Drivers ed is an instructional course for people who want to learn how to drive or need additional practice. It teaches students the basics of driving and the rules and regulations of the road. It also covers topics such as defensive driving techniques, understanding vehicle maintenance, and how to handle emergencies. By taking drivers ed courses, students can become confident, knowledgeable drivers prepared to navigate today’s roads.
Below are seven lessons you’ll likely learn in your drivers ed classes:
1. The Importance of Defensive Driving
Learning defensive driving techniques is a great way to prepare for unexpected events on the road. Defensive driving encourages students to slow down, keep a safe distance between cars, and watch the road ahead of them. When new drivers have learned defensive driving techniques, they can be more aware of traffic changes and how to maneuver them. This prepares them to protect themselves on the road and avoid accidents.
2. How To Handle Emergencies
Whether it’s a flat tire, a car accident, or something else, drivers must be able to handle emergencies safely. Students will learn the protocols for handling different types of emergencies, from taking off a blown tire and replacing it with the spare to knowing when to call emergency services and what to do while you wait for them to arrive.
3. How To Zipper Merge and Pass
In drivers ed, you’ll learn how to use the zipper merge when a lane is ending. A zipper merge happens when cars from the ending lane merge into the permanent lane one car at a time, every other car. Students will also learn how to pass other cars on the road safely. Checking for blind spots and using your turn signals help you pass cars and merge safely into the next lane.
4. How To Communicate With Other Drivers
Students in driving courses will learn how to communicate with other drivers on the road. This driver communication includes using hand signals, gestures, and motions to convey information. It also includes using turn signals and regularly checking your headlights and taillights to make sure they are functioning correctly.
5. The Dangers of Drinking and Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances can be hazardous and should be avoided. Students in driving classes will learn how alcohol impacts the body’s reflexes, motor skills, and reaction times. Students will be taught that impaired driving can hurt them and other drivers around them.
6. The Meaning of Traffic Signs
Drivers ed students will learn how to read traffic signs and road markings properly. These include speed limit signs, four-way stops, pedestrian crosswalks, and yield signs. By the end of the course, students should understand the rules of the road and how to obey various traffic signals. These signals can include flashing yellow lights, green arrows, and railroad crossing lights.
7. How To Park Safely
Students will learn how to maneuver parking lots and garages safely. They will learn which direction to turn their tires when parking on a hill and which areas they can and can’t park in. Blue paint means handicapped parking, and red paint means emergency vehicle parking. White or yellow paint means general parking.
Find a Drivers Ed Course Near You
If you want to improve your driving skills, find a drivers ed course near you to start learning today. You’ll learn about traffic rules, road signs, and defensive driving. Mastering these driving skills takes time, patience, and practice. Start a drivers ed course today to become a better driver tomorrow.
