Driving in South Africa is no joke – here’s how to be a confident driver and avoid feeling too scared to drive on our roads
Driving is scary no matter which way you look at it. From potholes to taxi drivers, and even drunk drivers, it’s not exactly ideal driving conditions out there.
Here are some ways you can finally stop feeling too scared to drive on South African roads:
1. Get yourself some affordable car insurance
Nothing helps you feel more confident behind the wheel than knowing you are covered when it comes to bumper bashings and crashing. Having car insurance means you won’t be left to pay the high costs of fixing damage to your car.
Oneplan Car Insurance is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable, hassle-free plan, and here’s why:
- No vehicle inspections, just snap and upload photos or a video of your car
- We let you choose the cover you want for the price you can afford.
- Adjust and change your cover any time you want in real time through the Oneplan App.
- Peace of mind with cover tailored to your needs.
2. Practice, practice, practice
It takes time to become a good driver, so the more you drive, the more comfortable you will become.
3. Drive with another driver as much as you can
Take every chance you get to drive with someone, and we are talking about someone who is a good driver and has more experience than you. Listen to them and learn from them. It is also vital that you drive with different people so you can get a good idea of other people’s experiences behind the wheel.
4. Be careful who you pick to drive with
Some people have very bad habits and advice, make sure you drive with someone who follows the rules of the road and knows how to drive well. Also, make sure you pick someone who doesn’t make you nervous. You need someone who is going to make you feel calm when you make mistakes and is a patient teacher.
5. Start in a parking lot
Many young drivers will start driving in an open parking lot. This allows for you to learn how to steer and direct your car without having to worry about other drivers or hitting anything, meaning you can focus on starting, stopping, and steering the car.
6. Move onto back roads
Once you feel comfortable in a parking lot, move onto back roads or a quiet neighbourhood. Then gradually work your way up to busy streets and highways. The trick is to take your time. Don’t let other drivers around you make you feel rushed. Just breathe deeply and drive at a comfortable speed.
7. Practice on different types of terrain
You should try to drive on all sorts of roads such as dirt roads, back roads, highways, and gravel roads. This helps you to know how your car reacts to different surfaces. For example, when driving on dirt roads, you will want to drive slower and take corners a lot slower to avoid skidding out.
8. Practice driving in different types of weather
You will also need to know how to drive when it is misty, when it is raining, and when it is foggy. This ensures that you are comfortable with how to drive when the weather suddenly changes. Remember, when it rains, turn your lights on and drive slower. Your stopping time is shortened significantly in the rain, meaning you need to brake long before you normally would in dry weather.
9. Drive different kinds of cars
If you can, try to drive different kinds of cars, from manual to automatic, big and small – this helps you to know how different vehicles handle.
10. Listen to calming music
This one really works! If you are feeling stressed or anxious, then (using the sound system of the car and NOT earphones as these can block out outside noises such as other cars hooting around you) – try listening to some soothing and quiet music. Music is incredibly wonderful for calming the nerves.
It takes time and practice to feel confident behind the wheel, and depending on how much you drive, your confidence will eventually come. We wish you many happy kilometers behind the wheel of your insured car.
If you liked this article, you should read this next: How is insurance cover used when your car is written off? Here’s what you need to know
Yours in uncomplicated car insurance,
Oneplan
