Round Rock Driving School

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Austin-Driving-School

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Driving techniques you will learn from us

 

1. Dealing with Tight Spaces (Parking and Manoeuvring)

  • Parking in Tight Spots (Parallel or Perpendicular):
    • Parallel Parking in Tight Spaces:
      1. As you approach, signal early to indicate your intention.
      2. Position the car parallel to the parked vehicles, leaving about 2-3 feet of space. This will give you enough room to maneuver.
      3. Shift into reverse, and as you back up, turn the steering wheel toward the parking space. If you have a rearview camera, you can use it as a guide, but also check over your shoulder for any obstructions.
      4. As the car moves into the space, adjust your wheel so the vehicle aligns with the parking lines. If you don’t make it in one attempt, don’t hesitate to move forward and reposition.
    • Perpendicular Parking:
      1. Line up your car with the space, ensuring you have enough room to turn the steering wheel into the space.
      2. Move slowly and turn the wheel sharply when you’re about to enter the space.
      3. Check your mirrors while you move in, ensuring you don’t hit the other parked vehicles.
      4. After entering the space, straighten your wheels to make sure you’re centered.
  • Tip for Both: When parking, always leave space on all sides. If you’re unsure, it’s okay to take a few extra seconds to reposition.

2. Highway Merging (On-Ramp and Lane Changing)

  • Entering a Highway via an On-Ramp:
    1. As you approach the on-ramp, signal your intent to merge.
    2. Accelerate smoothly to match the speed of traffic, and check your mirrors and blind spots.
    3. As you approach the end of the ramp, yield to oncoming traffic in the main lanes, and merge when there’s a safe gap.
    4. Maintain a safe following distance once you’ve merged onto the highway. The highway is typically faster, so keep pace with surrounding traffic.
  • Lane Changing on Highways:
    1. Check mirrors and blind spots before signaling and changing lanes.
    2. Keep a safe distance from vehicles ahead and behind you, as highway speeds require extra room for reaction time.
    3. If someone is tailgating, allow them to pass rather than change lanes immediately. Always be aware of vehicles in your rearview mirror.
  • Tip: When merging, you can adjust your speed a little to create a safer gap. Don’t force your way into traffic.

3. Dealing with Large Vehicles (Trucks, Buses, etc.)

  • When Driving Near Large Vehicles:
    1. Stay out of their blind spots: Large trucks have bigger blind spots on the front, sides, and rear. If you can’t see their side mirrors, they can’t see you.
    2. Pass Safely: When overtaking a large vehicle, move quickly but cautiously. Don’t linger in the truck’s blind spot. After passing, make sure you can see the truck’s front bumper in your rearview mirror before pulling back into the lane.
    3. Stay clear of trucks on inclines: When trucks are going up or down hills, they may move slower or faster than expected. Keep a safe distance to avoid sudden stops or collisions.
  • Tip: When behind a large truck, stay far enough back so you have a clear view of the road ahead.

4. Handling Road Rage and Aggressive Drivers

  • Stay Calm and Don’t Engage:
    • If another driver is tailgating, don’t brake suddenly or challenge them. If possible, move over to let them pass.
    • If a driver is weaving in and out of lanes or honking excessively, don’t respond with aggression. Let them pass and keep a safe distance.
  • How to Protect Yourself:
    • Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers.
    • Don’t take their actions personally. Stay calm and focus on your driving.
    • If the situation escalates, drive to a public, populated area or a police station, and call for help if necessary.
  • Tip: Never retaliate to aggressive drivers. Protect your safety first.

5. Night Driving

  • Challenges of Night Driving:
    • Reduced visibility can make it harder to see pedestrians, animals, road signs, and other vehicles.
    • Headlights and streetlights can cause glare.
  • How to Improve Night Driving Safety:
    1. Use your headlights properly: Turn on your headlights well before dusk and keep them on until you can see clearly in the morning.
    2. Dim your high beams when you’re within 500 feet of an oncoming vehicle or 200 feet behind another vehicle.
    3. Increase the following distance: At night, give yourself more time to react. A 3-second following distance is a good rule, but increase it in low visibility conditions.
    4. Be extra cautious at intersections and crosswalks, as pedestrians may be harder to see.
    5. Avoid looking directly at oncoming headlights: If you’re having trouble with glare, look slightly to the right side of the road.
  • Tip: Ensure your windshield is clean, as any dirt or streaks can significantly affect your visibility at night.

6. Navigating Roundabouts

  • What is a Roundabout?
    A roundabout is a circular intersection where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Drivers must yield to traffic in the circle and enter when it’s safe.
  • How to Use a Roundabout:
    1. Slow down as you approach the roundabout and yield to traffic already inside.
    2. Signal if you’re turning off at any exit (e.g., right or left).
    3. Choose the correct lane before entering, depending on which exit you will take. Stay in the lane until it’s time to exit.
    4. Exit carefully, signaling your intent as you leave the roundabout.
  • Tip: If you’re unsure, it’s safer to enter the roundabout and wait for a gap in traffic. Don’t rush.

7. Dealing with Road Construction

  • Stay Alert: Construction zones can change quickly, with shifting lanes, speed limits, and unexpected hazards.
  • Adhere to Posted Signs: Speed limits often drop significantly in construction zones, and there may be lane shifts or closures.
  • Pay Attention to Flaggers: If there’s a flagger (person holding signs), follow their directions exactly, as they are controlling traffic.
  • Watch for Unexpected Stops: Sometimes, construction zones can cause stop-and-go traffic, even if there are no visible obstacles.
  • Tip: Reduce your speed as you approach construction zones, and keep a safe distance from workers and equipment.

8. Handling Skids and Hydroplaning

  • What is Hydroplaning?
    Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose contact with the road and ride on a thin layer of water. It’s more likely in wet conditions or when tires are worn out.
  • What to Do If You Hydroplane:
    1. Don’t panic—gently ease off the accelerator.
    2. Steer into the skid: If the back of the car starts sliding, turn the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear of the car is sliding. Don’t jerk the wheel.
    3. Avoid braking harshly, as this can cause you to lose control.
  • Tip: Check your tire tread depth regularly. Worn tires are more prone to hydroplaning. Visit our Home page
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