Essential Driving Tips

Defensive Driving

Anticipate hazards and stay safe on the road.

• Maintain 3-second following distance
• Scan 12-15 seconds ahead
• Check mirrors every 5-8 seconds
• Always have an escape route
• Assume others will make mistakes
• Never drive distracted or impaired

Parallel Parking

Master this essential skill step-by-step.

1. Pull alongside the front car (2 feet away)
2. Reverse until rear wheels align with front car's bumper
3. Turn wheel fully right, continue backing
4. When at 45° angle, straighten wheel
5. Back up until parallel, then turn left
6. Center in space and straighten wheels

Highway & Freeway

Safe practices for high-speed driving.

• Merge at highway speed (match traffic)
• Stay in right lane except to pass
• Use turn signals for all lane changes
• Check blind spots before merging
• Maintain consistent speed
• Plan exits 1 mile in advance

Weather Conditions

How to drive safely in rain, fog, and more.

• Rain: Reduce speed, increase following distance
• Fog: Use low beams, not high beams
• Wind: Grip wheel firmly, slow down
• Ice: Brake gently, no sudden movements
• Snow: Clear all windows before driving

Night Driving

Stay safe when driving after dark.

• Clean headlights and windshield regularly
• Dim dashboard lights to reduce glare
• Look to right edge of road if blinded
• Increase following distance (harder to judge)
• Watch for pedestrians and animals
• Use high beams in rural areas (when safe)

Emergency Situations

What to do when things go wrong.

• Tire blowout: Don't brake, grip wheel, ease off gas
• Brake failure: Pump brakes, downshift, emergency brake
• Skidding: Steer into the skid, don't brake
• Engine stalls: Move to shoulder with hazards on
• Accident: Stop, call 911, exchange info, document