Top 4 best place for new drivers to practice driving skills

Driving can be a daunting experience especially if you are just learning how. It is imperative to be well versed with not only the theory but also acquire the skills and at the same time gain confidence and comfort to cruise the streets.

This is not an overnight process, and everyone needs to start somewhere. As the famous saying goes, practice is the key, but safety is still the top-notch priority. For newbies, it would be good to come up with a game plan on where you can practice your driving skills.

The more you are comfortable behind the wheel, the better. Luckily, there are places where you can practice for free whenever you want to.

Driving can be a daunting experience especially if you are just learning how

Here are some recommendations from Philkotse.com that you can consider as places where you can start driving and practicing. You don’t want to be at risk but most important is you don’t put other people at risk too.

1. An empty parking lot

Vacant parking lots can provide an almost real-world environment less the actual dangers that are involved when you are out on the roads. One of the best places to start learning is in a school parking lot, grocery parking lot or a mall parking lot – after hours.

You have to adjust a little later in the evening or days on the weeks that’s not too busy or when the shopping mall is closed. This empty space will allow you to practice your necessary driving skills like steering, braking, turning, and stepping on the gas.

Sure enough, you’ve heard or even read about how to make that left turn and how to smoothly steer, but without first-hand experience, these will all remain just a concept. Getting the feel on how your car responds to human control and navigating the actual car is the best to learn and practice.

One of the best places to start learning is in an empty parking lot

One more advantage of why parking lots serve as an excellent place to start driving is because you can at the same time challenge yourself with parking skills. You will be given that opportunity to turn left or turn right into a spot.

You can try to back into a place and even do a three-point turn to go around. The possibilities of developing your driving skills are endless in an empty parking space.

What’s more is you can turn a parking lot into a replicated busy street complete with parked vehicles, curbs, stop signs, and traffic lights including pedestrian. This will provide you with a boost of confidence as you prepare for you in driver's education class before getting out to the real world highways.

2. A busier parking lot

Once you are feeling assured of your necessary driving skills then it is time to move to a larger and a bit crowded parking lot. Go to your shopping mall during regular business hours for a full experience.

Continuously challenge yourself by now parking next to a parked car. Reverse out with another row of cars behind you. You can also circle around and be able to practice proper driving skill and etiquette with actual cars and drivers.

There are some areas on a parking lot that can act as small intersections that you can practice on. The fundamental goal here is for you to be more confident and comfortable being behind the wheel.

When you are ready, move to a larger and a bit crowded parking lot

>>> You might like to read: 5 things that they won't teach you at driving schools

3. A secluded road

It is now time to venture out from your controlled space and drive in an actual public way. Busy streets are not yet for you though so opt for roads that are secluded or less busy.

Avoid the main road at this point. Explore the actual roads where there is traffic but not too much of it that you just end up being stuck. Drive in asphalt, gravel, or dirt roads, so you get a good feeling about the difference in surface and make the necessary adjustments when it comes to steering and accelerating.

Although secluded, still follow all the road signs and be a responsible driver regardless if there are other commuters on the road while you are practicing.

Opt for roads that are secluded or less busy

4. Roads with different speed limits

This might be a little challenging to find but get recommendations from the folks of so you can try to drive with various speed limits and see the difference from 25 mph versus driving at 35 mph and against 40 mph.

This will develop your instinct of adjusting and complying to the speed limits without even the need to check your speedometer. It will allow you to make the necessary alterations and precautions and at the same time blend in safely with other motorists.

Once you’re comfortable with these driving places, it will be a smart idea to continuously challenge yourself and test your necessary driving skills during the night as the roads would visually change when the sun is out and when it is only the moons, stars and street lamps illuminating the streets.

>>> Must read: Speed Limit Law Philippines: Know It, Follow It

Include on your checklist trying out your fundamental skills when it is raining or cloudy at the various weather conditions are non-controllable elements in driver’s life.

Try to drive with various speed limits

Bear in mind that every time you practice, it will be smart to take someone you trust with you. A few pointers and excellent moral support can do wonders for someone who is just learning how to drive.

A good companion can ease discomfort and anxiety. Sure, you have to focus on the road and in the driving itself, but a comfortable conversation and a reassuring presence can make a huge difference.

Always remember that safety is of utmost importance and as a future driver, it is essential that as early as learning how to drive, this concept is already reiterated and provided stress.

Being proactive and practicing as much as you on the recommended places above should yield you good results. Driving can be an enjoyable experience, but you have to ensure that safety is never compromised.

Practice will always be the key so you can gain your confidence and be comfortable not just during the process of earning your driving license but also when you are out on the road.

Follow Philkotse.com for helpful driving tips and stay safe behind the wheel!