Want to become a better driver?
Maybe you’re preparing for your driving test and want to pass first time. Or maybe you’ve recently passed your test and you don’t want to stand out as a “new driver”.
In any case, there are a few things you can try that might help you improve your driving quickly.
How to Adjust Your Driving Position & Conditions
You need to be as comfortable as possible in your driver’s seat, which means you need to consider:
- Pedals – You shouldn’t be so far from the pedals that you have to stretch to reach them. But nor should you be so close to them that you’re cramped and constantly banging your legs on the steering wheel.
- Seat – Your seat should be straight enough to offer support, but not so straight that you’re sat bolt-upright.
- Headrest – You should adjust your head rest so that the rigid part is at least as high as your eyes, and as close to the back of your head as possible.
- View – You also need to adjust all of your mirrors so that they show you everything you need to see at a glance. You shouldn’t have to move your head too much, or shift in your seat, to get a full view of the road behind you.
- Windscreen – Make sure that your windscreen is clean and clear of any obstructions which could affect you while driving.
- Conditions in the car – Make sure you’re happy with the temperature in the car, Finally, if you find that music in the car distracts you, consider driving without it until you’re more confident behind the wheel.
Why does all this matter? Because if you take care of these essentials, you’ll be able to focus entirely on the road, completely free from any distractions. When you’ve nothing else to worry about, you might be surprised at how much your driving improves!
Behaviours to Make You a Better Driver
- Brake early – Brake lightly long before you need to stop. Increase the pressure as you slow, before applying a light touch again as you come to a gentle stop. This will give you total control as you approach potential hazards, while giving other drivers plenty of time to react to you.
- Look ahead – Don’t just focus on the vehicle directly in front of you. Look ahead too, to anticipate any hazards that might be further down the road. And remember the two-second rule: Try and stay at least two seconds behind the car in front, and you’ll have plenty of time to react to any sudden hazards.
- Pay attention to the speed limit – It’s there for a reason! And remember that a speed limit is not a target to reach. It’s the fastest you can legally travel on a given road. You should adjust your speed and your driving depending on the road conditions, as well as the speed limit. If it’s wet, for example, don’t push for 60 mph just because you happen to be driving in a 60 zone.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The more time you spend driving, the more you’ll build up your confidence.
You’ll experience a greater variety of driving conditions, and you’ll react to a greater variety of driving hazards. Drive for long enough and driving will become second nature. It’ll stop being something that you worry about. Instead, it’ll be something you do every day. It might even become something you enjoy!
If you want to be a better driver, nothing’s more effective than driving as often as you can. So look for any excuse to get behind the wheel. Give lifts to friends and family. Offer to run errands for people. Drive to see people you haven’t seen in ages. Every journey will help make you a better driver.
Consider Additional Training
Once you’ve passed your driving test, you can take the government’s Pass Plus scheme.
This is a practical training course that lasts at least six hours. It’ll teach you various advance driving techniques. It features modules focused on driving in town, in poor weather conditions, at night, on rural roads, and on dual carriageways and motorways.
This additional training could help you become a better driver, fast. And as it will demonstrate your commitment to safe and sensible driving, it could even help lower the price of your car insurance.
At Go Girl, we specialise in giving new drivers full cover, for less. Our comprehensive insurance will cover you during your crucial early days as a driver. And with our no-claims discount you can eventually make huge savings on the price of your premium. So all that work you do to become a better driver will eventually pay off!
