Is It Possible to Learn to Drive on Your Own?

By Amir

Is It Possible to Learn to Drive on Your Own?

In these Do-It-Yourself times, it is not surprising that some people ask if they can learn to drive without outside help. Can you teach yourself to drive a car without any assistance from a DMV-approved instructor or an experienced driver? Has anyone ever learned to drive entirely on their own? Remember, defensive driving is an essential part of driving.

The internet is filled with stories of drivers claiming to have learned to drive independently.

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Is It Possible to Learn to Drive on Your Own?

Why Would Anyone Want To Learn To Drive By Themselves?

Some people want to learn to drive by themselves to prove it’s possible to learn driving independently. There are many seemingly complex tasks that people undertake without professional help, just for the love of DIY. It saves money when you do it yourself, they say.

On the other hand, some people eager to be drivers lack the funds for driving school or don't have a friend or relative with the time and experience to teach them. Their only option is to learn by themselves out of necessity.

So, Can You Learn To Drive By Yourself?

The straightforward answer is that it is impossible to learn to drive from scratch without any driving education. In fact, it’s illegal in the United States for a novice to drive without a Learner’s Permit. Therefore, if you have no idea what driving entails, do not attempt to drive. Stay away from the driver’s seat to keep yourself safe and avoid legal consequences. It doesn’t matter if you are on private land or in your own compound.

In theory, you can learn to drive by keenly watching what other drivers do and then applying those techniques once you've mastered them. Some children become good drivers after years of observing their parents. When these kids finally get behind the wheel, they already know the basics of driving. Additionally, one can watch numerous DIY YouTube videos to learn driving techniques, then apply those lessons.

However, this doesn’t truly qualify as learning to drive by yourself because you are still learning from others.

Why Is It Pointless To Learn To Drive By Yourself?

The actual driving of a car getting it moving and operating it is only about 10% of what driving entails. Driving involves other critical factors such as focus, observation, awareness, and understanding road signs. You need to predict what to expect next by correctly interpreting road signs, some of which are in the form of symbols.

There are laws that govern driving, and you need to study and understand these laws. Where would you learn these rules? Where do you start? At some point, you have to ask around or search the internet for answers, but then you are no longer learning to drive by yourself.

Additionally, to get a driving license, you have to demonstrate that you can drive and understand traffic rules. Someone has to coach you on how to pass the DMV road test. You need to prepare for the test in some way, and whatever you learned by yourself may not be enough.

What’s The Best Way To Learn To Drive?

The best way to learn to drive is to be taught by an experienced driver who dedicates their time to teaching you. This can be an instructor at a driving school or a friend or relative who is an experienced driver.

Do not waste your time learning to drive a car without outside help. It is illegal and dangerous. There are things you can quickly learn by DIY to save money, such as home repairs or crafting. However, driving a car should not be one of the things you strive to learn from scratch without proper guidance. You need formal training. If you cannot afford driving school or find anyone to train you at home, wait until you can. There are no shortcuts.

You can find accredited driving schools online by searching for "licensed driving schools near me." Read customer feedback to decide which one suits you. Be objective; some reviews may be misleading. Once you find the right driving school, learn defensive driving under a qualified instructor. Proper driving instruction costs money or someone's time, but it's worth it.

Should You Rely On Other People’s Experiences When It Comes To Driving?

When you browse the internet, you'll find people claiming they never attended driving school but still became good drivers through observation. Some people will say anything to get more likes and comments on social media, so be cautious.

Our advice is not to rely on such claims. Why follow the outrageous advice of someone you’ve never met and whose claims you cannot verify? Avoid going for the advice that requires the least effort.

Wrapping It Up

Once you have learned to drive, you can practice in different places until you are proficient. You can do this on your own or with minimal supervision. However, we discourage taking matters into your own hands when learning to drive.

Do you live in New York City around Brooklyn? Consider joining Drive Rite Academy, one of the best schools in the area. It is fully equipped and has highly qualified instructors.

Learning to drive is a serious responsibility that requires proper instruction and practice. Ensure you get the right training to become a safe and confident driver. Book a lesson!

Is It Possible to Learn to Drive on Your Own?