5 Beginner Driving Tips to Stay Safe 

Sixteen to 19-year-old drivers are three times more likely to get in a fatal car crash than those over 20. That fact comes straight from the CDC’s studies on teen drivers.

That’s a terrifying statistic, especially for parents whose teen is about to get on the road. If you’re teaching your teen to drive or you’re older and starting to drive yourself, take your driving education seriously.

Nothing replaces driver’s education courses, but we’re helping you out with the beginner driving tips below.

1. Take Your Driving Classes Seriously

Driving courses aren’t the most exciting things in the world. We know that. We also know that they tend to hold them early in the morning when you would rather be sleeping.

But driving is very dangerous. 3,700 people die a day from car accidents and, the younger you are, the higher your overall risk.

So whether it means you need to have your parents take you to Starbucks first, you need to sit away from your friends or turn off your wifi when you’re taking notes on your computer in class, do your best to focus.

If you’ve already taken your classes and are still nervous about getting your license, you can take DMV practice tests online.

2. Take a Defensive Driving Course

Did you take all your driving classes but don’t feel like you’re the best driver you can be? Do your friends tell you they don’t like being in the car with you (more on that later)?

Then look into a defensive driving course. These are usually one-time workshops that last for only a few hours, and they give you tips on how to drive defensively.

Driving defensively means that you drive like other people on the road are out to get you. It sounds dramatic, but it increases your safety. In fact, it’s so impactful that the courts mandate these classes to people with multiple driving arrests.

3. Don’t Let Friends in Your Car

If you’re a young driver, there are likely laws about who you can have in your car for a year or two after getting your license. But if you’re an older beginning driver, not having too many people with you in the car is still a good idea.

A large part of what you’ll learn in a defensive driving course is how to reduce distractions. Other people are some of the worst distractions there are!

4. Use the Three Second Rule

If you’re going to have a collision, it’s more likely that you’ll run into the car in front of you than any other type of accident. Use what driving experts call the 3-second rule to reduce that risk.

While driving, pick a spot on the road. It may be a traffic cone or a mailbox. It should be easy to see without turning your head. Watch the car in front of you pass it, then count to three.

If you pass the same point before three, you’re going too fast.

5. Use Hands-Free Phone Commands

You should never use your phone when you’re driving, but sometimes calls come in that you have to answer. If that happens, it’s safer to use hands-free options. 

Remember, the best course of accident prevention is to drive safe at all times!

Beginner Driving Tips: Reduce Distractions at All Cost

All the tips above talk about reducing your distractions when you’re driving. That’s because distracted driving is the most dangerous type, aside from driving under the influence.

Taking these beginner driving tips seriously will help you to drive safe on the road and keep your car insurance costs down.

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