Hints for new drivers – AA

Learning to drive used to be a rite of passage for young people but the gradual improvement of public transport in South Africa, along with the rise of ride-sharing services, means that a driving licence is less of a necessity than it used to be for previous generations.

“It’s still useful to have a driving licence though,” says the AA.

“If you have access to a car, a licence is an easy way to get around whenever you want to.

“A driving licence is also important when entering the job market as many jobs, such as sales representatives, require the applicant to have their own transport and a licence,” the association adds.

Read: New licence test and lower speed limits on the way

For people looking to get a licence, the AA had some advice.

“Firstly, we all know how easy it is to buy a licence, but don’t think of it.”

Driving is one of the top causes of unnatural death and, if you don’t get the right training before you venture out on the roads, your crash risk is extremely high.

Get proper training and pass the driving test legitimately, so that when you use the roads on your own, you’re equipped to recognise danger and prevent accidents.

According to the AA, driving schools are the best way to learn the skills you need.

“Pick a reputable driving school, look for one that has been in business for many years.”

Ensure that your instructor has a current, valid instructor’s certificate, issued by the licensing authorities and that their vehicle is clean, presentable and roadworthy.

A driving school which is a member of SAIDI (the Southern African Institute of Driving Instructors) will give you extra peace of mind, because SAIDI members have access to additional training and updates to legislation.

“Driving is one of the most dangerous responsibilities you will have in your adult life,” the AA says, “make sure you learn it from an expert who has your best interests at heart.”

The content of the driving test is only a framework of basic skills.

Read: No mercy for drunk drivers

“Do not rely on learning by ‘experience’, a situation which requires ‘experience’ could happen just days or weeks after you get your licence.”

The AA adds that its three main hints to new drivers were a summary of the most important skills taught before the driving test.

“Always check your blind spot before manoeuvring, even in modern cars with blind spot monitoring systems, the car might not be able to alert you to a vehicle on a collision course with your own at a merge area or more than two lanes away,” the association says.

Checking your blind spot helps prevent many different kinds of crashes including rollovers, sideswipes and loss of control which could lead to heavy impacts with objects at the roadside such as barriers or trees.

Always maintain a following distance of at least two seconds or longer in poor visibility or rainy weather.

This gives you time to react to changes in the traffic and use your car’s safety systems to best advantage.

Drive at a sensible speed for the conditions, which can sometimes be lower than the speed limit.

If you drive too fast for conditions, you won’t be able to stop or swerve in time.

Inappropriately low speed can be just as dangerous, so make sure you don’t endanger other motorists by driving too slowly on high-speed roads such as highways.