stuff I've learned as a new driver that might help other new drivers
- don't let the knobhead behind you drive your car. it doesn't matter if theyre right up your ass or driving aggressively. you are the one driving your vehicle, its your decisions you're making, your control. remembering that helps with the anxiety of it. if it seems like they may do something dangerous just try to pull over as much as you can to let them pass when it's safe to do so.
- if another car is being driven "strangely" back off. I.e. if they keep tapping the brakes, swerving, seeming unsure of where they're going. give yourself more time and space to react if they do something insane. and make a mental note of an "escape route" if possible especially if they're coming from the opposite direction.
- try to notice when other drivers might be "blind" to you. misted windows, low and bright sun, another vehicle blocking their view, not looking your way, etc. I notice people squinting in the low sun (should be wearing sunglasses) and cover the brake in case they pull out blindly. if I notice someone with heavily misted windows I make sure to brake smoothly to give them time to see my brake lights, and if stopped at lights I'll keep my foot on the brake so they can see where I am and hopefully not drive into my car lol
- I know everyone says it but it's a speed limit not a target. drive to the road conditions. the limit is for optimal road conditions so its OKAY to adjust and slow everything down even if experienced drivers behind you get pissed off
- the faster your speed the smaller your corrective movements should be. at 5mph it's no problem to yoink the wheel all the way around but travelling along at national speed limit any corrections to the steering should be small and intentional just to keep you moving straight.
- never blindly accept the "wave of death". if someone flashes you or waves you to pull out of a junction ALWAYSSSSS double triple check. there could be a car or bike in the bus lane, a cyclist, a pedestrian waiting to cross that you didn't see, someone turning in that's blocked by the waiting car. the other driver means well but probably hasn't factored in all of the above if it's busy!
- just miss the exit. don't cut across anyone or make a sudden unpredictable movement. PLEASE 🙏 its far more dangerous to try to make the turn than it is to continue on safely albeit not where you wanted to go.
- I'm in a few traffic groups on fb for my area and it helps me to identify any "problem" roads, roundabouts, junctions etc that I should take extra care on. like I know there's one roundabout that, if ur not local, people frequently get wrong and almost cause accidents, so I know to watch for people cutting across from my right and take it nice and slow. I found out from the groups that there's a national speed limit A road that floods easily (lots of aquaplaning accidents!) so I'll avoid that road when it rains. stuff like that
- after parking up I've developed a muscle memory routine of keeping my feet on the clutch and brake until I've double checked my handbrake before releasing everything. my feet don't leave that spot until I've 100% secured that handbrake, i feel the click and then give it one more little tug to check. idk I see people forget their handbrake a lot and that would stress me out so I just make it impossible via routine.
