Left turns are the most dangerous driving maneuver drivers make on a daily basis. A Solid Green Arrow is considered a protected turn and the only time a driver making a left turn has the right of way. You DO NOT have the right away when turning left if you see a Circle Green Light, Flashing Yellow Arrow, or if there is no traffic control device such as a residential area. A large percentage of drivers do not know this or don’t pay attention when going through these intersections, protect yourself by always observing others.

When merging, (or changing lanes on the freeway) match the speed of the lane you want to enter before making a move - this will make for easy entry. Cars in the right lane of the freeway have the right away and are not required to make space for you, so be sure there is space before entering the right lane. Use SMOG.

The advice on parking is not to practice until you’ve got 20 to 30 hours of driving experience under your belt. You’ll have a better feel for the vehicle, how far the bumpers stick out, how far and when to cut the wheel, and generally be more comfortable in the driver’s seat. Take it slow when parking; if you touch a cone during the road test you’ll lose points and if you knock a cone over you’ll fail immediately. There are a lot of variables when parking and how you park will be different every time, general control and confidence go a long way with parking success.

Speeds in residential areas are typically 30 mph or less and the driver’s focus should be on unpredictable obstacles that emerge from nowhere. The potential for children playing, bicyclists, walkers, joggers, kids toys, dogs, maintenance and delivery trucks, and other common things found on a suburban neighborhood street. Slow down, have a heightened awareness, and anticipate what could be in your travel path.

2-lane, 4-lane, divided and undivided highways are high speed like freeways but have stops on occasion. Undivided highways are the most troublesome because of the risk of head-on collisions and sometimes no shoulder. Pay attention to conditions ahead and always be prepared to stop. Entering a highway from a stopped position can be a challenge for new drivers; make sure you have enough space and your car is capable of accelerating to highway speeds before entering as to not ‘cut-off’ drivers.

Freeway driving includes high speeds, several lanes of traffic, and the need for navigational skills. The hardest part is merging on and off the freeway, but once you’re on the freeway - driving is quite simple. Maintain your speed, stay within your lane, maintain a 3-second following distance, and watch for brake lights ahead. If you see brake lights, be prepared to slow down. Create space and have a heightened awareness if you see a vehicle on either shoulder of the freeway.

Road rage is an angry reaction by a driver in response to another driver’s actions, which is often triggered by stress, impatience, or feeling disrespected on the road. It can be caused for any reason, sometimes simply because someone is having a bad day. The best way to handle it is to stay calm, avoid eye contact or retaliation, and create distance from aggressive drivers. Keep your cool and do not engage as this may fuel their rage. (Over 35% of people carry a weapon in their car at all times)

To avoid a rough start, use firm and steady pressure on the accelerator for smooth acceleration. Accelerating at low speeds is easier than at high speeds.

To avoid the classic student driver whiplash, brake hard early in the stopping process to take a big bite out of your speed, and feather back on the brake as you reach your stopping point. Remember S-T-O-P; the driver should Stop far enough back from the car in front to See their tires On the Pavement, this leaves about a 1-car length gap. This helps to avoid the last second hard brake and will cut down on parent stress.

Student drivers tend to weave within their lane often, this is because they generally focus on things directly in front of the vehicle. To correct this, look well down the travel path, your eyes will naturally direct your body where to drive, making it easier to stay in your lane. You’ll also be more prepared for obstacles on the roadway especially when traveling at high speeds.

Awareness of speed is a challenge for student drivers and they should check their speedometer often. A driver can control speed by using the brake, the accelerator, or taking their foot off of both pedals and allowing gravity to work. Sometimes it is necessary to slow down, speed up, or maintain speed.

The best grip on the wheel is ‘9 & 3’ and a driver can use the hand-over-hand, push-pull, shuffle, or ‘wiping-the-dishes’ methods to steer a vehicle. When making a turn it is best to slow to a control speed before you enter a turn, coast as you make the turn, and accelerate as you come out which will naturally straighten your tires without the need to counter-steer. (If you’re having trouble hitting the curb with that rear right tire, pull further into the intersection before cutting your wheels to the right)

The best reminder of how to change lanes is S-M-O-G; Signal intent first, check the rear and sideview Mirrors, look Over the shoulder to check the blind spot, and Go when it is safe. Checking the blind spot by looking over the shoulder is supremely important but most neglected part of changing lanes.

Drivers should maintain a 3-second following distance behind vehicles traveling in front of them. When the vehicle in front passes a fixed point, begin counting. If you count to 3 before reaching that fixed point, you’re looking good. If you physically reach that fixed point before you count to 3, back off, you are following too closely.

Drivers should use their rear and sideview mirrors, backup camera, and look out the rear windows when backing. Take it slow (1-2 mph), only release pressure on the brake to move the vehicle (do not accelerate), and use 1 hand on the wheel.