Driving is an essential skill that provides both convenience and independence. Whether driving for work, leisure, or running errands, having a driver’s license opens up a world of possibilities.
However, obtaining a driver’s license requires passing a driving exam, which can be daunting for many people.
To help you prepare for the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driving exam, DriveSafe PH compiled a list of 10 essential driving skills that you should master. These skills range from basic vehicle control to more advanced techniques crucial for safe and efficient driving. Practicing these skills increases your chances of passing the driving exam and becoming a confident and responsible driver.
Ten driving skills you should know before taking the LTO driving exam
1. Vehicle familiarization
Knowing your vehicle’s controls and instruments, such as the brakes, accelerator, steering wheel, and mirrors, can help you operate the vehicle more confidently and smoothly. This familiarity can help you avoid accidents or mishaps that may occur if you’re not comfortable with the vehicle’s controls.
During the exam, the examiner will likely ask you questions about the vehicle, such as where the headlights or signal lights are located. If you don’t know the answers, it may affect your chances of passing the exam.
Being familiar with your vehicle can also help you maintain it properly. By knowing the location of various components, you can check and replace fluids, fuses, and other components as needed. This knowledge can also help you diagnose and address any issues with the vehicle before they become more serious problems.
2. Starting and stopping the vehicle
Starting and stopping the vehicle smoothly and safely is one of the basic driving skills that the examiner will be evaluating during the exam. If you’re not familiar with starting and stopping the vehicle, you may struggle to control the vehicle, which can result in jerky movements, stalls, or even accidents.
Being able to start and stop the vehicle smoothly and safely can also help you avoid accidents or mishaps while driving on the road. Abrupt or sudden stops or starts can be dangerous and cause discomfort or even injury to passengers.
3. Steering control
A crucial driving ability is steering control, which enables you to maintain proper lane discipline, control the direction of the vehicle, and steer clear of collisions and accidents. If you’re not familiar with the steering controls, you might find it difficult to keep the car on the road, which could cause it to swerve, cross lanes, or even crash into other cars or objects.
In addition to that, the stress on your arms, shoulders, and neck can also be reduced by steering the vehicle accurately and smoothly.
4. Changing gear
If you’re driving a manual transmission vehicle, you should know how to shift gears smoothly and at the right time. Shifting gears at the wrong time or in the wrong sequence can lead to engine damage or stall the vehicle, potentially causing accidents or collisions.
5. Acceleration and deceleration
Driving skills that allow you to control your vehicle’s speed, keep a safe distance from other vehicles, and prevent collisions and accidents include acceleration and deceleration. If you’re not familiar with acceleration and deceleration, you may struggle to control the vehicle’s speed, which can result in sudden stops or starts, jerky movements, or even accidents.
6. Lane discipline
Lane discipline is an essential driving skill that helps you maintain the proper distance from other vehicles, avoid accidents or collisions, and follow traffic rules and regulations. If you’re not familiar with lane discipline, you may struggle to keep your vehicle in the correct lane, which can result in crossing lanes, hitting other vehicles, or causing accidents.
7. Road signs and signals
Road signs and signals are critical for safe and efficient driving. Understanding the meaning of different road signs and signals allows you to follow traffic rules, anticipate road hazards, and avoid accidents or collisions.
Road signs and signals are a significant part of the LTO driving exam. Familiarizing yourself with road signs and signals can help you pass the exam and obtain your driver’s license.
8. Turning
Turning is an essential driving skill that allows you to change your direction of travel and navigate intersections, roundabouts, and other road features.
You should know how to turn the vehicle safely and correctly, including making left and right turns, U-turns, and three-point turns.
Turning requires coordination between steering, acceleration, and deceleration. Knowing how to turn smoothly and at the right speed can help you avoid sudden stops or starts, which can waste fuel and increase emissions as well
9. Parking
Parking is an essential driving skill that allows you to safely and efficiently park your vehicle in different environments and situations. If you’re not familiar with parking, you may struggle to park your vehicle properly, which can result in fines, accidents, or collisions.
You should be able to park the vehicle safely and correctly, including parallel parking, reverse parking, and angle parking. This is one of your skills in driving that will be scored during your LTO practical driving exam.
10. Defensive driving
Anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road, such as other vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions, and take appropriate defensive driving measures to avoid accidents.
Defensive driving is a driving technique that prioritizes safety and anticipates potential hazards or risks on the road. It can help you respond appropriately to different driving situations and conditions. Whether you’re driving in heavy traffic, bad weather, or unfamiliar roads, defensive driving can help you make informed decisions and avoid risky maneuvers.
Familiarizing yourself with defensive driving techniques and principles can help you pass the exam and obtain your driver’s license.
Driving is not just about following traffic rules and regulations. It requires a combination of knowledge, skills, and attitude. All these driving skills are covered in theoretical driving courses offered by DriveSafe PH; the first online theoretical driving course provider in teh Philippines. Mastering these skills can greatly improve your chances of passing the Land Transportation Office (LTO) driving exam and becoming a safe and responsible driver.
Remember, driving is a privilege, and every driver has a responsibility to ensure their safety, the safety of their passengers, and the safety of other road users. So, take your TDC seriously, practice what you’ve learned, and always drive defensively. Safe driving!