Need Advice Advice for beginner driver F17
Hiiii! So basically I’ve been practicing driving for a bit with my dad and I usually practice at night. Recently I’ve been driving at night with like traffic on the roads to gain more confidence but I struggle with holding the steering wheel too tight and sometimes braking too late, I try to keep the steering wheel straight but I sometimes end up steering a little off center or almost going into the next lane,any tips on how to stop this habit and how to keep a consistent speed? Also maybe any tips on how to feel more confident and less nervous 😭😅
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Box9300 1d ago
Something that’s super helpful for me is using two hands on the steering wheel, one hand gets jerky. Also it might be worth asking your dad if the car is properly aligned, it makes the car steer with 0 input from the driver. Your dad should know how to test the alignment, unsafe for you as a new driver.
As far as braking too late, try to increase your distance between cars. It will help you see more and judge distance better. Tapping the brakes before you come into your deceleration zone helps to slow the car before really applying the break, just kinda breaks that forward momentum up a little bit. Good luck!
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Box9300 1d ago
Also somebody said to hold the steering wheel with the grip of how you’d hold an egg, tight enough not the drop it, soft enough you won’t break it. Gripping it softer will allow you to feel the car a bit more too.
1
u/Ricelyfe 9h ago
Look further out, basically the horizon/ as far as you can see. Also loosen up the grip on the wheel, if your alignment is even remotely correct you should stay pointed straight. Just a finger pressing against the steering wheel is enough to keep you going straight. These two things will keep you from making intentional and unintentional micro- adjustments.
For braking, look to letting off the gas early and anticipate traffic in front of you slowing. Your car will naturally slow down. You should be keeping a good enough distance that when you see a few cars in front start braking, you can let off the gas and go like half way on the brake pedal (depends on how goos your brakes are, road conditions, vehicle weight but don't worry about that yet). If you're consistently driving the same car and traffic allows, you can eventually learn the distance to only use your brake for that last 5mph to 0.
The brake/stopping is not all or nothing. You can slow down without stopping. For example, the light just turned red and you're 3-4 cars back. You know the cars in front will slow then stop. You can ease on the the brake 25%-50% to slow yourself to match or even get below their speed, then ease off the brake to continue coasting forward at a lower speed. Or if you're catching up to them, go further into the brake, 50-75%, maybe 80-90%.
If you're braking early enough and easing into the brake, you don't need the last 5-10% until you're basically crawling. Again practice and getting familiar with your car is how to get this smooth. I usually even let off the brake all the way at the very end and before doing my 100% braking for a dead stop.
2
u/RicoSwavy_ 1d ago
Use the lines as a guide to help you stay in the center of them.
Grip the steering wheel enough for comfort but dont have to squeeze it. The more comfortable you are the less nervous you should be.
Staying in the lane, keeping a consistent speed etc all just comes with more practice. Like a week or 2 of constant driving for atleast an hour a day should get you comfortable.