If you live in America, the chances that you have been given driving lessons at some point are high.
Many people believe that’s the only way to become a good driver and pass the test, but is it possible to teach yourself how to drive?
It is possible to teach yourself to drive. First, get a driver’s permit, then familiarize yourself with your vehicle, go through the driving manual, learn the road signs and the rules of the road, and lastly, practice with a professional or a trusted driver in a safe, big space like a car park.
Teaching yourself how to drive isn’t just about being able to read the road signs and follow them. It’s about developing proper skills, which is essential for safe driving.
In this article, we look at how you can teach yourself to drive by knowing what it takes to be a good driver.
8 Steps To Learn To Drive On Your Own
Below we’ve put together a simple guide for you to follow in order to be able to teach yourself how to drive on your own! To begin, simply follow these steps:
1. Decide That You Want To Learn How To Drive
The first step to learning how to drive is setting it as your goal, as it positively influences your zeal to learn.
It is not enough just to say “I will learn,” because there is always the possibility that you might forget, or never get around to it.
If you really want to learn how to drive, then make a commitment in your mind and heart that you will start learning how to drive. You can set a daily reminder on your phone for this purpose.
Also, you can get someone to hold you accountable.
You can start by getting mentally prepared, assessing if you can handle operating a vehicle, and learning about the road signs and the different road etiquette ahead of time.
You can study how other people use their cars and how they drive on the road.
-> Read Also What Is An Autodidact?
2. Get A Driver’s Permit
You must first obtain a permit, though you’re just learning, you may be able to practice in parking lots or other permitted private properties without a permit.
It is important to note that it is prohibited and dangerous to drive on public roads, if you do not yet have a driver’s permit.
The individual from whom you would learn the driving essentials must also be licensed.
Meanwhile, the minimum number of driving lessons necessary to qualify for a license may vary by state or region.
3. Choose The Right Transmission
You’ll need to choose the right transmission for your vehicle. If you’re in a hurry or want an easier driving experience, then an automatic transmission is best.
If you want to be able to control your car better by shifting gears manually, then a vehicle with a manual transmission suits you more.
Manual transmissions are harder to learn, but they give you more control over your car and can be easier to use in some situations.
Automatic transmissions are easier to use on the highway because they automatically shift into lower gear when you accelerate and higher gear when you slow down.
4. Familiarize Yourself With Your Vehicle And Its Controls
The first step in learning how to drive is to familiarize yourself with the vehicle itself, including the controls and features.
This will help you understand how the vehicle works, which will make driving safer for you. You should also consider the type and size of the vehicle.
A light compact vehicle might be easier for you to handle than a heavy vehicle.
Take a look at the owner’s manual of your vehicle and familiarize yourself with it. You can watch YouTube videos that will help you become familiar with your car.
For instance:
- To get familiar with your manual car, watch this video on how to change your gear easily and make less mistakes
- Know more about the gear selector in an automatic car
- Watch how to operate car headlights to get familiar with your headlights
- Click this link to learn about the car dashboard
- For clutch control, watch clutch control in traffic and on a hill
-> Learn More about Self-Learning vs. Classroom Learning: Which Is Better?
5. Review The Driving Manual
Get a copy of the driving manual. You can get it from your local department of motor vehicles (DMV) or through the mail.
Once you have the manual, read it meticulously and ask questions when you don’t understand something.
Make sure you understand how to drive safely and properly before taking a road test. You can use several videos like how to drive perfectly and pass your driving test to prepare for your driving test.
If you don’t pass your road test on the first try, take more lessons, watch more videos like how to pass your driving test after only 13 hours, and read books on how to pass your driving test until you do.
You should also be aware of all traffic laws in your state and local municipality that apply to driving a car in public areas.
6. Be Mindful Of The Road Rules
There are a lot of rules that need to be followed while driving, but they’re not all that complicated.
Watch YouTube videos like right of way rules, how to read traffic signs and how to drive in USA.
The most important thing you can do is keep your eyes on the road.
Don’ts for Driving:
- Don’t text while driving. It’s illegal in most states, and it’s dangerous too.
- Don’t talk on the phone while driving unless you have an emergency. If you have an emergency, pull over and call 911.
- Don’t drive when under the influence of alcohol (or even eat while driving). This is especially important for first-time drivers because it can be hard to tell when it’s safer to stop without getting into an accident or hurting someone else.
- When turning, give yourself enough space so that there’s no chance of crashing into another car or getting T-boned by another driver. This means ensuring no cars are coming up behind you before turning on a busy street or highway.
7. Develop Control Of Your Emotions
Emotions are tricky, and it’s hard to keep them under control while driving. You may find that you’re angry, anxious, sad or frustrated in the car.
These emotions can distract you from driving.
When you feel stressed or upset, these feelings affect your ability to pay attention and react appropriately.
The best way to deal with these feelings is to try to relax or take some time to cool down before driving.
Don’t let yourself be overcome by them — stay calm and focused on the road ahead.
If you already have a car, then start with some simple steering exercises that will help build up your confidence behind the wheel.
8. Practice With A Professional As Much As Possible
When it comes to learning how to drive, practice makes perfect! You can get a friend or family member who’s a licensed driver to accompany and guide you when practicing, this will help you learn better and faster.
You can also take some online driving lessons through sites like Udemy or for free on Skillshare.
-> Learn more about the 7 best websites for self-learning
Which Is Better For A Beginner, Manual Or Automatic Transmission?
Some people would say that it is better to learn a manual transmission, but automatic transmissions have become more popular.
If you want a car that’s easy to drive, but doesn’t have the power or speed of a sports car, an automatic transmission may be better for you.
Manual transmission allows you to shift gears yourself. This means you can use your feet to push down on a clutch pedal to shift gears.
A manual transmission is also called a stick shift, because it has a stick-shaped shifter and pedal in the center console that is designed like those of a bicycle.
An automatic transmission is controlled by a computer, which monitors how much pressure you apply to the gas pedal and how quickly you’re pushing it down.
When this number reaches certain levels, the computer decides what gear you need to be in at that moment and sends appropriate power through your drivetrain.
Manual transmissions are cheaper than automatic ones, but they require more maintenance than an automatic; if you don’t do the maintenance regularly, your car will eventually break down due to clogged-up clutches or worn out parts in other areas of your car.
Learn how to drive either a manual or automatic car on Youtube.
Differences Between Manual And Automatic Transmission
| Manual Transmission | Automatic Transmission | |
| Gas/fuel economy | Less efficient | More efficient |
| Ease of use | Easier to drive | More complex |
| Control | Less control | Full control |
| Maintenance | Can be difficult | Relatively easy |
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Comfort | Less comfortable | More comfortable |
FAQs
How long does it take to learn how to drive?
It can take anywhere from a couple of days to a few weeks, depending on how quickly you pick up the basics and how much time you have to practice. Manual transmission also usually requires more practice.
Is it hard to learn how to drive?
It’s not hard to learn how to drive. It’s just a matter of following some basic instructions and keeping both hands on the wheel. Once you’ve mastered that, then practice is key.
Conclusion
You can learn how to drive by yourself, but it’s advisable to have a driving companion with you to help out if you’re trying to practice for a driving test.
After learning the road rules, get a driving permit when you feel comfortable driving in empty, open areas so you can practice your skills on the road.
