Teach me how to drive

[waxie]

For the past 22 years, I have managed to get by without knowing how to drive. I live in a major city, so I have pretty much mastered taking public transportation. I (sadly) have to get a licence and a car for my new job. I hired a guy to give me lessons and I am confident that I will past the test to get my licence. However, I would love to know any and all secrets that people have learned about driving.

Ready...Set....Go!

[XXXNoahXXX]

If you drive past a cop flash your high beams at him. This lets them know that you are aware of their presence and that you will continue to drive safely in their absence.

[2/325Falcon]

Go-karts ftw.

[mondo]

Learn to look ahead, as far as possible really. It will help greatly w/ respect to avoiding accidents, being in the wrong lane @ the wrong time, double-parked delivery trucks, animals, pedestrians, you name it. The natural tendency is to focus directly in front of you.

10 and 2 until you get your license.

P.S. Assume everyone else on the road is a moran. Drive accordingly.
You won't be disappointed.

[Los Feliz Slim]

When you're waiting for a break in oncoming traffic to make a left turn, keep your wheels straight and don't turn the steering wheel until you're making the turn. That way, if some [censored] rear-ends you while you're waiting, you'll go straight ahead instead of getting pushed into oncoming traffic.

[maniacut]

Stick to the right lane except when passing and turning left. Look far ahead and anticipate any oncoming problems. Be aware of traffic around you and always try to have an out. i.e. Try to create distance around your vehicle to the left/right/infront/behind in order to move/respond to problems. You don't have to have space in every direction but at least in one direction at all times, which is easily done by not tailgating. Don't tailgate especially not until you've been driving for a while. If you come upon a slower vehicle in your lane, move to the left and pass them in a swift manner, don't make it take forever. Set up your mirrors as efficiently as possible to reduce/eliminate any blindspots. If you have any blindspots not covered by your mirrors, make sure you're aware of them before you start driving and do check them when you're out on the road (be aware of other traffic before they get to the blindspot).
Use your turn signal, wear your seatbelt, have fun.

Edit: There are some common physical principles to be aware of when driving. One is the friction between your tires and the driving surface. Braking power is reduced and braking distance increased in rain vs dry pavement. if you live somewhere where there is snow and are driving on summer or all season tires your traction is gonna be a lot worse than if you are driving on proper winter tires.

Another principle is momentum, smaller vehicles have less momentum and can generally stop in shorter distances than larger vehicles i.e. big rigs which can take up a lot of distance to get their speed down.

[d10]

Just read this thread

[xedin]

the right lane is always the fastest when there is congestion

[somethingstupid]

Practice parallel parking a lot before you have to do it for real.

[mbillie1]

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Just read this thread

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