10 Things Every First-Time Driver Advice Should Know Before Getting Behind the Wheel

Travis Driving School
Jun 14
3 min read

TL;DR

Know the basic controls of your vehicle
Understand road signs and signals
Practice defensive driving habits
Eliminate distractions before starting the car
Stay calm, even in stressful situations
Prepare for emergencies
Always follow speed limits and traffic rules
Maintain a safe following distance
Use your mirrors often and check blind spots
Learn from a professional at Travis Driving School

Learning to drive for the first time is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. If you're new behind the wheel, don’t worry: everyone starts somewhere. At Travis Driving School, we’re committed to making your learning journey smooth, safe, and confident.

Before you even start the car, here are 10 essential things every first-time driver should know. These tips can set you up for success and help you develop strong habits from the beginning.

1. Learn the Basics of Your Car

A driving instructor points ahead while seated next to a focused young student behind the wheel. The student holds a pen and clipboard, attentively listening as she learns how to drive in a calm, wooded environment. This image captures real-world driving instruction and hands-on learning—perfect for highlighting behind-the-wheel training.

Before you hit the road, you should be familiar with:

Where the blinkers, headlights, and windshield wipers are
How to adjust mirrors and seats
What each dashboard light means
How to use the gear shifter (for automatic or manual)

At Travis Driving School, our instructors walk you through every part of the car during your first lesson so you feel completely comfortable.

2. Understand Road Signs and Signals

You’ll encounter hundreds of signs while driving—knowing what they mean is critical.

Key Categories to Know:

A crisp, colorful collection of essential U.S. road signs displayed against a clear blue sky. Signs include STOP, YIELD, DO NOT ENTER, SPEED LIMIT, and others—ideal for visual learning in driver education content focused on traffic rules and road awareness

Regulatory (e.g., stop, yield, no U-turn)
Warning (e.g., sharp curve, pedestrian crossing)
Informational (e.g., highway exits, rest areas)

Practice with flashcards or take online quizzes. Travis Driving School also includes sign training in our driver's ed courses.

3. Stay Alert with Defensive Driving Habits

Defensive driving means being prepared for the unexpected. This includes:

Anticipating the actions of others
Watching intersections and side streets
Keeping a safe distance
Avoiding aggressive drivers

Our instructors at Travis Driving School emphasize these habits during behind-the-wheel training.

4. Eliminate Distractions Before Driving

Phones, snacks, loud music—these things may seem small, but they can cause accidents.

Quick Tips:

A cheerful group of four young adults smiles together in a phone-free moment. A bold no-phone symbol overlays the scene, reinforcing the importance of staying present and avoiding distractions—especially behind the wheel. Ideal for content about safe, distraction-free driving.

Silence your phone
Secure pets and items
Choose music/playlists in advance
Avoid multitasking

Distraction-free driving is a core principle we teach at Travis Driving School.

5. Stay Calm Under Pressure

Nervous about driving? You’re not alone. First-time drivers often feel anxious—but staying calm is key.

Take deep breaths
Drive at your own pace (within the law)
Don’t worry about other drivers’ impatience

A good instructor—like the ones at Travis Driving School—can help you build confidence gradually.

6. Be Ready for Emergencies

Flat tires, dead batteries, or sudden weather changes can happen to anyone.

Keep These in Your Car:

Jumper cables
A flashlight
Basic tools
Emergency contact info

We cover emergency preparedness in all courses at Travis Driving School to ensure you're not caught off guard.

7. Follow Speed Limits and Traffic Laws

This one’s simple—but often ignored. Speed limits exist for a reason: safety.Always obey stop signs, red lights, and school zones.

Traffic law violations can lead to:

Fines
Points on your license
Delayed licensing for teens

Travis Driving School reinforces traffic law education through real-world scenarios and classroom instruction.

8. Keep a Safe Following Distance

Tailgating is dangerous. You should stay at least 3 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you—and more in bad weather.

We help students at Travis Driving School practice spacing and braking techniques in various conditions.

9. Use Mirrors and Check Blind Spots

A cartoon-style illustration of a smiling young man sitting in the driver’s seat with a clipboard showing a completed checklist. The phrase “Confidence Begins With Preparation” is boldly displayed, representing readiness and the importance of proper training before driving.

Always be aware of what’s around you. Don’t just rely on your rearview mirror—check your side mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes.

Pro Tip:Set your mirrors to minimize overlap and practice shoulder checks often. It becomes second nature with training at Travis Driving School.

10. Learn from a Certified Driving School

Finally—and most importantly—get professional instruction. Friends and family can offer guidance, but certified instructors provide the structure and knowledge needed to pass your road test and stay safe long term.

Travis Driving School offers:

Online and in-person driver education
Friendly, experienced instructors
Flexible behind-the-wheel lessons
DPS-authorized road testing

Conclusion: Confidence Begins with Preparation

Becoming a skilled, safe driver doesn’t happen overnight—but starting with the right knowledge makes a big difference. These 10 tips will help you build a strong foundation behind the wheel.

If you’re ready to start your driving journey, trust Travis Driving School to guide you every step of the way—from the classroom to the road.