10 Golden Tips for Beginner Car Drivers in India
India’s roads can be challenging to navigate because of its insane traffic, narrow roads with potholes, and sometimes rash drivers. While driving in India does seem like a painstaking task, good driving techniques, properly following the traffic rules and regulations, and getting the hang of the roads while following good driving practices can help you navigate through Indian roads more smoothly. In this blog, you will discover some golden driving tips and some extra night driving tips to help you steer smoothly through rough roads.
General Driving Tips for Beginners
Get Familiar With The Vehicle
The first driving tip is to get familiar with your vehicle. Before you hit the road, understand your vehicle completely. Familiarize yourself with the different operations of the vehicle, its controls, and different features. Develop the knowledge to operate the horn, wipers, headlights, and indicators. Recognize the symbols on the dashboard and make sure you know how to smoothly operate the clutch, accelerator, and brakes. To keep your vehicle in good operating order, check the coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil on a regular basis.
Find A Comfortable Driving Position
Different people find different positions comfortable depending on their height. This driving tip is an extension of getting familiar with your vehicle. Understand what works the best for you and find a comfortable driving position to drive smoothly.
Adjust The Mirrors
The next driving tip is to make sure all of your mirrors are adjusted so you can see the road ahead and to the sides well before you begin your journey. The side mirrors should be adjusted so that you can see the sides of your car and part of the adjacent lane, and the rearview mirror should be set to display the whole back window. A properly adjusted mirror can improve situational awareness by minimizing blind spots.
Carry All The Documents
Although not a driving tip as such, carrying all the documents is an important part of driving to ensure that your journey is not interrupted by unnecessary problems due to a lack of important documents, when driving, you must always have your driver’s license, proof of insurance, car registration, and any other necessary documents with you.
Hold the Steering Wheel Correctly
Experts now recommend holding the steering wheel at 9 and 3 for maximum control and comfort. Along with this driving tip, avoid driving with one hand or resting your hand on the gear shift.
Do not Ride the Clutch
When the clutch pedal is not in use, you should not place your foot on it. This practice, described as “riding the clutch,” can wear out the clutch system unnecessarily. This driving tip can help you avoid expensive repairs. The clutch pedal should only be pressed in order to shift gears or stop completely.
Follow All Traffic Rules
The next driving tip for road safety is to follow the essential traffic laws and regulations. This entails observing established lane markers, surrendering the right of way, stopping at stop signs and red lights, and adhering to speed restrictions. Local driving rules might differ depending on the area, so always be aware of them. In addition to keeping you safe, abiding by this driving tip also helps you avoid penalties and accidents.
Do not Over Speed
This driving tip is for your protection as well as the safety of other drivers on the road. You must drive within the speed limit. Road conditions, traffic volume, and other safety factors are taken into account while setting speed limits. Over speeding shortens reaction times and makes accidents more serious. In hilly areas, be cautious of sharp turns and steep slopes. In cities, be prepared for sudden stops and slow-moving traffic. Always modify your speed based on the road’s quality, traffic volume, and weather.
Use the Turn Signal
It’s crucial to indicate when you want to change lanes or turn. This driving tip is important as it helps avoid accidents. To allow other drivers adequate time to respond, use your turn signals, or indicators, far before making a turn or changing lanes. This procedure is crucial when merging onto highways, at crossroads, and in situations with considerable traffic. Proper usage of turn signals helps maintain a predictable and secure driving environment.
Tips for Driving at Night
The following are some night driving tips to follow to remain safe on the road:
- Avoid driving while tired
One of the first night driving tips is to refrain from driving when you are tired, not physically well, or exhausted. Drive when you are well-rested and active. Take a break if you’re feeling drowsy, and then resume driving.
- Try to steer clear of two-lane highways
Two-lane highways might be much riskier because of the reduced visibility and incoming vehicles at night. To improve your safety, consider well-lit highways with several lanes wherever possible.
- Clean your windshield and mirrors
Clean windshields and mirrors are essential. This one among the night driving tips is to ensure a good night vision. Reduced sight due to glare can be caused by dust, grime, and streaks. For best clarity, clean the outside and inside surfaces on a regular basis.
- Modify interior car lights, adjust your headlights
To reduce glare and distractions, turn down the brightness of your dashboard lighting and interior car lights. Dimming the inside lights will assist your eyes to adjust to the outer darkness. To maximize lighting of the road ahead and to prevent blinding other drivers, make sure your headlights are perfectly placed and are operating correctly by regular inspection and cleaning.
- Slow down when driving at night
The last among the night driving tips is to reduce your speed at night to account for lower visibility and the potential for unexpected obstacles.
Summary
Pay attention to the tips above to ensure a good driving experience and stay safe on the road.
Comparatively, night driving is a lot riskier than driving during the day, so make sure you follow the night driving tips and take caution when driving so that your experience will be good every time you’re on the road.
FAQs
- What are the most important driving tips for new drivers?
The most important driving tips for new drivers are:
- Always wear your seatbelt and follow all the traffic laws, rules and regulations designed to keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
- Avoid distractions like using your mobile phones while driving. Practice defensive driving and be familiar with your own vehicle and the actions of other drivers.
- How can I improve my fuel efficiency while driving?
- Maintain a steady speed, use cruise control on highways, and avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking.
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Reduce excess weight by removing unnecessary items from your car.
- Ensure regular maintenance, such as oil changes and air filter replacements.
- What are some essential tips for driving in heavy traffic?
– Remain calm and patient and keep a safe following distance.
– Use your turn signals to communicate your intentions.
– Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as weaving in and out of lanes.
– Plan your route ahead of time to avoid congested areas if possible.
4 How do I stay safe while driving at night?
It is always good to avoid driving while tired. While driving at night, steering clear of two-lane highways is important whenever possible. Keep your windshield and mirrors clean, adjust your interior and exterior lights and use high beams appropriately. Reduce speed, stay alert and minimize distractions to remain safe while driving at night.