Karen Gravelle - The Driving Book

For Evan and Emma Squire K. G.

To Macsen, in the hope that he will eventually get his license! H. F.

If youre like most new drivers, youre probably very excitedand a little nervous. After all, theres so much to remember! If it sometimes seems that youll never be able to keep all of this stuff in your head, youre probably righteven many experienced drivers have trouble remembering everything. With time the things you do every day will become so automatic that you hardly have to think about them. But other information that isnt part of your daily experience can be easy to forget. Thats one reason for this book.

Another reason is that there are special issues facing you as a young driver that older drivers dont have to deal with. So its important for you to have a book thats written just for you. Also, since older drivers take many of the things theyve learned for granted, they may not think to mention some of them to you. These tips can be very handy to know, so youll find them included here as well.

Of course, just when youll most need a book like this, its likely to be sitting at home in your room. Thats why The Driving Book is small enough to fit in your glove compartment. This way, youll have it handy in case of emergencies.

But before you tuck it away in your car, be sure to read through the book once or twice so that you know what information is covered and how to find it. The Driving Book isnt intended to replace a drivers education course, but it helps to reinforce the things you learned there. And youre likely to find some new tips here that will make driving safer and more fun for you.

There are many things that can be handy to have in your car. But these are the must-have items you should never be without.

Before you get behind the wheel of any car, you need to have these two important documents. If you are stopped by the police for any reason or are in an accident, youll need to show them to the police officer. However, its better not to leave your registration in the car in case your car is stolen. Instead, carry it in your wallet with your license.

Of course, you have thisyou keep it in the glove compartment at all times. But can you find it? About the only time youll have to show this document is when you have been in an accident. And youre likely to be rattled at that moment. So you dont want to be searching for it under old tissues, half-eaten bags of peanuts, the address to a party you went to four months ago, and all the other junk that has accumulated in your glove compartment. Also, the more stuff thats in there, the more likely it is that your insurance card will be thrown away accidentally or fall out unnoticed when you open the compartment. So try to keep your glove compartment relatively clean and be careful when youre rummaging through it so that this all-important document doesnt get lost in the shuffle. New insurance cards are issued every six months or every year, so dont forget to replace your old insurance card with the most recent one.

Youre no foolyouve got a spare. The only problem is that you used your real spare the last time you had a flat. The tire thats in there now is your old flat tire, whichno surpriseis still airless. Dont let this happen to you. Repair or replace any flat tire as soon as possible.

Its impossible to change a tire without one, so be sure you have a jack. Most cars come equipped with one, but in the newer models the jack can be small and artfully hidden away, so you may have to look around to find it.

If there is one thing that can save you time and money, its a set of jumper cables. Assuming your problem is only a run-down battery, any passing motorist can help you get your car started as long as one of you has jumper cables. Needless to say, it helps to know how to work them (see page 134). Fortunately, this is one car-related skill that virtually anyoneregardless of size, strength, or mechanical expertisecan master. And it beats sitting in the cold for hours waiting for a tow truck to arrive.

An even better alternative to jumper cables is a portable battery charger. If you have one of these, you can charge your battery without needing another car to give you a jump.

Sooner or later, chances are that your car will break down at night. It makes little sense to be fully equipped for an emergency if you cant see well enough to find and use this equipment. Even if you just need a stronger light to read a map more clearly, a flashlight can really come in handy.

Hopefully, you will never be in a position to need this piece of equipment, but if you do, it may save your life. In an accident you may not be able to open your car doors or windows. Its virtually impossible to break car-window glass by hitting it with your hands or kicking it with your feet. Tools designed especially for this circumstance are available in stores that carry automobile accessories. Be sure to pick one up.

Although its not necessary to keep it in the car, its crucial that you carry a cell phone with you at all times. In an emergency it may make the difference between getting help or being totally stranded.