What you need before you get in the car
Before you sit down in the driver's seat, you need a valid driver's license or learner's permit — the rules vary by state, but most require you to pass a written test on road signs and traffic laws before you can legally drive. You also need to know where the basic controls are: the steering wheel, gas pedal (on the right), brake pedal (in the middle), and shift lever (which moves between Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive on automatic transmissions). The car's owner's manual explains where everything is and how it works for that specific model.
Make sure the seat is adjusted so you can reach the pedals comfortably and see over the steering wheel. Your eyes should be level with the top third of the windshield. Adjust the mirrors — the rearview mirror in the center of the windshield and the side mirrors on both doors — so you can see behind and beside you without turning your head too far. Fasten your seatbelt every time before you start the engine.
Key Takeaways
- Adjust your seat and mirrors before you start the engine so you can reach the pedals and see clearly in all directions.
- Start with the brake pedal pressed down, shift into Drive or Reverse, then slowly release the brake while gently pressing the gas.
- Practice in an empty parking lot or quiet residential street before driving in traffic or on highways.
- Use your turn signals before every lane change or turn, and check your mirrors and blind spots before moving.
- The gas and brake pedals control your speed; smooth, gradual pressure is safer than sudden movements.
Starting the engine and moving forward
Insert the key into the ignition or press the start button if your car has a keyless system. Keep your foot on the brake pedal — this is critical. Turn the key or press the button until the engine starts, then release it. The engine should run on its own; if it doesn't, wait a few seconds and try again. Never hold the key or button for more than a few seconds at a time, or you can damage the starter.
Once the engine is running, you will see the gear shift indicator on the dashboard. Press the brake pedal all the way down and move the shift lever into Drive (marked D) to move forward, or Reverse (marked R) to back up. Keep your foot firmly on the brake until you are ready to move. Then slowly release the brake pedal while gently pressing the gas pedal with your right foot. The car will begin to roll. Do not press the gas hard — a light touch is all you need at first.
Practice this in an empty parking lot several times. Get a feel for how the car responds to small movements of the gas pedal. Many new drivers press too hard and lurch forward; smooth, gradual pressure is the goal.
Steering, turning, and using your signals
Hold the steering wheel at the 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock positions (like the sides of a clock face) with your hands relaxed. Turn the wheel smoothly — do not jerk it. For a gentle curve, turn it slightly; for a sharp turn, turn it more. As you complete the turn, let the wheel return to center on its own; do not force it back.
Before you turn or change lanes, use your turn signal. Move the signal lever up to signal a right turn or down to signal a left turn. The signal will blink on the dashboard and you will hear a clicking sound. Check your mirrors and look over your shoulder to see your blind spot — the area just behind and to the side of your car that mirrors cannot show. Only turn or change lanes when it is safe. Turn off the signal after you have completed the maneuver by tapping the lever back to center.
Practice turns in a quiet neighborhood or parking lot. Make some gentle turns, some sharper turns, and some lane changes. Get comfortable with how the car responds to the steering wheel at different speeds.
Braking and stopping smoothly
The brake pedal is in the middle of the floor, below the steering wheel. Press it with steady, even pressure — do not stab at it or pump it repeatedly unless your car has no anti-lock brakes (most modern cars do). Pressing the brake gradually will slow the car smoothly. The harder you press, the faster you stop, but sudden hard braking can throw passengers forward and is uncomfortable.
To come to a complete stop, press the brake pedal firmly and hold it until the car stops moving. Once stopped, keep your foot on the brake. If you need to stay stopped for more than a few seconds, shift into Park (marked P) and release the brake pedal. The car will not roll.
Practice braking in an empty lot. Get a feel for how much pressure stops the car at different speeds. Aim for smooth, gradual stops rather than sudden ones.
Managing speed on different road types
Your speed should match the road and conditions. In a parking lot or residential area, drive slowly — 5 to 15 miles per hour is typical. On a regular street with traffic, follow the posted speed limit sign. On a highway, speed limits are usually 55 to 75 miles per hour depending on the state and road type. Never drive faster than the speed limit, and slow down if weather is bad, visibility is poor, or traffic is heavy.
Use the gas pedal to control your speed. Light pressure keeps you at a steady speed; more pressure speeds you up; releasing the gas pedal slows you down gradually (this is called coasting). The brake pedal is for stopping or slowing down quickly. On a long downhill stretch, do not ride the brakes constantly — instead, shift into a lower gear (if you have a manual transmission) or use the brakes in short bursts to avoid overheating them.
Stay in the right lane on a highway unless you are passing another vehicle. Check your mirrors every few seconds to know what is around you. Keep at least two to three seconds of distance between your car and the car in front of you — if that car stops suddenly, you will have time to brake safely.
Parking and shutting down
To park, find a space that is large enough for your car. Pull in slowly and straighten the wheels. Shift into Park, press the brake pedal, and release it. Turn off the engine by turning the key to the off position or pressing the start button. Remove the key or wait for the button to register. Check that the gear shift shows P (Park) and the parking brake is engaged — most modern cars engage it automatically when you shift into Park.
If you are parking on a hill, turn the steering wheel toward the curb (so the car will roll into the curb if the brakes fail) and engage the parking brake by hand or button. In a parking lot on flat ground, you do not need to do this, but it does not hurt.
Before you leave the car, make sure all windows are closed, the doors are locked, and you have taken your keys and belongings with you.
Common mistakes new drivers make
Pressing the gas too hard is the most common mistake — the car lurches forward and new drivers panic. Remember: light, gradual pressure on the gas pedal is all you need. Another common mistake is not checking mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes, which can cause collisions. Always look before you move.
Riding the brakes on a long downhill stretch overheats them and can cause brake failure. Instead, shift into a lower gear or use the brakes in short bursts. Not using turn signals confuses other drivers and is illegal in most places — signal every time you turn or change lanes, even if the road looks empty.
Driving too fast for conditions is dangerous. If you are tired, the weather is bad, or traffic is heavy, slow down. New drivers often do not realize how much time and distance they need to stop, especially at higher speeds. Practice in good weather and light traffic first, then gradually work up to busier roads and worse conditions.
When to practice and where to start
Start in an empty parking lot during daylight hours. Practice starting, stopping, turning, and parking until these movements feel natural. Then move to a quiet residential street with light traffic. Drive slowly and focus on smooth steering and braking. After several practice sessions, try a busier street or a highway during daylight and good weather.
Practice with a licensed driver in the car with you — someone calm who can give you feedback without distracting you. Avoid rush hour, heavy rain, snow, or night driving until you have logged many hours in easier conditions. Most states require a certain number of supervised driving hours before you can take the road test for your full license; check your state's requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if the engine stalls while I am driving?
Stay calm and steer the car to the side of the road. Shift into Neutral, turn off the engine, and wait a few seconds. Turn the key or press the start button again to restart. If the engine does not start, turn on your hazard lights and call for roadside help. Stalling is usually not dangerous — you just lose power steering and power brakes, so the car is harder to steer and stop, but you can still do both.
How do I know if I am in the right gear?
On an automatic transmission, you only need to know Park (P), Reverse (R), Neutral (N), and Drive (D). Use Park when the car is stopped and you are leaving it. Use Reverse to back up. Use Neutral if you need to coast (rare). Use Drive for all forward motion. The gear shift lever shows which gear you are in on the dashboard.
What if another driver honks at me or seems angry?
Do not take it personally. Other drivers may be impatient, but your job is to drive safely, not fast. Keep your eyes on the road, follow the speed limit, and use your signals. If someone is tailgating you (driving too close behind), slow down slightly and let them pass. Never speed up or brake suddenly to punish another driver.
Is it normal to feel nervous when driving?
Yes. Most new drivers feel nervous, and that nervousness keeps you alert and careful. As you practice, the nervousness usually fades and driving becomes automatic. If you feel too anxious to drive safely, pull over in a safe spot and take a break. Never drive when you are too tired, upset, or distracted to focus on the road.
How often should I practice before I take my road test?
Most states require 50 to 100 hours of supervised driving before you can take the test. Check your state's requirements. Practice in different conditions — daytime and evening, light traffic and heavier traffic, residential streets and highways. The more varied your practice, the better prepared you will be.