I have compiled some Do's and Dont's of car-learning etiquettes in this A-Z list. So, are you ready to burn tyre?
A: Accelerator
You must try to control your speed whenever you drive. The acceleration pedal is on the rightmost of the two other such control pedals. This one should be controlled by your right foot. Just a little pressure is enough to get the right speed.
B: Brakes
The brakes pedal is in the middle of the other two pedals. It should be controlled by your right-foot. You must not apply too much pressure while applying brakes. Do it smoothly. Sudden brakes can be dangerous, specially on highways or crowded roads. Bring your vehicle to a gradual stop, instead of a sudden one.
C: Clutch
This is the leftmost pedal, which should be controlled by your left foot. Do not press this pedal regularly, as it costs fuel. It should be completely pressed when you change gears. When your car jerks, just press this pedal and change the gears to something lower.
D: Distance
You should always maintain a good distance from the car ahead of you. Try keeping safe distance from any vehicle on your left or right side too. Keep away from dividers as well. Try to keep distance from walking pedestrians as well. If you hit someone, expect something more in return.
E: Eyes
Your eyes must roam in all directions when you are driving. Looking ahead is good, but looking behind is equally important. Adjust your rear mirrors, and look into them whenever you take a turn. Take care of the overtaking vehicles.
F: Fuel
Fuel is very important. So, do not waste it. Pressing clutch regularly, or driving in low gear for lot of time will waste fuel. Also, when you go out for a long-drive, check for the fuel.
G: Gears
As we have right-hand drive vehicles, we control the gear stick by our left-hand. To change gears, leave the accelerator pedal, press the clutch pedal completely, and change gear with light but firm hands. Keep looking forward while you change gears. The speed you attain should vary proportionately to the gears you change.
H: Horn
To give a horn is very important sometimes. Specially, when you are overtaking or want someone out of your way. Use it sparingly, but effectively. Do not honk near schools or hospitals.
I: Instructor
I would not recommend learners going out on their own and learning to drive. Have a person who has valid license to accompany you. This person can also guide you while you drive.
J: Jam
Learners will find such situations very difficult. So, when you are trapped in a jam, put your car in the first gear, and accelerate slowly, while having complete control over the brakes and clutch. Try moving slowly. Let the forward car move some distance, and then you move. Be calm and look forward.
K: Knowledge
A little knowledge about all the vehicle parts inside the bonnet can be useful. Read more about car maintenance. This will help you keep your car in perfect health.
L: License
If you are 18 or above, and are willing to learn to drive, I would suggest you to get yourself a learner's license first. Put in a big'L' sign on both the front and back of your vehicle. After 3 months of the issue of your learner's license, you can get yourself a permanent license. Always carry your license when you are out with your car.
M: Music
Mumbai Traffic Police says that a person who hums while driving, actually enjoys himself and will cause less fatality to himself. But you should restrict yourself to just humming, and not get in huge high-volume blaster speakers in your car, and go on a rampage. Sometimes, music can also disturb you when it becomes noise. I can only drive in complete silence. I don't know about you.
N: Night Driving
Night driving can test even the best driver in the world. It is very difficult. The glare of headlights of the incoming cars can really blaze your eyes. But when such things happen, do not look directly into the headlights. Just look at the left side of your bonnet, as the car passes away. Then get back your eyes on the road. Use good bulbs for your headlights as well. Do not drive too fast in nights.
O: Overtaking
Overtaking can be dangerous, specially on one-laners. Assess everything when you overtake. Overtake from the right-side of the vehicle(Right-hand drive cars intended). Take care of the timing, as it is important. Take care of cars coming behind you, as they too may be trying to overtake. Do it carefully.
P: Parking
This is the last thing that you do after having a drive. Park your car in a very feasible manner. Do not occupy too much space, and do not park it in a diagonal manner. Park in such a way that there is enough space for people to get out your car from both the sides. Park your car slowly and easily.
Q: Quick thinking
You should be always on your toes when you are driving. You can have some sudden appearance of pedestrians crossing roads, or even bicycles, hand carts, and animals on the street. Be vigil always.
R: Reverse Gear
This is one tough gear to handle where your car moves backwards. Do it slowly with your legs controlling all the three pedals effectively. Do not completely leave the clutch pedal. Have it pressed, and release it in a slow manner. Look at all directions. Looking behind is important, but looking ahead is also important. Do not hesitate. Be calm.
S: So many in here
This is the only alphabet where I could bring in lots of points. Seats should be nicely adjusted, so that you can have your legs relaxed while they are on the pedals. Speeding could be dangerous. Maintain speeds according to the speed limits. Safety Belts can save you from severe jolts, if you face an accident. Many people die because they did not had the safety belts on. Steering control is another important aspect you must learn. Judgement is very important.
T: Traffic lights
Follow the traffic lights, and do not move until the lights are green. Come to an halt when you see the orange light.
U: U-turn
U-turns can be very important sometimes. Some call it the 180 degrees turn. Assess the space, and look out for incoming vehicles. Have control over the steering. So it in the first gear.
V: Vehicular pollution
A proper servicing and proper maintenance will help you avoid pollution. Get a PUC for your car.
W: Wipers
Wipers are very handy in rainy season. They should be well-maintained, if you are going out for a drive in a rain hit atmosphere. Water is also important for your engine, which will control the temperature. Check for it as well.
X: X-Ray
If you do a reckless and careless driving, you will find yourself having a collection of these documents!
Y: You and your car, and the passengers
While driving, you have to care care of everyone present in the car. So, always remember that some important lives are in your hands. Even your owns!
Z: Zebra Crossing
Always slow down when you see the white stripes on the roads. It is meant for pedestrians, and someone can just come right in front of your car.
So, I completed my list. I rushed with some of the points due to space constrains. Then to I managed to stuff in all.
Bye then guys. Happy riding!
