Tips for New Adult Drivers

Not everyone gets their driver’s license at 16. Perhaps, you’ve waited because you’ve lived in a city with great public transportation, or you’ve just ridden your bicycle everywhere. Maybe you just never had the desire to learn to drive. Or perhaps you’ve been fearful of getting behind the wheel, but it is time for some tips for new adult drivers.

Tips for new adult drivers are just as important as tips for new teen drivers who want to learn how to drive safely and responsibly. Maybe you did learn to drive years ago but have had long gaps in your driving. You may need to renew your license and give yourself a “refresher course”.

Whatever the reason, if you’re a new adult driver in your 20s, 30s, or beyond, you may be feeling a little “out of the loop”. Well, now you’re preparing to get your driver’s license. First off, congratulations! This is a big step in anyone’s life – and one to be taken seriously.

Getting Over Nerves

Since you’re older, you’re probably more nervous about learning to drive than your teenage counterparts. We have found this to be true – many people put off learning to drive because of their fears (which snowball over time into potentially irrational fears), or just maturity and life experience makes you take the risks more seriously.

Second, don’t consider yourself at a disadvantage over kids who’ve been driving since 15 or 16 years old – because according to the statistics, teenagers and young adults are the most dangerous group of people to get behind the wheel. There are lots of reasons for this. Teens are often overconfident, bigger risk-takers, and often have that “invincible” feeling. Plus, cognitively many still lack the ability to fully appreciate the consequences of their decisions.

You’ve had a chance to experience life a little more and to mature, so ideally you will approach your driving experiences with caution, respect, and seriousness. Consider yourself ahead of the curve! We’d like to set your mind at ease, so here are some of our tips for new adult drivers:

Adult Drivers Ed Course

There are private driving lessons for adults (we offer them!). Take our online course to first learn the “rules of the road” and get your learner’s permit (we’ll help you – give us a call!). Then sign up for our driving lessons (we offer free pickup and drop off, so no need to have your own car).

With a reputable driving school, you will learn all the relevant information you need to pass the DMV written exam and get your learner’s permit, plus you’ll get the driving experience from a patient, calm, certified instructor who specializes in inexperienced drivers, in an insured car devoted to driver’s education (with instructor brakes).

Practice, Practice, Practice

You learned it a long time ago, right? Practice makes perfect. Driving is not hard to learn, but you have to get rid of your anxiety and prepare your mind. The best way to master the techniques, maneuvers, and defensive driving principles – and to get comfortable and minimize that anxiety – is to practice.

If you take a driver’s ed course, you’ll have at least 6 hours with a certified instructor, but most schools will offer packages of varying levels. In fact, if you’re not comfortable practicing with a friend or family member, it’s worth it to pay a little extra for more hours with the instructor.

If you’re super nervous, practice in places and at times when few people are out, and traffic is light. Don’t opt for rush hour traffic, nighttime, or rainy days until you’re more comfortable. Later, however, it is a good idea to practice with your instructor in these situations, so you can learn how to respond to various scenarios.

Any questions? Give us a call! We’d love to assist you. (949) 387-4400