Let’s Drive
Where Do We Start?
Thanks to online search engines, the actual steps to obtaining a driver’s license are fairly easy to locate and follow.
THIS POST however, intends to support some of the less obvious “to do” items along the way.
Everyone is nervous. If you wait until you do not feel nervous, you probably will never drive.
Ask questions along the way. Everyone does.
Practice, practice, practice
Roadblocks
· The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)…
· Fear of failure of steps along the way to obtain the license
· I don’t know how to take care of a vehicle
· I can’t afford a car anyway, why bother
· It’s hard to know what I would need once I get a license
· Nuances of hitting the road
· What if I get pulled over?
DMV and Fear
Good news! Everyone fails along the way when getting a driver’s license. OK, not the best news. But rest assured it is very normal to have to take either the written or performance test more than once. The performance test should be a little easier, as long as you have practiced until you feel very comfortable.
Use the supports!
1. Go online and look for tips
2. Take a pamphlet from the DMV to use to study the rules of the road
3. Let the proctor of the testing room and/or the performance test judge know if you have any needs they should be aware of. For example, a people who perform better when speaking out loud to themselves should tell evaluators that ahead of time, just to make everyone more comfortable.
4. Be sure to prepare for any tests or procedures. If you are prepared you will be fine! If you do not study, practice, or read what you need to bring you might be setting yourself up for a wasted trip. It happens to people all the time so it’s nothing to worry about but your chances of success increase substantially if you prepare.
Vehicle Care
Getting Gas
Don’t wait until the tank is empty. This can land you in a stressful situation if you run out.*
Recommendation: find a gas station you like and go there as often as possible (when you need gas of course). This helps with familiarity, predictability, and so forth. It may not sound like a big deal, but finding one that is not busy very often can prevent a great deal of future stress.
It really isn’t difficult. Know which side your tank is on, how to open it, and bring a debit card or cash. What gets stressful is when you pull up and the place is busy. In this case, simply find other cars facing the same direction as you, and line up behind them. When they are finished, you just pull up. Trying to maneuver into the one open space often is not worth it because too many cars are going in different directions and you may find yourself facing or in the way of someone less patient than we hope for.
*If you do run out of gas, pull to the side of the road. Most likely you have cell phone and can call for roadside service (either someone you know, someone you subscribe with such as your insurance provider, or someone you find on an internet search). Whether you have a cell phone or not, another option is to walk to the nearest gas station and fill a portable gas can. Just unscrew the top/nozzle and pump it straight from the gas tank into the can. That may sound self-explanatory, but I thought I’d save you the time I once wasted trying to pump gas in through the actual nozzle (it wasn’t a fun experience and I wasted a lot of gas…and time!). You can pour this can directly into your car.
Oil Change
Stick to the time and mileage guidelines for when you need to take your vehicle in for an oil change. It’s great to find a place you like and return there each time. This prevents someone trying to convince you of things you don’t really need to do. For example, sometimes you will need things updated, such as an air filter. If you go to the same place each time, they will have your records of when you have had such updates.
Cost
Yep, being a driver of a personal vehicle can be costly. But there are ways to drive on a budget.
Buy used. If you know someone who knows about cars, it’s wise to take them car shopping with you either in person or on the internet.
Remember to include registration and insurance in your yearly budget. This way when it comes time to pay them, you have the money.
Don’t drive unless you need to get somewhere.
Save on gas
Less wear and tear on the car = less money spent on repairs and upkeep
Few miles = fewer trips to get oil changes
Buying a car
The search.
At a dealership, someone will approach you as you walk in. It’s best to have a strong idea of what you are looking for in a vehicle otherwise they will try to sell you something you don’t need and/or will attempt to sell unnecessary luxuries. Be clear with what you want to spend. They will always, and I mean always try to stretch past what you say you can pay. Be prepared to spend time.
Looking online, follow similar guidelines as above with a few tweaks. Don’t be too picky, if you see a good deal it’s worth trying out a vehicle. Ask to drive it before purchasing. Take someone with you to meet up with the seller. Let them know you won’t be bringing cash for this visit (safety).
Smaller cars
Use less gas
Usually cost less to register
Cost less to insure
Parts (including tires) are usually cheaper
Choose wisely
See text for tips on choosing a car.
Needs of a Driver
ALWAYS carry your license with you, your registration, and insurance. Most people keep the last two either in the glove box (if it’s not full of random stuff), or in a little folder that can go in a door pocket, center console, or anywhere it will be kept safe.
A user manual for the vehicle. Yes, we can pull most things up online – but what happens if there is no service or a phone battery dies? Safe keeping = wise to keep this in the same place as your insurance and registration.
You can get a durable folder type thing online for very low cost. I recommend this method of safe storage of these important items.
In the trunk:
First aid kit, including a warm blanket
Spare tire
Hitting the Road
Don’t Panic! Since the road is occupied by humans, as with anything you will notice there are all types of people and all types of drivers.
Aggressive
Timid
In a hurry
Cautious
Impatient/competitive
Friendly
The list could go on forever. It’s helpful to remember this when driving. You’ll want to be yourself, while making sure to follow driving laws and being a kind person (a friendly wave should be the only hand gesture used in a car!).
Situations
If someone:
Honks at you
Don’t panic. They are either alerting you, or are just an angry or hurried person so don’t even bother looking their way. Either respond accordingly with your car (often it’s in a parking lot or a place cars are moving in different directions, so stopping to make sure you’re not about to hit someone/something is the correct response), or go about your business and be as courteous as possible.
Waves you on at an intersection
Make your move, they are letting you go.
Turns on their blinker in a parking lot
They are waiting for a spot, it’s like a way of “claiming” a spot where a person is pulling out
Is about to merge into you, back into you, or hit your car for some other reason
Give a little honk to alert them, or if able respond accordingly by getting out of the way
Cuts in front of you in their car
It’s up to you, but I recommend simply backing off. If you aren’t going to bump into them with your car, it’s not really worth it to honk. This just starts an altercation.
Getting Pulled Over by the Police
If you notice a police officer’s lights on behind you, slowly pull to the right of the road. Of course, this part is hopefully obvious once you’ve passed a driving test.
Once you’ve pulled over:
Roll down your passenger side window if possible, as this is likely where they will approach your vehicle.
Have your license, registration, and insurance available to present to the officer.
If you feel fit to do so or have reason to do so, it doesn’t hurt to let them know if you have a behavior or circumstance you feel they might want to know about. For example, if you think you may engage in stim behavior, mentioning this will help them understand. Remember, they are people too and most people can be startled by unexpected movements or vocalizations until they are made aware of the reasoning.
Be polite!
Wait while they go back to their vehicle, and don’t panic. Most people will get at least one ticket in their lifetime, it’s not something to be terribly upset by.
They will come back to your car, let you know if you are getting a ticket, a warning, etc. If you have any questions, be sure to ask – it’s ok to clarify to make sure you know what to do next.
Once they have left your car after saying what your consequence will be, you are free to slowly drive away.
Remember that everyone was a new driver at one point in their life and the more you do it, the easier it will get. Enjoy your new freedom and search out new things to do and see now that you can get more places.
Take risks, live your life, ask questions, and find your fun!