What a new driver needs to know??

This is probably one that no one will think of, or may never happen but has happened to me. If she is driving a conventional car and stops and turns the car off and then moves the steering wheel till it clicks, that could be a problem. I think its called "locked steering wheel." When I first started driving I did that when I was leaving school and had to wait for 45 minutes for my dad to show up, and then I look like the idiot that I am, lol. To fix the locked steering wheel you just put the key in the ignition and turn to the accessory position, and then turn the wheel to the side that doesn't click, then start the car.

 

Teach her how to change a tire, it could save her a big hassle of not knowing how to do it and being at the mercy of other people (who may not always have the best intentions...).

 

Also be a good idea to get her AAA. Changing a tire on a busy interstate can be dangerous. With AAA you get piece of mind that you can call someone to help.

 

In no particular order:

Texting + driving = stupid.

Don't drive in the left lane if you're going slower than everyone else.

Those red signs that say "STOP" mean you're supposed to come to a full stop.

Come to a full stop before making a right turn at a red light.

"Yield" means someone else has the right of way.

It's never open season on pedestrians and cyclists.

Put the damn phone away while you're driving.

Never, ever, ever drive when you're drunk.

Never, ever, ever get in a car with a driver who is drunk.

Handy things to keep in the car: a flashlight (make sure the batteries aren't dead), an umbrella, a good map book for the area you live in, a memo pad and some pens, a small bottle of hand sanitizer, a bottle of glass cleaner and a roll of paper towels.

Also tell her what to do in case of an accident (what information to exchange with the other drivers, etc.)

 

1) Learn to change a tire. Do it at least once when you don't "need" to, so you don't have to figure it out if/when you do "need" to.

2) Learn to jump start a vehicle.

2) "Right of way" is something you give, it is never something that you take or are entitled to.

3) Quickly and safely get out of the way of traffic and shut the car off if the vehicle indicates a lack of oil presure (guage or light), or if smoke or steam are coming from anywhere other than the tailpipe.

4) Never try to avoid responsibility by leaving after being involved in an accident.

5) Know if the car you are driving has traction control and/or anti-lock brakes. If neither, and the vehicle starts to skid/slide while you are trying to avoid a collision, your best first response is usually to lift your foot until the wheels grip again while trying to gain control of the steering. This takes some getting used to as it can be counter intuitive. Practice in a safe environment is suggested if possible.

6) Learn to identify the proper tire pressure for a vehicle. Check your tire pressure on a regular basis. Driving on underinflated tires significantly increases your risk of blow-out.

7) Cars and people on the side of the road get hit. If your car is stopped on the side of the road, make it noticeable. Raise your hood and turn on the flashers. If you are waiting for help and the weather permits it, get out of the car and get further away from the road. Stay aware and be prepared to get out of the way quickly if necessary.

8) Slow down and move to the right for sirens and lights. Imagine how you would want others to react if it was your home or your loved one that was waiting for that vehicle. Note that there are exceptions to the general rule of "slow down and move to the right". This rule provides the emergency vehicle driver a certain amount of predictibility to work their way through traffic, and gives them the width of the road to work with. However, the more important rule is to get out of their way.

9) Alcohol impares judgement. Therefore, if you think you are proabably sober enough to drive then you are almost certainly not. If you know you are intoxicated enough that you shouldn't drive, but think that you'll be ok by being more careful, slower, or because of a short distance, you may regret that decision for the rest of your life. No matter how sober you feel, if anyone with you suggests that you might be too intoxicated to drive, you probably are.

10) Learn to identify where the various fluids are added and how to check their levels. It's a good idea to learn to change your own oil. That way she'll know what to do someday when her eventual husband damages her car and she tells him he can't touch it anymore.

 

Good lists provided by the group.

I suggest adding the requirement to be a responsible car owner by understanding the vehicle's prescribed maintenance schedule and ensuring that all required service is performed on time, especially engine oil and engine oil filter changes.

Don't be oblivious or clueless regarding the car's operation. Turn off the stereo once in a while, open the windows, and listen to the various noises and sounds produced by the car. Be sensitive to any changes and seek help if necessary to find out if there's a problem and if so, resolve it.

 

As has been already mentioned, a lot of good recommendations have been made.

To add a few more:

• Seeing as you're in Oregon, if she's also in the FAR north (relatively), make sure she knows how to install tire chains (if you/she uses them).
• It's late in the year for this, but take her out to an empty snow/ice covered parking lot and have her practice driving/recovering for skids. (Applies to both Traction Control and non-TC cars.)
• Make sure she knows how to get out of mud / snow / sand traps by "rocking" the car.

Granted, these are items / conditions that don't pop-up in every-day driving, but when they do appear, it's nice to have already practiced them. :car:

 

Hey there! Three most important things by far:

1. Start slowing down as soon as you see red brake lights ahead of you. Learn to look ahead and anticipate them.

2. ALWAYS turn around to look when changing lanes, especially on a highway. Never trust a mirror.

3. Assume everyone else on the road is an A..Hole. Seriously, it gets you to be as defensive a driver as possible. Never assume other drivers have your back because they don't. Just having a good sense of awareness for other drivers will keep your niece as safe as can be!

These three things are big life savers.