Austin Driving Lessons
Driving Techniques you will learn from us
1. Understanding Blind Spots
- What Are Blind Spots?
Blind spots are areas around your vehicle that you can’t see in your mirrors. This is why it’s important to physically check over your shoulder (also called a “shoulder check”) before changing lanes or merging onto highways. - How to Check for Blind Spots:
- Use your mirrors before signaling to change lanes.
- Once you’ve signaled, quickly turn your head to check the blind spot on the side you’re moving toward.
- After confirming it’s clear, move into the next lane smoothly.
Tip: If your car has blind-spot monitoring, this system will alert you to vehicles in your blind spots. Still, it’s a good idea to double-check manually.
2. Navigating Intersections
- Types of Intersections:
- T-intersections: These occur when one road ends at a perpendicular road (forms a “T”). Yield to traffic on the through road.
- Four-way stops: All vehicles stop, and you proceed in the order of arrival. The vehicle on the right has the right of way.
- Roundabouts: Yield to vehicles in the circle and enter when there’s a safe gap. Always signal when exiting.
How to Approach:
- Stop Signs: At a stop sign, always come to a complete stop. Look left, right, and left again before proceeding.
- Yield Signs: Yield to other vehicles that have the right of way, but don’t stop unless you absolutely need to.
- Traffic Lights: If you’re at a red light and intend to turn right, look for pedestrians and other vehicles. If the coast is clear, you can turn right unless there’s a sign that prohibits it.
Tip: Always double-check your surroundings when approaching intersections. Even if you have the right of way, other drivers may not be paying attention.
3. Handling Different Weather Conditions
- Rain:
- Driving in the rain requires extra caution because roads can become slippery. Slow down and maintain a greater following distance.
- Use your wipers and headlights.
- Avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel or brakes, as this could cause hydroplaning.
- Snow/Ice:
- Slow down even more and avoid using cruise control.
- Allow extra time for braking—it takes longer to stop on slippery roads.
- Avoid sudden steering motions. If you start to skid, steer into the skid (turn the wheel in the direction you want the front of the car to go).
- Fog:
- Use your low beams and fog lights if available. High beams will reflect off the fog, making it harder to see.
- Drive slowly and follow the road markings carefully.
Tip: Always adjust your driving speed and distance according to the weather conditions, and if you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
4. Parallel Parking (Step-by-Step in More Detail)
Parallel parking can be intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. Here’s a step-by-step process:
- Find a Suitable Parking Space:
- Choose a spot with enough space to fit your car, ideally 1.5 times the length of your vehicle.
- Signal:
- Use your signal to indicate you intend to park.
- Position Your Car:
- Drive slowly forward, aligning your vehicle parallel to the parked cars. Leave about 2-3 feet between your car and the parked vehicle.
- Shift to Reverse:
- Once you’ve positioned your car, shift into reverse. Turn the wheel toward the parking space (right for a left-side space or left for a right-side space).
- Reverse Into the Space:
- Begin slowly reversing. Keep your eyes on the rearview mirror and side mirrors. As you move into the space, adjust your steering to angle your car correctly.
- Adjust Position if Needed:
- If you’re not aligned correctly, move forward and adjust the car as necessary to get it fully inside the lines.
- Complete the Parking:
- Once your car is within the lines and not too close to the other cars, shift into “Park.”
Tip: If you feel like you’re getting too close to a car, stop and start over. It’s better to take your time than risk scraping or bumping into another vehicle.
5. Dealing with Traffic Jams
- Stay Calm: In traffic jams, it’s important to stay patient and keep your distance from other vehicles.
- Keep a Safe Following Distance: Aim for at least a 3-second gap between your vehicle and the one ahead. This gives you enough space to react in case of sudden stops.
- Use Your Turn Signals: Signal if you’re trying to change lanes, even if you’re moving slowly.
- Be Aware of Aggressive Drivers: Some drivers may try to cut in or lane-hop. Allow them space, and avoid engaging with them.
Tip: If traffic is moving extremely slowly, keep your foot on the brake (not the accelerator) to avoid jerky movements, especially if you’re in stop-and-go traffic.
6. The Importance of Defensive Driving
- What Is Defensive Driving?
Defensive driving involves anticipating potential hazards and reacting to them before they cause a problem. It’s about being proactive, not just reactive, while on the road.
Key Defensive Driving Practices:
- Always be aware of your surroundings—look ahead, to the sides, and check your mirrors frequently.
- Expect the Unexpected: Watch for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers who may not follow the rules.
- Leave Room for Other Drivers: If another car is tailgating you, change lanes when it’s safe to let them pass.
- Avoid Distractions: Never use your phone or get distracted by anything in the car. Keep your full attention on the road.
7. Dealing with Stalled Vehicles
- If Your Vehicle Stalls (Manual Transmission):
- Press the clutch and shift to neutral.
- If you’re on a busy road, pull over to the side as quickly and safely as possible.
- Restart the vehicle and check for any issues if it doesn’t start.
- If Other Vehicles Stall:
- If you see a vehicle stalled on the road, slow down and keep a safe distance. If the car is in a dangerous position, you may need to change lanes or take a detour.
Tip: If you regularly drive in areas prone to stalling (like uphill), practice restarting your car after stalling so it becomes a reflex when needed.
8. Using Cruise Control (If Available)
- Cruise Control:
- This feature allows you to set your car to maintain a steady speed without having to keep your foot on the gas pedal.
- How to Use It:
- To activate it, accelerate to your desired speed, then press the “Set” button.
- To increase or decrease speed, press the respective “+” or “-” buttons on the steering wheel or dashboard.
- To deactivate it, either press the brake pedal or press the “Cancel” button.
Tip: Use cruise control on highways where traffic is consistent. Avoid using it in heavy traffic or on winding roads. Visit our Home Page
