Driving is a skill that can always be improved. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced driver, mastering advanced techniques can make you safer and more confident on the road. In this guide, we explore expert driving techniques that will enhance your driving experience and safety.
Master the Art of Driving: Expert Techniques Every Driver Should Know
Introduction
Do you remember your first driving lesson? It was a mix of excitement and nervousness, wasn’t it? Over time, driving becomes second nature, but even seasoned drivers can benefit from learning new techniques. Whether it’s defensive driving, braking techniques, or adjusting mirrors properly, small adjustments can make a big difference in your overall driving experience.
If you want to drive like a pro, here are expert techniques that will improve your driving skills and help you stay safe on the road.
1. Take a Defensive Driving Course
Defensive driving isn’t just for beginners. Taking an approved defensive driving course can:
- Refresh your knowledge of traffic laws.
- Reduce your insurance premium by up to 10%.
- Help with traffic ticket dismissals.
- Improve your reaction time in hazardous situations.
Many courses are available online for as little as £25–£30, making them an affordable and valuable investment.
2. Brake with Your Left Foot
Most drivers use their right foot for both the accelerator and brake, but professional racers use left-foot braking for better control. This technique can:
- Reduce reaction time in emergencies.
- Maintain speed while turning.
- Improve control in slippery conditions.
It takes practice, but mastering this method can make you a more responsive driver.
3. Match Your Speed to Traffic Flow
Driving too fast or too slow compared to the traffic around you can increase the risk of accidents. Always:
- Adjust your speed to match traffic density.
- Avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration.
- Stay alert to the speed of surrounding vehicles.
Maintaining a steady, consistent speed makes the road safer for everyone.
4. Keep Your Hands at the Correct Steering Wheel Position
For years, drivers were taught to hold the steering wheel at 10 and 2. However, experts now recommend:
- 9 and 3 or 8 and 4 positions for better control.
- These positions reduce muscle strain and improve steering stability, especially on long drives.
5. Control Understeering and Oversteering
- Understeering happens when front tyres lose grip, making the car go straight instead of turning.
- Oversteering occurs when the rear tyres lose traction, causing the car to spin.
To avoid both:
- Drive at moderate speeds on wet or icy roads.
- Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.
- If you lose control, stay calm and steer smoothly.
6. Perfect Your Parking Skills
Many drivers struggle with parallel parking, but mastering it can:
- Make city driving easier.
- Boost confidence in tight spaces.
- Improve your ability to reverse park safely.
If you still find parking tricky, parking sensors or rear-view cameras can help.
7. Use the Handbrake for Emergency Turns
Also known as the handbrake turn, this technique is used by professional racers to:
- Maintain momentum in sharp corners.
- Avoid obstacles in emergency situations.
Warning: Do not try this on dry asphalt, as it can cause excessive tyre wear.
8. Master Heel-Toe Downshifting
This advanced technique involves:
- Pressing the brake with your toe while simultaneously tapping the accelerator with your heel to downshift.
- Reducing stress on the transmission.
- Making gear shifts smoother and quicker.
This skill is especially useful for manual transmission cars.
9. Look Far Ahead in Traffic
Most drivers focus on cars immediately in front of them, but experienced drivers scan further ahead.
- If you see brake lights a quarter-mile ahead, start slowing down early.
- This technique improves reaction time and reduces the risk of sudden braking.
10. Adjust Your Mirrors to Eliminate Blind Spots
Many accidents occur due to blind spots. To adjust your mirrors correctly:
- The driver’s side mirror should show only a quarter of your car.
- The passenger’s side mirror should reflect just the rear quarter of the car.
- The rear-view mirror should reflect the entire back window.
Properly adjusted mirrors enhance visibility and reduce the risk of lane-change accidents.
