Best way to learn to drive without an instructer.

[Lovinglife]

I am 22 and I haven't driven before. I am going to start learning soon. The thing is, I dont want to go to one of those driver's ed programs. The only person I have to teach me is my little sister (how lame is that!)

Anyway, anyone got any advice on what to do... HOW to practice. Like in an empty parking lot or something.

[Gene]

Originally Posted by Lovinglife

I am 22 and I haven't driven before. I am going to start learning soon. The thing is, I dont want to go to one of those driver's ed programs. The only person I have to teach me is my little sister (how lame is that!)

Anyway, anyone got any advice on what to do... HOW to practice. Like in an empty parking lot or something.

There are lots of people who learn to drive without the formal professional instruction many people use today. If you are a dedicated student and your sister is willing to be your teacher I believe you can become a good driver.

You would need a place to practice driving. A parking lot would be a place for the very rudimentary steps in learning to drive. Soon you would need to drive in the streets and roads of the real world in order to become proficient.

In my home state you would need to pass the written test and get a student driving permit. Check with the legal and licensing authorities in the place you live to be sure you comply with all of their requirements.

Happy driving!

[Lovinglife]

I already have my permit... no license though

[JohnPlace]

If your sister is a competent driver, there is no shame in getting her to help you.

As Gene mentioned, empty parking lots are good places to start. Try to find a big empty lot. Church parking lots can be fantastic whenever church isn't in session.

First, I'd work on parking and simple driving at very low speeds. Get familiar with the way the car handles, adjust its mirrors and steering wheel, etc.

Once you've spent a week or two tooling around the parking lot, you can graduate to small side streets, such as in a subdivision. Watch for kids, dogs, and bouncing balls!

You will eventually graduate to larger streets, to the higway, etc. Highway driving is actually the easiest sort of driving most of the time, but mistakes at high speeds are dangerous, so I recommend saving that for last. And then will come your first trip downtown. Happy driving!

[playa77]

Get a feeling for the car first.
Also, you might want to find someone among your friends who is a really good, non-defensive, but proactive (not agressive) driver. Make it a habit to drive with him often, in the passengers seat. Try to understand how he handles the traffic, where he looks at and focuses his attention, how he anticipates situations. Imagine you were driving the car and put your attention there, until you can actually understand and come to anticipate his actions. I learned alot from a good friend this way, made me more of a good driver than driving school / driver's ed ever did...

P.S.: Btw, No reason why that "he" couldn't be a "she"