Advanced Skills you Need to Learn from Drivers Ed

Driver's education as part a school's curriculum may seem like heaven for teens.  It could seem like their first taste of what freedom is.  Aside from knowing parts of the vehicle, basic operation of a car and their interactions with other motorists, teens should also have learned some advanced skills when it comes to operating a car.

Highway Driving Skills – Basic driving skills require a first time driver to navigate through basic roadways --- drive around the corner to the grocery, or maybe a friend's house. There is a whole new set of disciplines that come into play when dealing with a freeway or highway and the number of vehicles it accommodates.

What is the best rule to follow when driving on a highway?

If the highway has only two lanes on each side, stay in the right lane. If the freeway has three or more lanes, you may want to stay in the center lane. By staying in the center lane, you can avoid traffic that is merging onto the freeway or slowing to exit. The far left lane (also known as the passing lane) should be reserved for vehicles that are passing other traffic. You should only use the left lane if you are passing slower traffic and then, return to the center or right lane as soon as possible.

Night Driving Skills – Fortunately, if you've taken driver's education or fulfilled your state's Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL laws), you probably have the necessary supervised driving experience. Surprisingly, given that there are fewer cars on the road during night, the risk of a crash triples.

· Top cause for collisions at night: VISION. Make sure you turn your headlights on AN HOUR before dusk to increase your overall visibility. Also make sure that they are properly aligned and that you are able to see oncoming traffic.

Driving in Snow and/or Wet Conditions – The difference between driving on dry roads and driving in snow/wet roads is traction. Make sure the tire's tread is not worn out. Also, ease up on the acceleration and braking, to avoid skids.

Towing – Driving rules are different when towing another vehicle. Whether it is a large horse trailer or a small jet-ski trailer, you will have to adjust your driving.

· First, make sure a teen knows how much his car can tow. If it's beyond the limit, forget it.

· Second, triple check the connection. Is it stable? Can it hold during the drive?

· Third, practice. Driving a vehicle with something in tow is a different feeling altogether --- and if you've never done it before, you better practice.

Lower your speed.

• The weight of the towed vehicle means it will take more space to stop your vehicle.

Remember that you now occupy two vehicle spaces.

• Make sure your mirrors are the kind that could see BEHIND what you're towing. You need to be able to see approaching vehicles and make turns and lane changes safely.

Getting a Traffic Ticket – Part of driver education they may not teach you is what you should do if you are stopped for a traffic violation.

Something you might also want to learn from driver's education is what to do if you are pulled over by a law enforcement officer. When an officer is behind you with lights and siren, pull over to the right as soon as it is safe to do so and pull completely off the road.

Once you have stopped, roll down the window and remain seated. Don’t try to reach for your license and registration until you are directed to do so by the officer (he may think you are reaching for a weapon).

Be respectful and don’t try to argue with the officer. Save the arguing for court, if you disagree with the officer’s reasons for stopping you.

You can avoid points on your driving record by choosing to take a defensive driving course and you can also learn more advanced skills in the process.

Having a driver’s license is a privilege. Learn as much as you can about the responsibility of driving, before you head out. Happy trails!