Before getting your unrestricted Maryland driver's license, you must complete and log over a dozen hours of driving with an approved driver in the passenger seat. You also must keep your driving record clean for 18 months. To ensure you get your driver's license as quickly as possible, keep reading to discover four tips for student drivers in Lanham, MD.Â
4 Tips for Student Drivers in Lanham, MD
1. Check the Weather Before You Leave the House
The only way to get better at driving in different conditions is to practice driving in other conditions. However, if you are very new to driving, check the weather before leaving the house to practice driving.
 If the roads are a little wet because it has been raining, you may be okay to go for a practice drive with an approved driver. However, consider staying home if it is actively raining, extremely windy, or snowing. If you choose to drive when it rains, remember that you should go slower due to increased braking distance requirements and turn your headlights on.
2. Don't Drive While Impaired
Nobody should ever drive while impaired, but it is imperative not to drive while impaired if you are a student driver. For example, you should not drive under the influence of alcohol. However, it is also vital to not drive under the influence of other drugs, like marijuana or muscle relaxants. Furthermore, you should not drive when you did not get a good night's rest the night before.
3. Don't Drive While Distracted
It is also imperative that you are not distracted when you drive. Every year, thousands of people die from distracted driving. Pick and set your desired music before you start driving your vehicle, and do not change your music while you are driving. Do not daydream while driving, regardless of how familiar you are with the roads you need to take to reach your desired destination. Also, do not eat or text while you drive.
4. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Working Order
Finally, you must keep your vehicle in good working order. As a general rule of thumb, you should check your tire pressure monthly. Tires often lose around one pound of pressure per square inch per month. While this may not seem like a lot, it can seriously affect your vehicle's steering and braking capabilities. Also, ensure your coolant levels are okay and get your tires rotated every six months.
 If you are a student driver, you must check the weather before leaving the house. If it is going to snow, strongly consider going out to practice driving. If the road is wet from recent rain, make sure you drive slowly and leave plenty of braking distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Don't drive while distracted or impaired. Learn more by contacting us today at DARCARS Ford of Lanham on Lanham Severn Road.