Chapter 6: Getting Yourself Ready to Drive -Driving License Handbook US E-Book

The control of a car is not a trivial matter, but it is a great responsibility. It requires total concentration. Your eyes should be able to scan the road, hands should be on the wheels controlling it, and the mind should be vigilant to take quick action. It is therefore required to have a good physical and mental condition.  

Maintain Optimal Physical Health

Proper eyesight, hearing capacity and overall good health is necessary for a person to be able to concentrate on driving. If you have a vision problem, have it checked and corrected with a lens, spectacle or surgery. Never drive while you are sick. If you are on a sedative or other medication, check with your doctor if it will affect your driving capacity especially on a long drive.  

Sleepy Driving

Being a drowsy state while driving can be as dangerous as intoxicated driving. Your mind is fatigued and tired and won't be able to keep vigil.  

Sometimes you will have to react quickly to a person who suddenly comes in front of the vehicle. It is, therefore, essential to have a quick response time. In the sleepy state, the reaction time will be slow.  

• You may not be able to see clearly to make judgments.  
• Your average abilities will be impaired with a sleeping brain system.  
• There is a high risk of falling asleep or napping off.

 

There is a huge number of accidents reported in the United States which has been attributed to sleep driving. Never drive during those times of the day or night when you would usually be sleeping. The body has a tendency to fall asleep at that point due to habit. Make sure that you have a good sleep and is cleared of all tiredness before a long drive. While on long trips, take breaks in between. And the most important note is that, in case you feel that you are feeling sleepy, park the vehicle in a safe place and take a quick nap.  

Control Over Emotions

When you are crying, depressed, angry or thoughtful, you will not be able to concentrate on driving. You will not be in your conscious state as your thoughts will be far away delving in the emotion. If you feel that your mind is going astray in your feelings, stop the vehicle, calm down and concentrate before continuing the drive.  

Road Rage

It can be explained as a mental situation where the driver is too angry. The reason can be numerous, but you can spot out road rage by simple signs like  

• Sudden movements
• Keeping close distance.  
• Sounding the horn unnecessarily
• Calling bad words or threats
• Crashing into vehicle
• Using weapon or throwing objects

If you come across such a driver, slow down your car and let the person pass without over reacting and responding back in the same manner. After maintaining a safe distance, park in a safe place and inform the police of the vehicle registration number.  

Distractions while Driving

Before you begin driving on the roads, it is extremely necessary to know what you should not do while driving. Several distractions can come in the way of a good driving experience, and it can cause harm to even the pedestrians and other people on the roads.  

There are three kinds of distractions. They are

1. Visual distraction which will divert your eyes away from the road
2. Manual distraction that will take your hands from the steering control.  
3. Cognitive distraction caused by displacement of concentration away from driving.  

Texting and Driving

Almost all states of United States have strict laws imposed over texting while driving and even using a phone while driving. If the law enforcement officer catches you holding the phone in hand or speaking through it, you will be liable to pay huge fines. The law strictly prevents talking or texting on the phone while driving. It even prevents teenagers from using wireless devices while driving. The rules also define that the phone has to be put away while driving so that there is no temptation to pick it up. Even a split second that you look away at the phone would be enough to cause an accident. Tickets can be escaped in the case of extreme emergencies, even though it is best recommended to find a safe spot before picking up a call of urgency.  

Other common Distractions

• Concentrating or an object or person other than the road in your driving area.  
• Reaching out to take an object in the car while driving.  
• Pets left loose.  
• Eat and drink while driving.  
• Lighting cigarette
• Restless children without a seat belt.  

Drunk Driving

Even a single glass of alcohol would be more than enough to end your life in a crash. Due to the harsh effects of drink driving, strict laws are imposed to prevent this. The fine amount is rather big and is topped with the suspension of license and sometimes even jail sentence.  

When you drink alcohol, it passes through the stomach into the blood stream and instantly hits the brain. It impairs the brain and reduces the judging capacity of the person when consumed even in minuscule quantity. The effects of alcohol are

• Slows reaction time.  
• Impairs vision.  
• Affects alertness.  
• The judgment ability of speed, distance, etc. will be affected.  
• It weakens your body affecting your control over the vehicle.

If you are going to a party or have to drink, make sure you have a driver. If you hadn't hired a driver and got drunk, catch a taxi to take you home.  

Drugs and Driving

There are legal and illegal drugs that can affect driving. The simple examples are the over-the-counter medications available for fever, cold, cough, etc. They influence the nervous system and make you drowsy. Some energy and diet pills also show a similar effect for a short while. Do not drive soon after instead take a break after having medicine. Illegal drugs like marijuana cause intoxication and driving on drugs are offensive and active rules are imposed over using these toxic drugs.  

Chapter 5: Checks Right Before Driving -Driving License Handbook US E-Book

Maintaining the overall condition of the vehicle by the driver has been dealt with in the previous section. In this chapter you will know the checklist of things that you have to note before taking the car out for the drive.  

Securing the Load

Fastening the load might seem like a simple matter but, we have put it on the top of checklist before the drive due to the importance of the matter. It is dealt with strictly by law whereby a high fine and jail term is imposed on any person found to have neglected securing the load and consequently causing a crash. The weight should be checked so that nothing slides, falls, or is released to the air. There are some measures to be taken while securing the load

• Never overload
• Fasten to the vehicle
• Use rope or straps
• Use a sturdy tarp over the whole load.  
• If transporting animals, secure them too in place.  
• Make sure that it wouldn't fall even on a sudden brake.  
• Do not leave clothes or sheets loosely hanging  

In case you see a vehicle with improperly secured loads, call the traffic department and try to keep a far distance.

Keep the Glasses Clean

You see the road ahead and behind through the glasses. To have a safe and comfortable driving experience, it is necessary to keep the glass clean. Here are some tips to help you in the same

• Always keep a class cleaner with paper or towel in your vehicle to clean windshield if required.  
• Maintain the window washer full before going on a long drive. Use antifreeze washer in cold temperatures.  
• Avoid smoking with closed glasses as it creates a film on the interior of the glass.  
• Clear all the glasses clean before driving especially in cold climates.
• Never stick decals or hang things in front of the mirror as it can obstruct the view.  
• Keep the lights clean and change it in a case of damage. The light output will reduce in the event of a dirty light lens.  

Seating and Mirror Adjustments

Once your seat yourself in the driver seat, the first thing is to adjust the mirror and the seat comfortably.  

• Check if you have a good visibility of the road ahead. Adjust the position accordingly. In case you are of a short body, you can use a seat cushion. Some people make the mistake of pushing the seat right towards the steering and thus making it difficult to use the steering. Do not do this. Distance the seat at the right length from the steering wheel.
• Try touching the feet below the brake pedal. This is the right height required.  
• Do not overcrowd the vehicle. Check if you can view through the mirror and can control the vehicle comfortably.  
• Adjust the rear view mirror so that you can see out through the back mirror.  
• There is a trick to set the side mirror. Lean a little forward and look in the mirror, if you can see a small portion of your vehicle, then you will be able to see the traffic behind easily.  
• Set the mirror to the time of the day if you are using a day/night mirror.  
• Adjust the head restraints to settle right behind your head.  

Safety Gears

It is illegal to drive without fastening the seat belts or child restraints. The seat belts are for your own safety and government has put in strict laws so that the individuals are prevented from being thrown out the vehicle in case of a collision. Buckling up properly can ensure that you are held in place in the vehicle. Even if you are on a short trip probably to the shop in the next street, make sure you wear the seat belt, buckled up children in child restraints and if required use the booster seats. Check if the vehicle door is locked and child lock activated if you have kids in the car. By locking the door, you can prevent the door opening up on a swerve or a sudden break.  

It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure the safety of every person in the car especially children. Check the seat belts of children before starting it. Fine and citation will be proceeded over the driver for anyone under 16 years who is not wearing the seat belt. For older people, the individual itself will be responsible for the fine.

People sometimes take air bags to be a replacement for seat belts. Only if you are in the exact position in the car will the deployment of the air bag direct towards you. Without the seat belt fastened, the person will likely sway away from his location and the air bag will not be able to save him.  

How to Wear the Seat Belt Correctly

Most seat belts come in two parts either separated or together. Both are essential to staying in place.  

• The shoulder belt should pass through the chest and away from the neck.  
• The lap belt should go across the hip right under the stomach.  
• Do not put the shoulder belt in your back.  

Child Safety Restraint

According to reports, most of the car crashes have had children between 1 and 12 as the victims. To prevent this, use child safety seats. There are several child safety seats available according to the age of the child. Ensure to latch in the position as some people due to laziness, just place it on the seat without locking it in. This can be more dangerous. There are laws to check for child safety in cars

• Children below 13 years of age should not sit in the front seat.  
• Child safety restraint should be used for the child till he is 8 years old or till he attains a height of 4'9".   
• The best child restraints are rear facing car set or a forward facing one. They come with a harness and holds the baby in place without pushing the child out.  
• The booster seat can be used for older children.  

Chapter 4: Getting Ready to Drive – Vehicle Condition - Driving License Handbook US E-Book

Millions of people use the roadways around the United States, and it is the responsibility of each and every individual to take care while driving and even before driving. Simple matters like seat adjustments, mirror view, securing seat belt, etc. can play a great role in safe driving

Understanding the need to Drive Safely

The risks involved in driving are created by the driver, the vehicle or the roads. It just means that the risk is always there, and the only ways to reduce it is to drive safely.  

The first and foremost step to decrease the risk is to keep the vehicle in good driving condition. Driving safely and proper safety measures while driving are also necessary elements. Taking a look at the accidents that occurred in the last few years, the main reasons can be laid down as  

• Physical or mentally challenged driver
• Run-off-road collision
• High speed driving
• Teen drivers
• Distracted driving
• Not following rules at intersections

Not that a single factor was involved, it usually had two or more factors working together to increase the fatality of the crash. Mostly it is the young people aged between 16 and 15 who are involved in collisions. This is because of the reckless driving style along with distractions. Youth is the time to cherish and live life and not to speed behind the wheel. Following the rules and regulations accordingly, can save you from crashes.  

Vehicle Insurance

Every vehicle in the United States should compulsorily have insurance. Only the government vehicles are exempt from this. The insurance covers for the injuries, death, and loss of property. Always carry the insurance documents or its copy in the vehicle. Sometimes you might be stopped by a law officer to check the records and it is required to present the insurance papers.  

Keeping Check over Vehicle

It is the responsibility of the driver to maintain a check on the vehicle before driving. In case the vehicle is not in good working condition, the higher will be the risk of taking it to the road. It will be risky for both the occupants of the vehicle and also for the others. Only if your vehicle is in good working condition, will you be able to steer your way out of danger.  

Read Vehicle Manual

Take your time to read the manual provided by the manufacturer. It will be able to provide information like the fluids and its levels required for the functioning of the car, dashboard signs and lights, car servicing details and more about car operatives.  

Checks on Vehicle to Prevent Trouble

Brake: Brakes are the emergency handle of the vehicle. Only the brakes can stop your vehicle. Keep a close watch over the brakes. Some signs of issues with the braking system can be noise on braking, smell, or loose brake pedals. Take the car to a mechanic in case of any doubts.  

Lights: The automobiles have several different lights which serve their specific purposes like brake light, signals, headlamps and tail lights. You should be able to know when any of them is not working by checking them from outside the car. They work like warning signals to let the people on the road know that you are braking or turning. In its absence, the risk of an accident is very high.  

If the headlights are not working or causing issues while driving at night, have it taken to the mechanic. The problem could be a misalignment which may be interfering with the ability to see the road clearly and also affects the other drivers.  

Windows and wipers: Keep the windows and windshields in perfect condition. In any case, never drive a vehicle with shattered window or windshield. Wipers keep rain and snow off the glass. Newly released vehicles even have wipers for the rear windows and headlights to make driving easier in adverse weather conditions. If the blade of the wiper is not properly aligned, it can leave water on the glass which will cause discomfort and obstruction while driving.  

Tires: Tires are the base foundation of the vehicle. Only a well-inflated tire can quickly respond to breaking.Check the tire pressure in the user manual.  Check the tire pressure at intervals. A bald or worn out tire will have an increased stopping distance and will make driving troublesome on wet surfaces. It will increase the friction and thus reduce the mileage of the vehicle. Issues with tire can be noticed with unusual bounciness, increase brake distance or shaky wheels.  

Make sure to check the tread and you can use the penny trick to know if it is in the defined thread limit as per rules. If the thread is not per the limit, have the tire replaced.  

Steering: The steering keeps you on the track and helps to maneuver your vehicle in the right direction. If you experience difficulty in turning, take to a mechanic immediately as it is unsafe to be driving with a stiff steering.

Exhaust System: The gases produced in the engine are flushed to the rear of the vehicle by the exhaust system. If the system is leaky, it can get to the interior of the vehicle and even lead to death. Slightly open the windows when you are seated in a vehicle with the engine running. Issues with exhaust system are difficult to find and therefore make sure you have the system checked during periodic services.  

Engine: Keep your engine oiled and in good working condition to ensure that you do not get stalled with a severe engine problem in the midst of a traffic. Your vehicle will have issues with starting instantly while in a traffic and that’s the simple sign of a problem with the engine. A bad engine will also give you poor economy value.  

Horn: Never use a screaming horn that will be a nuisance to people. Adhere to horn rules and make sure it is working so that you can send out a warning note when required.  

Objects in the vehicle: Children have a tendency to take toys and bottles with them in the car. Before driving make sure to check the interior of the car for any loose objects. Drop luggage into the vehicle trunk. Make sure that you do not have rolling objects which are likely to come under the pedal on breaking as the perils of it can be gruesome.  

Chapter 3 : Maintaining Your License - Driving License Handbook US

It is required to keep the license in order to retain your privilege of driving the vehicle. All the details in the driving license should also be accurate at all times. In a case of loss of license or change in address, it should be notified, and necessary changes made as soon as possible. Your license is valid only for a defined period of time, and the individual has to renew the license after the time period. You may also face the risk of having your license suspended or even canceled. Know more about these in this chapter.  

Replacement of License

In any case of loss or damage to the driving license, it has to be notified to the state driving office and application for a replacement has to be submitted along with documents necessary for identification. You can find the paper details at the state motor vehicle department or from the respective driving office.  

Change of Name or Address

In case of a legal change of name or address, the office has to be informed within 30 days of time. Some state laws have reduced the time to even 10 days. Sometimes, if the license is near to expiry, the officials might even recommend for renewal. For a change of name, there is no provision to do it online and should be presented in-person. Proper legal documents for the proof of name change should also be submitted along with the application. Change of address can be applied online or in office. Some states also offer mail-in service for change of address along with the fee for processing the same. The fee for license details changing is mostly $10 and $15 in the states.  

Renewing the License

Most states offer about six years validity for the license. The driving office will also send notification about a month or two prior to the expiry of the permit. The individual can request for renewal about one year before the expiry date. The renewal notice will also give information about online or phone renewal and if the person is eligible for the same. Sometimes the request will be sent to appear in-person for the renovation. The eligibility can also be checked online. This is because the vision test, photograph, and signature have to be renewed periodically mostly in a 12 year time. The state driving laws also prevent certain people like legal offenders, non-US citizens, older people, people suffering from medical conditions,  etc. to make the renewal request online.  

Suspension and Release of License

Being able to drive a vehicle is a privilege provided to those whom the government deem to be eligible. In case of any abuse, the government has the right to revoke or suspend the license.  

Mandatory Suspension: The reinstatement  of the license curbed under mandatory suspension will require you to pay a fee of $100. The reasons for suspensions are mostly

• drug or alcohol usage,
• murder under intoxication
• failure to help a needy
• involuntary accident
• overtaking school bus
• driving with an invalid license
• possessing illegal license
• lending of license
• holding more than one license card
• false license application documents
• graffiti
• race driving vehicle on public road
• convicted of fraud activities or any other repeated violation of traffic rules.  

Administrative License Revocation: A penalty of $125 has to be paid by an individual above 21 years in a case of intoxicated driving under alcohol or drug influence.  

Cancellation of Driver License

The government may find it wise to cancel a driving license under certain situations like  

• Issues with driving office in another state
• Parental support withdrawn for minors
• Wrong documents or inability to provide documents for license ID.  
• Criminal records
• Mental illness or constantly intoxicated state.  
• Found to be a sex offender

How to Save Your License

Safe driving is the key to keeping your driving license. Make sure that you follow the below steps to prevent cancellation of license

• Prevent drunk or intoxicated driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  
• Succumb to blow or blood test when requested by the police officer.  
• Provide true information in the license application.
• Keep yourself insured as the driving license of an uninsured driver can be canceled in case of a collision.  
• If a re-test is required, attend it in time.  
• Do not perform any criminal activity especially with the motor vehicle like an accident.  
• Never offend traffic rules. Too many offenses can have your license withdrawn.  
• Rash and reckless driving
• Racing or homicide with the card on roads.  
• Repeated cases of leaving without paying for the petrol.  
• Never try to misuse the license as it is a privilege.  

Failure to appear in the event of a charge

When there is a traffic charge made over a person, the ticket will also give information about the next actions to be done. The instructions have to be fulfilled in the 15 days time, request for time extension up to 45 days will also be provided. Inability to comply within this period will lead to cancellation of the license and ends up in arresting the individual. The legal desk can also decide not to issue a license till the case is resolved. There are also reissuing fee imposed over FTA charges in some states.