Starting the car and getting ready to drive
To start driving, sit in the driver's seat and adjust it so your feet reach the pedals comfortably and your hands reach the steering wheel without stretching. 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.
Insert your key into the ignition or press the start button if your car has keyless ignition. Before turning the key, make sure the gear shift is in Park (P) if you have an automatic transmission, or Neutral (N) if you have a manual. Press the brake pedal with your right foot, then turn the key or press the button. The engine will start. If you're driving a manual transmission car, you'll need to press the clutch pedal (on the left) while starting.
Once the engine is running, check that all your mirrors are set, your seatbelt is fastened, and any passengers are also belted in. Look around the car — check your blind spots by turning your head to look over your shoulder — before you move.
Key Takeaways
- Adjust your seat and mirrors before you start the engine so you can see clearly in all directions.
- Press the brake pedal, then turn the key or press the start button with the car in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual).
- The three pedals in an automatic car are the brake (right), gas (middle), and clutch (left in manual cars only).
- To move forward, shift into Drive (D) or First gear, release the brake, and gently press the gas pedal.
- Steering, braking, and turning require smooth, controlled movements — jerky inputs make the car harder to control.
Using the pedals and shifting gears
An automatic transmission car has three pedals: the brake on the far right, the gas (accelerator) in the middle, and the clutch on the far left — but you only use the clutch in manual transmission cars. Your right foot operates both the brake and gas; your left foot stays off the pedals in an automatic car. In a manual transmission, your left foot operates the clutch.
To move forward in an automatic, press the brake pedal firmly with your right foot. While holding the brake, move the gear shift from Park (P) to Drive (D). Release the parking brake if it's engaged. Now slowly release the brake pedal and gently press the gas pedal. The car will begin to move forward. To stop, release the gas and press the brake pedal smoothly.
In a manual transmission car, the process is different. Press the clutch pedal all the way down with your left foot, then move the gear shift into First gear. Slowly release the clutch while gently pressing the gas with your right foot. As the car moves, you'll feel the engine and wheels connect; continue releasing the clutch smoothly. When you're ready to shift to a higher gear, press the clutch in again, move the shift to the next gear, and repeat the process.
Steering and basic vehicle control
Hold the steering wheel with both hands, one on each side. Your hands should be at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions (or 10 and 2 if that's more comfortable). Turn the wheel smoothly — don't jerk it. Small turns require small movements; larger turns require larger movements. The wheel will return to center on its own after a turn, so you don't need to manually straighten it.
Braking should be smooth and gradual. Press the brake pedal with steady pressure; don't stab at it unless it's an emergency. Smooth braking gives you better control and is easier on your passengers. If you need to stop quickly, press the brake firmly and hold it down.
When turning, slow down before you enter the turn, not during it. Use your turn signal (the lever on the left side of the steering column) before you turn so other drivers know your intention. Push the lever down to signal a left turn, up for a right turn. The signal will turn off automatically after the turn, or you can turn it off by hand.
Parking and stopping safely
To park in a space, slow down and position your car parallel to the space. In an automatic, shift into Reverse (R), check your mirrors and blind spots, and back up slowly while turning the wheel to angle into the space. Straighten the wheels and pull forward or backward to center the car in the space. In a manual, press the clutch, shift into Reverse, release the clutch smoothly, and steer as needed.
Once parked, shift into Park (P) in an automatic or Neutral (N) in a manual. Engage the parking brake by pulling up on the lever or pressing the button, depending on your car's design. Turn off the engine by turning the key or pressing the start button. Remove your key and take it with you.
If you need to stop temporarily — at a red light or stop sign — shift into Drive or the appropriate gear but keep your foot on the brake. Some drivers shift into Neutral at long stops to rest their foot, but keeping the car in gear gives you quicker response if you need to move suddenly.
Understanding automatic vs. manual transmission
An automatic transmission shifts gears for you. You only need to move the gear shift between Park, Reverse, Neutral, and Drive. The car handles all the gear changes as you accelerate and decelerate. This makes automatic cars easier to drive for most people, especially in heavy traffic or on hills.
A manual transmission requires you to shift gears yourself using the clutch pedal and gear shift. You control when the car moves up or down through the gears. Manual cars are less common in the United States but are still standard in many other countries. They give the driver more control but require more attention and coordination, especially when learning.
The basic driving steps are the same for both: start the engine, shift into the appropriate gear, release the brake, and press the gas. The difference is that a manual driver must actively shift gears throughout the drive, while an automatic driver only shifts once at the start.
Common mistakes beginners make
Resting your foot on the brake while driving forward wears out the brakes and heats them up unnecessarily. Keep your foot off the pedals when you're coasting or maintaining speed. Only press the brake when you need to slow down or stop.
Turning the steering wheel too hard or too quickly makes the car unstable and harder to control. Smooth, gradual steering inputs keep the car stable and predictable. The same applies to the gas pedal — pressing it suddenly causes jerky acceleration that wastes fuel and can surprise passengers.
Shifting from Drive to Reverse (or vice versa) while the car is still moving can damage the transmission. Always come to a complete stop before shifting between Drive and Reverse. In a manual car, always press the clutch fully before shifting gears.
Forgetting to use turn signals or check mirrors before turning or changing lanes is dangerous. Make it a habit to signal every turn and lane change, and always look in your mirrors and over your shoulder before moving.
What to do if something goes wrong while driving
If your brakes feel soft or unresponsive, pump the brake pedal several times to build pressure. If that doesn't work, shift into a lower gear (in a manual) or Neutral (in an automatic) to use engine braking, and look for a safe place to pull over. Do not ignore brake problems — have them checked by a mechanic before driving again.
If your steering becomes stiff or unresponsive, do not panic. Stiff steering usually means power steering fluid is low or the system has failed. You can still steer, but it will require more effort. Slow down gradually and pull over safely. Do not attempt to drive long distances with failed power steering.
If your engine stalls (stops running) while you're driving, stay calm. The car will not lock up or become impossible to steer — power steering and brakes will still work, though they'll require more effort. Shift into Neutral, steer to the side of the road, and try to restart the engine. If it won't start, turn on your hazard lights and call for roadside help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the gas pedal and the brake?
The brake pedal is on the far right and slows or stops the car. The gas pedal is in the middle and speeds up the car. You operate both with your right foot in an automatic car — never use both feet at the same time. In a manual car, your left foot operates the clutch, and your right foot still handles the brake and gas.
Why does my car jerk when I shift into Drive or Reverse?
Jerking usually happens when you shift gears without fully releasing the brake or when you press the gas too hard when ready after shifting. Shift smoothly, wait a moment for the transmission to engage, then gently press the gas. If jerking happens even with smooth inputs, have your transmission checked by a mechanic.
Do I need to warm up my car before driving?
Modern cars don't need to warm up. You can drive normally as soon as the engine starts. However, avoid hard acceleration or high speeds for the first minute or two while the engine reaches operating temperature. Older cars may benefit from a brief warm-up, but check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle.
What should I do if I stall the engine while driving?
Shift into Neutral when ready, steer safely to the side of the road, and restart the engine. Stalling is not dangerous — your brakes and steering still work. Once you're safely parked, you can figure out what caused the stall. Common causes are shifting too early in a manual car or releasing the clutch too quickly.
Is it bad to drive in Neutral?
Driving in Neutral (coasting) reduces your control because the engine isn't connected to the wheels. You can't accelerate quickly if needed, and braking is your only way to slow down. Keep the car in Drive (automatic) or an appropriate gear (manual) while moving. Only shift to Neutral when you're stopped or parked.