Tips for driving in a large city for the first time

Whether you are a novice driver taking on the bustling city streets for the first time or a resident of the countryside venturing into the urban jungle, navigating through the vibrant metropolis can be an overwhelming experience. Even if you are well-acquainted with city life on foot or public transportation, stepping behind the wheel introduces a whole new level of complexity. But fear not!

Evolve driving school is here to lend a helping hand. We provide indispensable tips and guidance to ensure that you can approach your inaugural driving adventure in the city with a sense of tranquility, composure, and confidence.

Avoid rush hour

It may seem obvious, but rush hour in a city versus your small home town is a different game entirely. Busy, complex roundabouts, multiple lane roads and unfamiliar traffic rules on top of a higher percentage of drivers suffering from road-rage are enough to unnerve even the bravest new driver.

Stick to driving during off-peak hours, where the roads won’t be so rushed and heavy with traffic. If you find yourself surrounded by massive lorries and countless cars, take your time and move at your own pace to ensure safety on the road. Trust your instincts and prioritize caution to avoid any potential accidents. At Evolve driving school, we understand the importance of responsible driving, and we encourage you to make the most of your driving experience by prioritizing safety above all else.

Whether you are commuting to work or heading out for a leisurely drive, it is crucial to stay alert and focused on the road. By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and secure journey every time. Remember, your safety is our top priority at My WordPress, so drive responsibly and enjoy the ride.

Keep calm

Set yourself up for success by discussing your route with friends or family who have driven in your intended city before. They may suggest helpful tips for particularly confusing roundabouts or propose a new route which avoids heavy traffic or a difficult junction.

Make your intentions clear by indicating in plenty of time to avoid being at fault for any accidents. Keep to the speed limits and install a dash cam to help keep yourself accountable, as well as record any potential incidents as evidence. Be very aware of inner city bus lane signage. Many cities have plenty of bus lane only streets that standard traffic is not permitted to enter with big penalties if caught by their cameras.

If you do find yourself in a difficult situation, try to overcome your anxiety and calm down before doing anything else. Focus on your own actions and to ignore any verbal abuse or honking you may receive – there’s nothing wrong with being cautious. You can always find a safe place to stop and gather your thoughts and calm the nerves before continuing your driving.

Stay focused

Using a GPS or route planning app on your phone is a brilliant way to navigate a bustling city, but it can become a distraction if you are unsure of the route or the directions it provides. Before you set off, look over the planned route and take note of major road names and junctions you need to keep an eye out for. The more you know what to expect, the less time you’ll spend double checking your screen while driving.

Also, try researching the city you will be driving to and see what events may be taking place on the date of your journey, there may be big delays or road closures due to a  concert or large gatherings you may need to know about.

Reducing external distractions is a major element to successfully driving in a large city, as it allows you to focus and concentrate on the abundance of obstacles and quickly-changing environment around you. It’s a great idea to turn down your music and set your mobile to Do Not Disturb to help you keep your eyes on the road.

Don’t tempt fate

It goes without saying to never drive under the influence of any alcohol or drugs, but it is just as important to avoid driving if you are tired or feeling fatigued. Not feeling alert can reduce your reaction time and lengthen your decision making time, which can be especially dangerous when venturing into a new driving environment such as a large city.

Always carry your breakdown assistance contact and account details just in case your car develops a problem and make sure your spare wheel is in good condition and you know how to change your own tyre in the event of a flat tyre is essential. Read our guide from the link provided.

However stressful it may seem to explore a large city from behind the wheel, try to relax and enjoy the experience as much as possible. Remember to be kind to yourself and other drivers, everyone has somewhere they are trying to get to, the important thing is to arrive safely.