Learning to drive is exciting. If you’ve signed up for driver’s education and are getting behind the wheel for the first time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with all the rules to remember and the pressure of driving around other vehicles. It’s normal to be nervous, but remembering these four tips will make your first driving experiences much easier.

4 Driver’s Education Tips

1. Make Adjustments Before Driving

Once you’ve buckled up, check the side mirrors and rear-view mirror. If you lean to either the left or right side and look out the side mirrors, you should only be able to see a sliver of the car’s chassis at the mirror’s edge. The rear-view mirror should let you see clearly behind your vehicle. If you can’t see enough of the road behind you, move the mirror until you can see out the back from a comfortable position in your seat.

2. Go at Your Pace

Learning to drive isn’t a competition. Don’t worry if it takes you longer than you expect to get the hang of parking or reversing. Go at your own pace and remember what you’ve learned in the classroom. Driver’s education sessions are one of the best ways to build your driving skills. Don’t expect to be able to merge onto a busy highway your first time behind the wheel. Your driving instructor will ease you into that as you get more comfortable driving. 

3. Avoid Distractions

Checking your phone and adjusting the temperature are prime examples of distractions you should avoid. Take care of these tasks before you drive or when you’re parked. This isn’t just for teen drivers — it’s the way any driver should behave on the road. 

4. Give Yourself Plenty of Room

Some of the most common collisions come from the rear. Leaving plenty of space between your car and the car in front of you can help prevent these types of accidents. Make sure that you can see the rear tires over your hood of the car in front of you when you come to a complete stop. 

If you’re looking for a driver’s education course or private driving lessons Rochester, NY, enroll in classes at the Eaton Driving School. For over 30 years, they’ve helped teens gain the skills necessary for safe driving. Give them a call at (585) 227-4800 for more information. You can also learn more about them online. If you want to receive weekly tips, special offers, and appointment reminders, text JOIN to (585) 484-8756 to enroll.