Before we even touch the steering wheel, we need to stay calm and confident. Driving may feel scary at first, but with steady practice, it becomes second nature.

Let's remind ourselves—it's okay to make small mistakes while learning. What matters is being aware, responsible, and willing to improve.

Get familiar with the car

Each car is a little different, so the first step is getting to know ours. Let's spend a few minutes adjusting the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel, and understanding where the pedals, gear shift, signal lights, and emergency brake are. Feeling physically comfortable in the car helps us stay focused while driving.

Understand the gear system

If we're using an automatic transmission, it's mostly about shifting between P (park), R (reverse), N (neutral), and D (drive). For manual cars, we'll need to learn how to use the clutch and shift gears smoothly. Either way, knowing what each gear does makes us feel more in control.

Master the pedals

For automatic cars, we only use two pedals:

• Right foot for accelerator (gas)

• Right foot for brake

In a manual car, the left foot operates the clutch, while the right foot switches between the brake and accelerator. Practicing in an empty parking lot is perfect for building muscle memory.

Practice smooth steering

Holding the steering wheel properly (usually at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions) helps us respond quickly to any situation. Let's practice turning gently and returning the wheel to center. We'll also learn how to make controlled left and right turns without oversteering.

Use mirrors and signals

Our side mirrors and rearview mirror are our best friends while driving. We should check them often, especially before turning, changing lanes, or slowing down. Also, always use turn signals to let others know what we're about to do—it's a small habit that makes a big difference in safety.

Keep a safe following distance

A good rule is the "3-second rule." Pick a landmark and count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two..." when the car in front passes it. If we reach the landmark before three seconds, we're too close. This buffer gives us time to react if something happens.

Know how to brake

Pressing the brake gently and early keeps the ride smooth and safe. Sudden braking not only feels jerky but can also confuse the driver behind us. When approaching a stop sign or traffic light, it's best to ease off the gas and slowly apply the brakes.

Practice parking calmly

Parking takes patience! We can start with head-in parking in a wide lot. Once we feel more confident, we can try reverse parking and parallel parking. Don't worry if we need to adjust—real drivers take a few moves to get it right too.

Stay alert and relaxed

Always scan the road ahead—not just the car in front of us. Watch out for signs, pedestrians, and cyclists. And let's avoid distractions like our phone or adjusting the music while moving. A calm, alert mindset is our best tool on the road.

Take it one step at a time

We don't need to learn everything in one day. Start with short trips in low-traffic areas and gradually try new routes. Confidence builds with repetition. And if we ever feel nervous, take a break and breathe—it's part of the process.

Let's hit the road—together!

Learning to drive opens up a whole new level of freedom. With patience and practice, we'll get there smoothly. Lykkers, are you just starting out, or do you remember your early driving days? What was your biggest challenge behind the wheel? Share your stories with us—we'd love to hear!