I need to learn how to drive. I'm almost 30, and I don't really wanna to get stuck with a bunch of 15 year olds. What is the best/cheapest/easiest way I can do this?
I do not have a vehicle to use, and I do not want to purchase one.
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Answers by: Mike T.
The very first thing you should do is go to the DMV and pick up the "Driver Handbook" (in CA http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/pubs.htm). Read it. This is what they'll be testing you on.
I suggest finding a friend who can rent a car for you and teach you some of the basics. Find someone who you consider a good driver, is willing to help you, and will not "yell at you" while you are practicing.
Pick up the car on a Saturday morning (or whenever your day off is), and be sure to get the insurance the rental company offers!
Next, have your friend drive the two of you to a place in your town that does not have a lot of traffic. Industrial areas, the parking lot behind the mall, side streets where there are not a lot of people (esp. kids), or even the DMV parking lot where they have the test course set up. Stop, and trade places with your friend.
Get familiar with the controls of the vehicle. Before you start the car, find where everything is: ignition, turn signals, light switch(es), shifter, etc. You'll want to be able to find any one of these without having to take your eyes off the road.
Adjust your seat and mirrors. Adjust the seat so that your feet touch the pedals without having to stretch, and so that you are not too far forward, as well. Adjust your mirrors so you have a full view behind you, and a view from the side of your car to the open lane next to you on either side.
Take a few short runs. Now, start the car, and with your foot on the brake, put it in gear. Gently remove your foot from the brake, and getntly press the accelerator pedal. Try to go from a stop to moving smoothly. Don't "jam on" the gas or the brakes. A gentle press will do.
Go for a short distance, then press the brake gradually to slow the car and stop. Be sure to pay attention to the "feel" of the brakes. You'll have smoother stops when you know how the brakes will act when you press the pedal. Do this a few times until you are able to start and stop smoothly. Gradually go longer and longer distances.
Next, practice your turns, being sure to use your signals. You'll want to practice going from a stop into a turn (like at a stop sign), as well as a moving turn (like into a curve).
You can take a couple of styrofoam or paper cups and drop some sugar packets in them to make pylons if you want to set up an obstacle course where you can weave between them. Space them far enough apart so you can make smooth turns.
Next, practice backing up. You'll need to go backwards every once in a while, so be sure to practice this skill. The car handles much differently when moving backward, so go slowly.
Finally, practice parallel parking. This is something you'll be required to pass in your driving test, so get good at it. Be sure to parallel park on left- and right-side curbs.
Now if you've done all this and your friend isn't completely freaked out, trade places again, and let them drive.