Q&A for How to Drive

It's actually pretty simple. Automatic vehicles shift gears automatically. Semi-automatic require manual shifting without a clutch pedal (which you would find in a manual car).

It depends on the intersection and the situation, but in general, whoever stops first gets to go first. If you arrive at the same time as another driver, whoever is on the right goes first. That's the general rule of thumb.

U-turns are always a matter of local and state laws. Some cities, like New York City, have an outright ban on U-turns and you can't make one anywhere. Some cities allow them basically anywhere if it's safe and there isn't a sign saying otherwise. You just have to look it up to see what the rules are where you live.

Practice, practice, practice. Learn all of the rules like the back of your hand, and you'll gradually get more comfortable driving as you advance from parking lots to main roads to highways. Employ tried-and-true calming techniques, like deep breathing and thinking positively. Eventually, you'll be skilled enough to have nothing to be afraid of!

Try empty parking lots; church parking lots are especially useful since they are only used at certain times. You can just go out in the country, or any abandoned roads with few other cars around.

Yes, you should always put your seat belt on before turning on the car.

In the United States, people typically get their Learner's Permit at the age of 15 (this allows you to drive only when accompanied by an adult with a license) and then their Driver's License at 16 (this allows you to drive alone).

Just wait and focus on other things for now. You will have a lifetime to drive. In two years, you can start learning and get your driver's permit. In the meantime, you can play racing games and things like that.

Eventually, yes. Start with your foot on the brake, then change your gear to "R" for reverse. Once you have checked your mirrors and blind spots, let go of the brake and gently apply the gas.

Yes, you can start practicing driving using these guidelines, but you should take someone who knows how to drive with you when you practice. You shouldn't drive alone until you've obtained your license (which will require passing a driving test as well as a written test on the rules of the road). Whether you will need to take a driver's ed class depends on your state.

Shift the gear to reverse and look over your right shoulder to make sure it is safe to back up.

Take the parking brake off and, with your foot on the brake, shift into gear.

Practice makes perfect. Make sure that you always practice with a fully licensed supervisor, however. Also, it is best to first learn how to parallel park in a secluded area, such as a street with little to no cars around. Professional lessons are always a good way to learn as well!

It is not recommended, as you run the risk of causing serious harm or death to you, others on the road, and could cause a large amount of property damage.

In the United States, you can generally only drive on a public roadway with a learner's permit or driver's license. If you have a learner's permit, you need a licensed driver to accompany you. If you don't yet have your permit, it is generally easy to apply at your local DMV office. You'll need to bring your vital documents with you (like your birth certificate and social security card) when you apply.

In manual cars, push the clutch in with left foot, select the reverse gear, then slowly move foot from clutch while softy pushing your right foot on gas to move. In automatic, simply put the car in reverse and gently push the gas peddle to go in reverse.

Yes, but if you don't have a permit, then you must have an adult with you in the vehicle and drive only on private property.

It's never too late to learn how to drive! Read the article above, and take driving lessons from a driving school or ask a friend or family member to help you.

The vehicle needs to be in Neutral or Park before it will let you turn the ignition key.

Generally speaking, you may only drive without a parent (or a legal driver aged 25 or older) after 12 months of driving with a license.

Automatic, usually. But learning to drive manual right off the bat can be fun and useful later on.

Put your shoe on on the brake, and then use your gear stick to change gears. Then slowly take your foot off the break and begin driving. Make sure not to change gears while the car is in motion.

At the DMV, you fill out the appropriate form. You'll take an eye test, and your picture will be taken.

Yes, you should keep your foot on the brake until you're ready to begin driving.

Get in the seat of the car. Grab the seatbelt by the bottom, metal part called the latch. pull enough to where the main string part called the webbing is tight enough to catch you to safety, but not too tight where you are uncomfortable. On the opposite side of the seatbelt you'll see a rectangular plastic piece with a red button on it. Next to that red button is a hole. The latch goes inside of that hole. Bring it to the other side of your body and into the hole. Do not press the red button yet. Try to undo it by pulling lightly to see if it's tight enough. One tough yank shouldn't unbuckle the seatbelt. When you're done driving and want to unbuckle your seatbelt, press the red button.

First push in the clutch with the left foot and then select the reverse gear, then slowly release the clutch while pushing the gas with the right foot. If in an automatic, while pressing down on the brake move the gear shift into the reverse position, then release the brake and slowly push on the gas.

Yes, you do.

You have to feel it. When the clutch is beginning to catch, you need to press the accelerator. On newer, faster cars, only a little push is needed. On older cars, it's a bit more. If you're driving a diesel, slowly letting go of the clutch is the only thing necessary for the car to start going.

Yes. When you turn 90 degrees at an intersection, for example, you must turn in gear 2 or below.

Yes. You might have a bit more trouble with it, but this is not always the case.