No matter your age when you got your driver’s license, it’s exciting to finally be able to sit behind the wheel and be the one in charge. However, many – young and old – new drivers seem to carry the misconception that they are now invincible. 

News flash: real driving happens only after driving school.

Today, we go over several areas where new drivers often fall victim to overconfidence. We will also try to clear up a few misconceptions.

Learning Doesn’t Stop In Driving School

Quite the opposite; it only starts the first time you pull away alone. 

Classes give you the theoretical knowledge, and instructors show you the ropes. They only equip you for the most comfortable possible conditions, though. Besides, driving while there’s someone certified next to you makes you feel more at ease. 

Once you’re on the road, you’ll encounter less than favorable environments. You’ll have to tackle them on your own, but that’s how you learn. 

Luckily, many institutions offer further driving education. They help you stay in your comfort zone a bit longer. Sign up for one of them – not only will you be more capable, but later, your insurance may even be cheaper!

Put Yourself In Various Situations

Whether or not you take additional driving education, you need to practice in various conditions. If it’s raining, snowing, or merely dark outside, you may be reluctant to hit the road. Still, getting your hands dirty will boost your confidence and your skills. 

Of course, start this experiment in a safe environment and with someone experienced beside you. Try to feel out the weather and how it affects your car. Each driver is different. This way, you will learn the best ways for yourself to handle these situations. 

Safety, Not Showing Off

You used to be able to text while in the car. But now, you’re behind the wheel, and it’s no longer possible. 

It may look nice to wear a headset or use a hands-free kit, but it will distract you from the road. Save that for when you’re a few years down the line if you can. However, it would be best that you avoid this practice altogether. 

Also, while driving all alone isn’t ideal for novices, avoid letting your friends influence your driving style. Crashing won’t impress anyone. If you notice that the presence of other people changes the way you drive and makes you take more risks, stop offering lifts.

In essence, you need to make sure your necessary skills are stable before you start playing around. Being responsible is much more impressive.

What About Insurance?

If you’re young, you may be driving the used car your parents gave you. In that case, it’s likely already insured. However, when you buy your first car, you may think insurance is an unnecessary cost. Avoid that mindset.

While insurance policies vary, there are definite benefits to having car insurance. Do your research on different companies and their policies. Then choose the one that best fits your needs. It will save you a lot of money in the long run, as insurance policies cover: 

• The cost of your car if it gets stolen. 
• Compensation for injuries.
• Legal expenses.

You may not enjoy thinking about these circumstances, but you’re a driver now. And with driving comes responsibility.

The Bottom Line 

Driving comes with a learning curve. If you want to be competent, you must understand and honor this. 

Sit in your car and go over the controls. Figure out what the different lights mean. Take your time to cruise down an empty street. You have plenty of time to play around with driving, but setting a solid foundation is vital. If you haven’t gotten your license yet, there are many options available to help you pass your drivers test such as a driving permit test app.