22 Tips and Tricks for New Drivers

Getting a driver's license is a treasured rite of passage for teens. It's wonderful for parents too, who don't have to spend time driving their children around. But driving solo (or having your child behind the wheel) can be nerve-racking.

Whether you're a new driver yourself—or the parent or guardian of a freshly minted driver—here are 22 tips for new drivers to stay confident and safe on the road. These are also great refreshers for anyone who has been driving for many years.

The best way to get comfortable behind the wheel is to slide into the driver's seat. Teens who spend more time practicing driving under the watch of a parent or other adult are less likely to be in a crash, research has found.
Before heading out onto a busy highway or confusing downtown streets, take the car to a quiet road with less traffic. Practice braking, turning, accelerating, avoiding distractions and using the blinkers. Get comfortable with the basics before heading into more challenging traffic situations, and give yourself the chance to learn from mistakes in a low-stakes environment.

Before you even start the car, adjust the mirrors. Make sure you can comfortably see out of the back window, and that the side mirrors show what's going on next to the car. Mirrors are extremely important because they help you see into the car's blind spots, and may even reduce accidents.

Holding the steering wheel may seem basic, but it's an essential driving skill. Keep your hands in the “9 and 3" position—which refers to where those numbers are on a clockface.

Use a light grip and let the wheel slide and turn between your hands using the push-pull method when turning. Avoid crossing your hands over the steering wheel, which could lead to injury if you're in an accident. Never let the steering wheel spin through your hands as the car straightens back, since you'll lose too much control of steering.

The turn signal is one of the most useful tools when it comes to driving. Turn signals let other drivers know what your intentions are and signal where you plan to move your vehicle. Practicing using them no matter where you are—even if there are no other vehicles around. Using the blinkers should become second nature.

Merging is one of the more stressful aspects of driving, so it's important to practice. When you're merging, pay attention to what's in front of you and behind you. Identify a gap in traffic where you might fit, then adjust your speed to reach that gap. Remember to always use your blinker to show other cars your intentions!

When you're learning to drive, you may not be worried about parking. But it's something you'll have to do at the end of every trip! Practice parallel parking, making sure to never scrape the curb, which can damage your tires or rims. Visit a store and practice pulling into and backing into different spots. Before long, parking will become routine.

Rain, wind, sleet and snow can happen at any time, including when a trip has already begun. Inclement weather can make it hard to see, reduce your vehicle's grip on the road and increase stopping time. If there's precipitation, make sure your headlights are on, increase your following distance behind other cars, drive a bit slower and stay alert and attentive. In icy or snowy climates, consider practicing driving in a parking lot or other low-traffic area to familiarize yourself with how your car responds to slick conditions.

The safest way to drive is to follow the speed limit and keep a safe distance from other cars. But in some instances, you'll find yourself behind a vehicle that's driving under the speed limit. When this happens, use the left lane to safely pass. Then, get back into the right lane. This keeps the flow of traffic moving and shows courtesy to other drivers.

In life, you might not want to be predictable. But behind the wheel, it can keep you and others safe. There are unwritten (and written) rules of driving that we assume other drivers will follow—like not pulling out in front of another car or veering suddenly for an exit. Following those rules helps inform our behavior. So, whenever possible, do what the drivers around you can predict.

Now that you're driving, you have the responsibility of maintaining a vehicle. Learn some basic car maintenance tips to keep your car humming. Make sure you know the essentials, like how to fill your tires, pump gas or replace a broken windshield wiper. All of those are skills that, sooner or later, you'll need in order to reach your destination safely.

Most states require new drivers to take a driver's education course. A defensive driving course is even more hands-on, teaching you how to respond in high-stress situations, like if your car begins to skid. The course also addresses emotional challenges like road rage or driving while tired. An added bonus—you might get an insurance discount after completing the course.

Distracted driving kills more than 3,500 people each year. Stay safe by keeping your focus on the road. The biggest challenge for many people is their phone. Set yours to "do not disturb" or driving mode. Minimize other distractions, too—never apply makeup in the car or reach for objects that have fallen on the floor. Even changing the music or getting directions can take your eyes off the road, so set the playlist and your navigation before you leave.

On the road, your vehicle is your partner—so you want to learn how it works. Learn the basics of car care, including how your transmission works, how to keep your car in good condition and how often you should get an oil change. This will help you understand what's normal for your car, and what's a sign that your car needs repairs.

You never know when you'll need to call your insurance company. It's not just for major accidents—you can also call your insurance company for relatively minor but essential repairs like a windshield replacement or bumper repair. Keep an insurance card in your glove box or download an app from your insurance provider so you can lodge a claim quickly and get back on the road in no time.

Technology is meant to keep us safe on the road, but it can take time to get used to. The first time your steering wheel pulls because of lane keep assist, you might think something's wrong. So familiarize yourself with features like your backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and other driver aids. Test these features on quiet roads or in an empty parking lot so you'll be able to utilize them when they really matter.

When you're driving, you need to get information quickly. Familiarize yourself with your dashboard until you can locate the speedometer, gas gauge and other essentials at a glance. Take time to learn about warning lights on the dash and what each one means. That way, you can be prepared for the unexpected.

Always leave enough space between you and other cars on the road. This will give you enough time to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly, loses control or has another issue. The right amount of space depends on your speed, the road conditions and how heavy your vehicle is. In general, use a three-second following distance. That means when the car ahead of you passes a certain marker, you should be able to count at least three seconds before you pass the same marker. In rainy conditions or at higher speeds, even more space is ideal.

It's easy to let your mind wander on the road, especially as you become more comfortable behind the wheel. Follow these tips to minimize distractions while driving.

It's a good idea to create a car emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, high-energy snacks, a phone charger and a first aid kit. If you're ever stranded, an emergency kit can keep you safe until help arrives.

When the unexpected happens, help may arrive quicker if you have roadside assistance. This is a service that performs minor roadside repairs like changing a tire or unlocking your car if the keys are inside. It can also be used to call a tow truck if you need more complicated repairs. Many credit card companies and auto insurers offer roadside assistance, so check to see if you're already covered.

Staying at or under the speed limit can keep you safe and prevent you from getting a ticket. But it can be hard to find speed limit signs, so memorize this rule of thumb: If the speed limit is not posted in a residential or school district, it's typically 25 miles per hour (mph); on a rural highway, it's 55 mph; and on a rural interstate highway, it's 70 mph. When in doubt, slow down.

When something goes wrong with your car, a trusted mechanic is essential. Ask your parents, neighbors or colleagues whom they use, and build a relationship with your local shop. Start by checking out this list of simple questions to ask your mechanic.

Following these tips can ease the nerves of new drivers and their parents. In addition, the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card can help you prepare for all your car care needs, including unexpected costs that may pop up for a new driver. The card can be used to pay for everyday expenses like gas and regular maintenance, as well as unexpected costs like towing, new tires or larger repairs. Learn more about the Synchrony Car Care™ credit card and apply today.