For inexperienced drivers, a journey through a major city can be a scary prospect. You might find yourself having to navigate a variety of novel road systems in a pressurised, high-stakes environment. With a mass of other vehicles streaming around you, knowing which way to turn can be a challenge.
Let’s take a look at how we can prepare for this particular challenge, by running through a few key steps.
Prepare for delays
Cities are often subject to dense traffic, particularly around peak hours. If you’ve got a deadline to keep, it’s worth setting out early – and researching your route in advance. In some cases, roadworks might delay the journey still further.
Learning to drive in the city will help you to get better acquainted with these delays. Pick a time of day when the traffic isn’t dense, and make sure that you have the right insurance for your vehicle. Temporary car insurance is great for learners, even in the big city!
Drive slowly
The slower you’re driving, the less likely you are to be involved in an accident – and the less severe that accident will be. This applies particularly in narrow streets with cars parked on either side. Don’t allow yourself to be rushed: just take a deep breath, take your time, and stick to the limit. If you stick to this rule, you’re less likely to be snapped by a hidden speed camera, too.
Plan ahead
As we’ve mentioned, it’s worth thinking about your route before you set out. You might also consider Waze, and other navigation apps like it, which will inform you of the best route using real-time traffic data. Of course, when you’re using apps like this one, you’ll want to ensure that you aren’t distracted by the screen. Stick to audio alerts, and, if possible, have a passenger assist you in the actual navigation itself.
You might also think about the additional charges you might incur. Many major cities in the UK now have clean air zones and congestion charges, which could add additional costs to your journey.
Be calm
When you’re in a high-pressure driving environment, it’s easy to get stressed out. That’s why it’s important to be aware of your state of mind, and to keep calm. If you’re susceptible to road rage, then be aware of the tendency, and count to ten whenever you feel the urge to scream something. As you gain more experience driving in the city, you’ll become more familiar with the various problems inherent in the experience. Buses, trams, pedestrians and cyclists – they can all get in the way, to some extent or other. Make sure that you’re psychologically prepared for them, and for the stress they cause.
