Becoming a new driver is an exciting milestone in life, but it can also be a bit overwhelming, especially when faced with the numerous controls and features of a car. Fear not!

“Knowing Controls of the Car,” is designed specifically for beginner or first-time drivers. By the end of this article, you’ll feel confident and in control behind the wheel of an automatic vehicle.

Seat Adjustment: Find Your Perfect Fit

Before hitting the road, it’s crucial to ensure you’re comfortable and properly positioned in the driver’s seat by adjusting the seat to suit your height and build. By achieving the right seat position, you’ll not only enhance your comfort but also optimize your control over the vehicle.

Mirrors: See and Be Seen

Properly adjusted mirrors are essential for maintaining visibility and monitoring your surroundings while driving. We’ll guide you through setting up your mirrors to provide a clear view from every angle, including the rear-view mirror and side mirrors.

Headlights/Turning Signals: Lighting the Way

Understanding the different settings of your headlights is vital for safe driving. We’ll explain when and how to use low beam and high beam headlights appropriately. Additionally, we’ll cover the importance of using turning signals to indicate your intentions, helping you communicate and share the road with other drivers.

Emergency 4-way Flashers: A Safety Lifeline

Knowing how to activate and use the emergency 4-way flashers can be crucial in hazardous situations. We’ll demonstrate the correct usage of these flashers, which can serve as a warning to other drivers or signal the need for immediate attention.

Starting the Car: Key or Push, Let’s Get Moving

Starting the car may seem straightforward, but understanding the specific procedures for both key-based ignition and push-to-start systems is essential.

Speedometer: Keeping Pace with Confidence

The speedometer is your guide to maintaining a safe and legal speed while driving. We’ll help you decipher its readings and understand how to gauge your speed accurately, promoting a smooth and controlled driving experience.

Hand Positioning: Steering with Precision

Proper hand positioning on the steering wheel is crucial for maintaining control and maneuvering your vehicle effectively. We’ll explain the recommended 10:00 and 2:00 hand positions and introduce you to the hand-over-hand steering technique, which enhances precision and responsiveness while driving.

Gearshift: Mastering the Gears

Understanding the gearshift is vital for managing your vehicle’s movement. We’ll guide you through the usage of different gears, including park, neutral, reverse, and drive, ensuring you have a solid grasp of each gear’s purpose and when to engage them.

Front & Rear Window Defrost: Clearing Your View

Visibility is paramount for safe driving, especially in colder weather conditions. We’ll provide helpful instructions on defrosting your front and rear windows effectively, enabling you to maintain a clear view of the road ahead and behind you.

 

Become a Better Driver

By familiarizing yourself with the various controls and features discussed above, you’ve taken a significant step towards becoming a confident and responsible driver. Shepherd’s Driver Consulting offers personalized behind-the-wheel lessons to help new drivers practice and refine the skills covered above.

Our experienced instructors will work with you hands-on to ensure you understand how to operate all the controls properly and safely. Remember, practice makes perfect, so schedule your sessions with us today to get valuable experience behind the wheel applying your new knowledge.