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  • Highway Driving Tips For New Drivers

Highway Driving Tips For New Drivers

Driving on the highway is something that all drivers need to learn how to do. While learning to drive can be exciting, the prospect of operating a car on the freeway can be daunting. Once a driver has become comfortable on the streets, it is time to learn highway driving. Safety should be a top priority when learning how to drive on the highway. Keep the following tips in mind as you begin your highway driving adventure.

Always Pay Attention To Surroundings

When driving on the street, you have a tendency to look straight ahead; this is especially true for new drivers. Highway driving requires that you not only look at what is ahead but also to each side of you as well as behind. You should continually be adjusting your observation points.

Remember to Always Signal

The use of signals is important whenever driving but especially so when it comes to highway driving. You cannot rely on your instincts to figure out other driver’s intentions so you must use your blinkers to communicate with other drivers so they know what you are doing and you know what they are doing.

Lane Changes

Lane changes tie into using your signals properly. It is important to not only maintain a safe distance between your car and others but also to use your blinker to let other drivers know you intend to change lanes. Remember to not only check your mirrors but also check your blind spot before making any lane changes.

Entering and Exiting The Highway

When learning to drive on the highway, one of the scariest things can be the initial entry onto the road. When merging onto the highway from an entry ramp, you want to get up to the same speed as the highway traffic. Make sure you are using your signals, and look for a gap in which you can switch lanes and enter the highway. When exiting the highway, use your signals, and as you enter onto the exit ramp, begin to slow down.

Pick A Slow Time

When you are learning to drive on the highway, it is not a good idea to start your lesson during rush hour. Choose a time later in the evening or on a weekend when there won’t be as much traffic. It will be easier to learn and you will be more comfortable with less traffic. It is also a good idea to wait until a nice day as rain and other inclement weather can affect your comfort level and visibility.

Stay In The Right Lane

The right lane is designated for slower traffic and is the ideal place to be until you are more comfortable. The left lane is intended for passing while the middle and right lanes are for driving. Once you are ready, you can move into the middle lane, and then practice passing in the left lane.

Make Sure You Are Comfortable

If you feel as though you are not ready to start driving on the highway, take some more time to practice on the street before giving it a shot. As your comfort with driving on the street increases, you may feel more comfortable with the prospect of highway driving. It might also help to have an experienced highway driver with you; this is actually a must if you only have a permit and not an actual license yet.

While driving on the highway is quite different than driving on a street, with the right safety precautions and knowledge, driving on the highway will become easy. Driving lessons are available for anyone who wishes to have a professional teach them how to drive on the highway.

Driving in The European Union

Depending on which country you are driving in, you may be required to apply for a provisional license. Some countries of the European Union recognize your USA drivers license if valid. Some of the IDC benefits of Italian citizenship include the ability to avoid some of the government paperwork required for non-citizens.

More Information For New Drivers

By Ted Burgess
Google