7 Essential Skills that Teen Drivers Should Master

The teenage years are filled with adrenaline, and teens often want to explore various adventurous activities, including driving bikes or cars. Everyone begins as a beginner when learning to drive, and some become experts through practice. Therefore, driving safely and acquiring the skills to drive safely will enable a person to become proficient in driving and ensure a safe driving experience.

 

This blog provides teenagers with fundamental tips to boost their confidence and drive safely on the roads.

 

How to Start Your First Drive?

Reduce the Risk of Inexperience

Teens often feel excited when obtaining their first driving license, but the initial years of driving can pose risks. The lack of on-road experience makes them more susceptible to motor vehicle crashes. Common causes include their limited driving experience and overall immaturity.

 

Even if teens are attentive and skilled drivers, their lack of on-road familiarity increases the likelihood of accidents. This can impact their ability to recognize and respond to hazardous situations, potentially leading to issues like speeding or tailgating.

 

Pick a Safe Vehicle for You

Selecting a vehicle that suits you well can reduce the chances of accidents. Avoid choosing small cars, high-performance cars that might make you speed, trucks, and SUVs. These types of vehicles can increase the risk of accidents and are more likely to tip over.

 

Essential Driving Expertise for Teen Drivers

Know your Vehicle

The driver of a vehicle should know how it operates. It is also necessary to be aware of regular maintenance tasks such as checking the tires, wipers, and lights of the car. More advanced skills involve tasks like changing the battery, oil and brakes.

 

Prepare for a Drive

Get ready for a drive. As it's a new driving experience, refrain from using cell phones while driving and avoid distractions. Also, it's crucial to notice if a tire has low pressure or if the fuel tank is running low.

 

How to Park

While many individuals can drive a vehicle, not everyone may be proficient at parking. Although parking might seem straightforward, it demands practice and skill development. Regularly practising parking, including parallel parking, is essential.

 

Practice in an empty street or lot, using trash cans as markers. This will enhance confidence and improve overall driving abilities.

 

How to Drive on a Highway

Highways can be intimidating for new drivers, especially teenagers. Adhering to safety rules is crucial for driving safely on highways.

 

• Utilise the left lane primarily for passing.
• Avoid tailgating and maintain extra following space.
• Regularly check for vehicles behind you and use turn signals promptly.
• Keep pace with the flow of traffic; driving too fast can result in accidents.

 

How to Merge Properly?

Mastering merging techniques is crucial when entering a highway or approaching an exit lane. Follow these straightforward steps to seamlessly merge into traffic flow and drive safely:

 

• Maintain a steady speed; avoid slowing down or speeding up.
• Use turn signals promptly and identify an opening.
• Before merging, check your blind spots for other vehicles.

 

How to Handle Weather?

New drivers may find it challenging to navigate through challenging weather conditions. However, it is crucial to understand the techniques for driving in extreme weather, such as heavy rains. Negotiating through foggy areas can be particularly difficult, as it significantly reduces visibility and poses risks. Hence, it's essential not to speed in foggy conditions.

 

Learn to Handle Special Situation

Unexpected or infrequent situations may arise. Always be prepared and respond promptly when facing such circumstances.

 

• Learn to enter and exit a roundabout.
• Strictly adhere to the specified speed limit in school zones.
• Before making a U-turn, check for signs, as some roads may prohibit them. Exercise caution when taking a U-turn.

 

Simple Tips for Teen drivers

• When driving, make sure to always wear your seatbelt.
• Follow the specified speed limit and avoid speeding.
• Use turn signals to communicate with other drivers and prevent accidents.
• Never drink and drive, as it is against the law.
• Stay focused on the road and avoid using your cell phone.
• Refrain from eating or drinking while driving.
• Plan your route in advance and avoid multitasking on the road.
• Start your journey early to prevent last-minute rushing and speeding.

 

Tips for Teen Parents

• Educate your children about traffic rules and ensure they follow them.
• Be a positive role model by adhering to traffic regulations yourself.
• Ensure your child's vehicle is properly maintained.
• Provide guidance for your teenager to drive in various situations; avoid letting them drive alone in challenging conditions.
• Limit the number of passengers when your teenager is driving.
• Establish curfews and specific driving time limits for them.

 

Conclusion

Children often imitate their parents' behavior. Therefore, adhering to traffic rules and driving responsibly serves as a model for kids to follow. Following traffic rules is essential for your safety on the roads. Similarly, obtaining car or bike insurance from Shriram General Insurance ensures the protection of your journey.

 

FAQs

1. What Are the Advantages of Buying Car Insurance From Shriram General Insurance?

• Budget-friendly plans with diverse add-on choices

• No-claim bonus
• Efficient claim processing requiring minimal documentation
• Quick customer service and roadside assistance
• Coverage for third-party liability

 

2. What is a Zero-depreciation Cover?

The zero depreciation cover is an add-on cover in car insurance, where you won't be billed for depreciation when settling a claim.

 

3. What is No Claim Bonus?

The No Claim Bonus (NCB) is a reward an insurance company provides to a policyholder for not filing any claims throughout a policy year.