parked. Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2. Always follow safe driving practices. Don't drive recklessly fast, accelerate suddenly or brake unexpectedly.
And, don't weave in between vehicles on the highway - it is very dangerous, and can cause highly damaging collisions. Helpful 11 Not Helpful 2. Put away all distracting items such as cell phones, earphones, snacks etc. Helpful 10 Not Helpful 2.
Service your car within the mileage or age ranges recommended by your manufacturer or dealer. Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2. Stay in your own comfort zone. If it has been snowing and the roads are covered in ice, drive as slow as you need to in the highest possible gear if driving a manual , to improve control of the vehicle, and ignore other motorists who get impatient and start tooting their horns.
Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0. Maintain your car regularly. Check the oil level, wheel alignment, headlights, brake fluid and tire pressure. If something looks damaged, worn or needs fixing; then get it sorted before it leads to a more serious problem. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0. If you are just learning to drive, or if you don't feel confident driving by yourself, it might be a good idea to get a parent or an older friend who can accompany you when you're driving.
Don't wear bulky shoes with big soles, they might get in the way when pressing the brakes during an emergency. Keep enough room between your car and the vehicle in front so there is enough room to come to a full stop should the car in front decide to stop suddenly.
Tailgating is dangerous. Stay safe, and don't use your mobile phone whilst driving. In some countries, this is illegal and you can even lose your license, as well as be fined a lot of money. If you are making an emergency stop in a car equipped with ABS Anti-lock Braking System , press the brake as hard as you can. ABS makes a car's brake pump more rapidly than your foot can. This stops the car while still offering you control over the direction.
Do not "pump" the brake nor loosen the force. While ABS is active, you may feel vibrations through the brake pedal - this is normal. Just continue pressing the brake until your car stops. Install a dashcam in your car if you don't have one, your insurance company will thank you and you will have footage of anything that happens while your driving, video evidence is crucial in accident investigations, even if you were not involved, additionally watching and sharing footage of your driving can help make you a better driver.
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0. Practice good habits e. Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2. This article can only guide you on your way to driving so don't depend on it as your only source. Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0. Always follow the rules of the road for your state or country. Make sure you know all the rules before starting to drive, or else you or your car might be badly damaged. Always enforce that people who are passengers in your car must wear seatbelts.
If they refuse, don't drive them. You're better off to create an awkward situation than to be held liable for a bodily injury they sustain if you're in an accident. Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0. Always indicate before turning, and use dipped headlights when there is an approaching vehicle or when there is a vehicle ahead of you. Helpful 8 Not Helpful 0. While changing lanes, be observant. Check all mirrors, put on your indicator and swiftly change. Avoid parking illegally, your car may be towed, or you may be cited and have to pay a fine.
Helpful 8 Not Helpful 1. Avoid the temptation to use your mobile phone, a few seconds distraction can cause a serious accident, so the best way to do it is to turn off your cell phone until you get to your destination. Better yet, park your car in a safe location when there is a need to answer a phone call. Be aware of any limitations of provisional licenses, for example in the UK; you cannot drive on a motorway without a full license.
Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1. Slide forward enough to allow you to press the clutch pedal the left pedal, next to the brake pedal fully to the floor with your left foot. Press the clutch pedal and hold it to the floor. This would also be a good time to take note of how the travel of the clutch pedal differs from that of the brake and gas. Move the gearstick into neutral.
This is the middle position that feels free when moved from side to side. Start the engine with the key in the ignition, making sure the gear stick is still in neutral. Make sure the handbrake is on before starting the car, especially if you are a novice. Remove your foot from the clutch pedal with the car still in neutral.
Part 2. Press the clutch to the floor and move the gearstick into first gear. It should be the upper-left position, and there should be some kind of visual layout of the gear pattern on top of the gearstick. You may want to practice shifting through the various gears with the engine switched off and the clutch engaged.
Slowly lift your foot up from the clutch pedal. Continue until you hear the engine speed begin to drop, then push it back in. Repeat this several times until you can instantly recognize the sound. This is the friction point. Let up on the clutch while pushing down on the accelerator.
In order to get moving, lift your left foot up from the clutch pedal until the RPMs drop slightly. At the same instant, apply light pressure to the accelerator with your right foot.
Balance the light downward pressure on the accelerator with slowly releasing pressure on the clutch pedal. You will probably have to do this several times to find the right combination of up and down pressure.
At this point the car will start to move. It is best to have the engine rev just enough to prevent stalling as the clutch pedal is let up. This process may be a little difficult at first because you are new to the extra pedal in a manual car. Release the clutch fully that is, slowly remove your foot from the pedal once you start moving forward under control in first gear.
If you release the clutch too quickly the engine will stall. If the engine sounds like it is going to stall, hold the clutch where it is or push down a bit further. If you do stall, depress the clutch fully, apply the handbrake, put the car in neutral, switch the engine off and restart the car as normal. This is called riding the clutch and should be avoided. Part 3. When your RPM reaches about to while the car is in motion, it is time to shift to the next gear — for example, second gear if you are currently in first.
The actual RPMs at which shifting is required will vary by the car you are driving, however. Your engine will begin to race and speed up, and you must learn to recognize this noise. Some cars have a "Shift Light" or indications on the tachometer that will tell you when you need to shift, so you don't rev the engine too fast.
Push down on the accelerator very slightly and slowly release the clutch pedal. Shifting gears in motion is the same as shifting into first from a stationary position. Resting your foot on the clutch pedal is a bad habit, as it applies pressure to the clutch mechanism — and the increased pressure will cause the clutch to wear out prematurely.
Shift down into a lower gear as you slow down. To shift down gears while in motion, follow the same process of depressing the clutch and releasing the accelerator, shifting gears say, from third to second , and letting off the clutch while depressing the accelerator.
Come to a complete stop. To come to a stop in a fully controlled manner, shift down gradually until you reach first gear. Press the clutch pedal fully down and move the gearstick into neutral to prevent stalling the car. Use the brake pedal to stop completely.
This should only be done when you need to stop quickly, though, as it puts you in less control of the vehicle. Part 4. Practice on an easy course with an experienced manual driver. Start off in a flat, isolated area like a large and empty car park, then move on to quiet suburban streets. Drive around the same circuit repeatedly until you start to remember the various skills involved.
Avoid stopping and starting on steep hills initially. Your timing and coordination in working the gear stick, clutch, brake, and accelerator needs to be fairly sharp in order to avoid drifting backwards when you shift into first gear. You can use the parking brake to limit backward drifting if necessary, but always remember to disengage it as you start moving forward.
Learn parking procedures, especially on hills. But, simply putting the car in neutral opens the possibility of your car rolling freely, especially if parked on an incline or decline. If facing downhill, do the same but shift into reverse. This will prevent the wheels from rolling in the direction of the slope.
On extreme inclines, or simply to be extra cautious, you can also place chocks angled blocks behind your wheels to prevent movement. Stop completely before changing from forward to reverse and vice versa. Making a complete stop when changing directions is an easy way to reduce your likelihood of causing expensive damage to your gearbox.
However, it is possible on most manual transmissions to shift into first or possibly second when the car is moving backwards at a slow speed, but it is not recommended as this can cause excessive wear on the clutch. In some cars, reverse gear has a lock out mechanism to prevent you for engaging it accidentally. Before using the reverse gear, make sure you know about this locking mechanism and how to disengage it before selecting reverse.
As soon as possible. The first gear is really only made for starting to get moving or for driving very slow. Not Helpful 34 Helpful Press the clutch pedal down and release the accelerator pedal at the same time. Shift gears, then slowly release the clutch and press the accelerator at the same time. Not Helpful Helpful Can I change from first gear to second gear without pressing the clutch pedal?
You need to press down the clutch to move to the next gear. The clutch is meant to disengage your current gear so that you can move to the next gear. Not Helpful 90 Helpful Do you always have to move through the neutral when changing from one gear to the other?
Yes, though it occurs in one quick action. You may not notice you have moved through neutral after doing it many times, but every time you are changing gears, neutral is an inevitable pass. Not Helpful 95 Helpful While you can, it is preferable that you pass through second gear first before third. Release the hand brake and from neutral while pressing clutch; bring the gear to the R position, then release the clutch slowly and simultaneously apply slow pressure to the accelerator to enable you to move the car back.
Then proceed as usual to move forward. Not Helpful 97 Helpful Is it necessary to press the clutch while starting a car when it is in the neutral position? It depends on the car you are trying to drive. Try starting it without pressing the clutch, and if it doesn't start, then press it. Not Helpful 75 Helpful Automatic changes the gears for you, unless you put them in "manual mode," which isn't the same as a manual transmission. Automatic also requires no clutch input from the driver.
A manual transmission requires clutch input from the driver, and the driver must change the gears themselves. Not Helpful 27 Helpful When I want to go on a bump, I have to press the clutch and brake at the same time; but do I have to shift to neutral?
When you are on a bump, press the clutch and brake, and change the gear to first or second, depending on how much you have to slow down the car.
Not Helpful 45 Helpful Push the brake pedal with your right foot and the clutch pedal with your left foot simultaneously, and eventually the car will come to a complete stop.
Not Helpful 35 Helpful Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you are having difficulty starting the car from a stop, make sure that you are slowly letting off the clutch.
Pause at the friction point the part where the engine starts to move the car and continue slowly pulling the clutch out.
Helpful Not Helpful Learn to recognize the sounds of your engine; you should eventually be able to tell when to change gears without relying on the rev counter.
Helpful 50 Not Helpful Practice until you can change gears without looking at the gearstick. That way you can keep your eyes on the road and focus on what is ahead of you. Initially, you feel inclined to look at the gearstick, but you will need to resist the temptations. Helpful 45 Not Helpful If your car seems like it is going to stall, or the engine is sputtering, then push in the clutch again, wait for the engine to return to idle, and repeat the steps to starting off.
If you are having trouble mastering clutch control, press down on the clutch, engage first gear with the handbrake engaged , slowly release the clutch and apply the accelerator. You will feel the car moving a bit, then let down the handbrake and the car will move freely. Helpful 68 Not Helpful
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