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Driving Lessons in Phoenix, Arizona

It wasn’t until 1939 that Norman Bel Geddes created the first self-driving car, an electric vehicle guided by radio-controlled electromagnetic fields. And in 1958, General Motors made this concept a reality; the rest is history! In 2023 it was projected that 243.4 million people are licensed drivers, 98% of them being adults. American commuters depend heavily on cars despite there being various modes of public transportation in big cities. However, the increase in vehicle usage also comes with an increase in car accidents, specifically having to do with texting and driving. Forbes even calculated that one fatal car accident occurs every fifteen minutes in the United States alone, which is why driving a car means serious business. Driving can be fun and exciting, but it’s also one of the most dangerous things you’ll ever do nearly every day! So the sooner you learn the law and safety regulations, the better driver you’ll be for yourself and those driving around you. But don’t let this scare you from getting started, it’s absolutely normal to feel nervous when learning how to drive.  Just breathe and stay focused during your lessons.

The Basics of Driving A Car

Learning to drive includes instilling certain routines or habits before getting in your car or driving away. The first one is the Cockpit Drill: DSSSM which stands for doors, seat, steering, seatbelt, and mirrors. This drill covers all the things you’ll need to check and adjust every time you get into your car, and with enough practice, it’ll become muscle memory. Checking and adjusting your mirrors is of the utmost importance since it’s what allows you to see other cars when merging into lanes or backing up. Besides your mirrors could have been moved by someone else or might require cleaning after bad weather. Learning when and where to use your car signals is also a fundamental lesson and informs other drivers of your next move, so practice until it’s second nature. The golden rule is to always consider if other drivers are going to benefit from your signaling. Lastly, you’ll practice how to hold the sterling wheel properly and how to avoid accidents. There are even certain positions in which to hold a steering wheel such as “10 o'clock” and “2 o'clock”. However, you also have to stay on top of these recommendations, because now the “nine and three” is the new “ten and two” due to airbag blockage.

The Most Important Driving Lesson

You’d think that the most important lessons when it comes to driving would be to know the driving laws and speed limits of the city you live in. Although defense driving is crucial, it’s actually your attitude that matters the most. Have you ever heard of road rage? Exactly! Your attitude dictates how well or safely you’ll drive behind the wheel because someone under a lot of stress or in a panic is more likely to drive erratically and cause an accident. If you’re ever driving and feel frustrated, sad, or angry, the best thing is to pull over and try to calm down. Once you are in a better head space you can safely be on your way, besides you don’t want to put someone else’s life at risk. Another great rule to remember is that more speed is equal to less control, so when in doubt it’s always better to slow down a bit than to accelerate. The more you drive the better you’ll get at maneuvering around your city and reacting to other drivers.

How To Become A Good Driver 

Our best recommendation when it comes to driving as a beginner is to start with a driver’s ed course, which will help you go over all of the basic lessons. Combine that with taking weekly driving lessons with an instructor and you’ll be a pro in no time. Practice makes perfect, and will be the best way for you to get comfortable behind the wheel and calm your nerves. Getting rid of any distractions is also key and that includes avoiding your cell phone when behind the wheel unless you are at a complete stop and away from the road. Learning to drive on safe calm roads is highly recommended and once your lessons have been perfected, then you can slowly have your instructor take you on the highway and eventually the freeway. Of course, this will be after you receive your driver’s permit and are given the green light by your instructor. Lastly, take your time and don’t rush the process, driving is something that needs to be taken seriously at all times. Other than that breathe and have a fun and safe time learning how to drive a car!