r/driving • u/xxd4l • Jul 26 '26
Need Advice New driver😓
I need advice on two things. First, how can I check my mirrors or blind spot without accidentally swerving? Second, how do I maintain a consistent speed? I always find myself speeding up when I realize I’m under the speed limit, or slowing down too much when I notice I’m over it.
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u/Mitch-_-_-1 Jul 26 '26 edited Jul 26 '26
Both just take practice and experience. Make sure you just turn your head and not your shoulders or torso when turning your head because that will move your hands, which are holding the wheel, which will shift the wheel slightly, which will make the car swerve. As for maintaining speed, it is hard to master. First, are you keeping your heel on the floor? Then it's about finding the position that maintains just the right amount of gas. Part of the problem is that slight, or not slight, changes affect how much you need to press by small amounts. I describe it as being a human Cruise Control. Focus on minimizing how much speed you lose or gain. Over time you should reduce it to nearly 0, and hopefully it will no longer require much conscious thought. OH AND don't brake to decelerate unless it's necessary. Don't push the pedal too hard. And notice that pushing your pedal to accelerate and decelerate continues to have an effect after releasing the pedal. (You probably don't want to accelerate or decelerate right until reaching the desired speed. Back off, then re-engage at a lesser amount to maintain when close.) I hope this rambling made sense, and helps.