5 Simple Ways To Improve Your Driving Skills

Looking to improve your driving skills?

Below are 5 simple ways anyone can do to improve their driving skills.

Whether you’re just starting out or have been driving for years, this article is for you …

1. Take additional lessons

No matter your experience, there’s always room for learning to drive better.

Whether you need to pass a driving exam faster or become a more confident driver, many people are taking intensive driving training courses. The L Team Driving School has a great reputation with 1 st time pass rate of 90% (compared to the 43% nationwide).

Find a good instructor who will make you feel comfortable and give you the attention you need. A good instructor will help assess your strengths and weaknesses when behind the wheel and work with you on improving those skills.

If taking a class is not feasible, there are online driving courses available that can also help improve your skills.

2. Drive defensively

It’s always better to drive defensively than aggressively.

As a defensive driver, you are always prepared for the unexpected, and hence are more aware of your surroundings. Figures suggest that non-aggressive driving and anticipating the road ahead could see this rise to as much as 30%.

Finally, always be prepared for the unexpected. This means keeping your eyes peeled for any event that can make you break abruptly.

Always keep within the speed limit and never tailgate the car in front of you. This will help you avoid accidents or getting pulled over.

Additionally, don’t forget the blind spots. Make sure to check them frequently, especially before changing lanes.

It’s also important to be aware of the weather and road conditions. If it’s raining or snowing, make sure to adjust your driving accordingly. This means driving slower, leaving bigger space between the car in front of you, and generally being extra cautious.   

3. Don’t get distracted 

One of the most dangerous behaviors on the roads is distracted driving. Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from driving. Distracted driving can increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash.

Many things can distract you while driving. For example:

• Your phone
• Eating or drinking
• Passengers
• Rubbernecking
• Adjusting the car’s controls 
• Daydreaming
• Fidgeting

All of these distractions take your attention away from the road.

If you need to eat or drink, pull over and stop the car first.

If your passengers are being rowdy, ask them to quiet down.

Avoid the following activities when driving:

Don’t fiddle with the radio, don’t text, don’t talk on the phone.

Your role as a driver is to stay focused on the road and avoid accidents. 

4. Follow traffic rules 

Always respect traffic rules and follow the signs when driving. These are there for everyone’s safety, not punishment.

Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents. By obeying the speed limit, you reduce your chances of being involved in a collision. You also use less fuel and save more money.

NB! Speed limits are a maximum, not a target.

So while it might be perfectly safe to drive at 40mph when the weather is clear and the roads are dry, you might need to slow your speed when it’s raining and traffic is busy.

Always watch for road signs and be prepared to stop, turn, or yield as needed. By following the rules of the road, you can keep yourself and other drivers safe. 

NB! Don’t speed at yellow lights. Many drivers think that they can make it through a yellow light if they speed up. Speeding at yellow lights can result in accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. 

Be cautious of other drivers. Even if you are following all the rules of the road, there are other drivers who may not be. 

5. Beware of your surroundings 

You need to be fully aware of your surroundings when driving to avoid accidents.

This means being aware of the cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and obstacles.

One way to improve your awareness is through meditation or mindfulness practice.

Mindfulness helps you to focus on the present moment and be more aware of your thoughts and feelings. It can also help you to be more aware of your body and environment.

If you’re not used to meditating, there are many resources available online or in bookstores that can help you get started.

Final words

A good driver has the ability to react to different situations and adjust their driving accordingly.

Always drive defensively and never let yourself get distracted.

Finally, always keep your eyes on the road and stay focused only on driving!