Highway Driving Tips for Young Drivers
Check out our Nissan inventory that's perfect for teen drivers!
Driving on the highway can be a nerve-racking experience for teens doing it for the first time. This is why it's common for new drivers to master driving on local roads before they head out on the turnpike. Once they finally get out to driving on the highway, your teen will be a better driver if they are fully prepared. Here at Reedman-Toll Nissan of Drexel Hill, we want to help make your teens transition to highway driving easier by providing a few tips teens can use when they drive on the turnpike. Once you're done reading these tips, be sure to head down to our dealership and check out our inventory for a great car for your young driver!
Pick the Best Time
If you and your teen are preparing your first highway drive, you're going to make sure that you're picking the right time and place to do so. Consider driving on a highway that isn't very congested, or if that's not possible, pick a time of day when there are not too many other cars on the road. Another good rule of thumb is to not practice during inclement weather but instead pick a clear day free of rain, snow, or fog. Driving on a clear day will avoid visibility issues for your teen on their first highway driving experience.
Start in the Right Lane
When driving on the turnpike for the first time, you should stick to the right lane. Young drivers should not attempt to get in the left lane during their first turnpike driving experience as it is only intended for passing. Keeping to the right lane will allow you to interact with the traffic coming onto the turnpike easier, and it will allow your speed to be maintained. Crossing into the left lane will likely get you in the habit of speeding, which can lead to accidents down the line. For now, keep it safe and stay in the right lane.
Leave Enough Space
While you're on the highway, it's crucial to establish a proper speed and distance as it will be key to managing a lane change. Drivers need to leave four to six seconds of space between themselves and the driver ahead of them as they make their move into the other lane. You should also check your rear-view mirror, side-view mirror, and blind spot before you head over into the other lane. When you have more space, you are more apt to avoid a collision and react to the debris on the highway.
Use Turn Signals
If you're a young driver, you need to get in the habit of using your blinkers consistently. Even if you believe your intentions are obvious, your turn signal is how you communicate with other drivers. Drivers can get into trouble when they don't use them as it can cause accidents and confusion. This isn't just a tip for young drivers as all drivers need to be using their turn signals as it's a good driving practice.
Keep Calm
Learning to drive on the turnpike is about more than driving; it's also about making sure a young driver can handle the stress of being behind the wheel. They must understand that they should never take anything personally, especially when they are on the highway. If you are cut off, let it go! You don't know the mental state of the other driver, and they might have made a simple mistake. Drivers aren't perfect, and it's always important to make sure you are calm no matter what you face.
Check out our inventory here at Reedman-Toll Nissan of Drexel Hill
If you're looking for the perfect vehicle for your teen, then be sure to head down to Reedman-Toll Nissan of Drexel Hill, where we have plenty of terrific and safe Nissan's in stock! If you're looking for the perfect vehicle for your teen driver, we recommend checking out the Leaf or the Kicks, both of which you can take a test drive of! If you want, one of our team members can accompany you and your teen on the test drive so you get the full feel of the vehicle and all of its features. Once you find something you like, be sure to check out our complete finance department, where we will work with you toward a deal that you're sure to love. Even if you can't make it down to the dealership right now, be sure to check out our full Nissan inventory here on our website.