Driving tips for student drivers in Canada
Driving is a skill that takes time and patience to master. Student drivers shouldn’t expect to be excellent drivers overnight. Instead, honing your driving skills requires regular practice. If you are new behind the wheel, we’ve got some tips for you. From avoiding distractions to slowing down, check out our top five tips for student drivers in Canada.
Drive slowly
Statistics reveal that young drivers may be more likely to speed than their older counterparts. For this reason, we urge student drivers to slow down. The faster you are driving, the less time you have to stop your car, and the worse the impact will be. Student drivers in Canada should always strive to drive the speed limit (or below it in poor weather, at night, or when in a construction zone). Driving slowly will ultimately give you more time to react to various situations, decreasing your odds of getting into an accident.
Check your mirrors
A responsible student driver is aware of their surroundings at all times, and the only way to be aware of your surroundings is by checking your mirrors. Make a point of glancing into your rear-view and side mirrors every few seconds. In addition, scan all lanes ahead of you so you are aware of other vehicles beyond the one directly in front. Checking your mirrors is a habit all student drivers should work to develop.
Attend a driving school
New Drivers should consider attending an approved driving school in their province. Driving schools provide a mix of in-class and in-car lessons, allowing young drivers to learn the rules of the road in a classroom before honing their practical skills in a vehicle. Plus, attending driving school might make you eligible for a discount on your student car insurance.
Give yourself space
There’s no downside to giving yourself extra space on the road, which is why we always recommend that student drivers maintain a distance of two car lengths between themselves and the vehicle in front of them at all times. This way, if you have to stop suddenly, you can do so without hitting the car in front. Alternatively, if you are rear-ended at an intersection, this extra space will ensure you don’t bump into the car ahead, causing greater damage. Ample space is also important in the following situations: when driving at high speeds, such as on a highway and in poor weather conditions like fog, snow, or rain.
Avoid distractions
One final tip for student drivers in Canada is to avoid distractions. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in North America. So when you are behind the wheel, do not eat, drink, fiddle with the radio, or turn around to talk to passengers in the backseat. Instead, while your vehicle is still parked in your driveway, change the radio to the station you want, set up your GPS, and do whatever you need to do so that you can fully concentrate on the road.
