The 10 Fundamentals of Driving a Vehicle
At Software and Process Design, we've discovered that most goals can be achieved by breaking them down into essential steps, roughly 10 fundamental principles. We call these principles the 10 Fundamentals.
You can think of these Fundamentals as a roadmap for success. If you’re aiming to achieve something, these Fundamentals are like simple rules to follow, breaking down goals into actionable steps.
What makes it even more exciting is that we're actively developing tools to simplify this journey further. As you read through this guide, see how these Fundamentals, when combined with our tools, become your companion for reaching your goals.
In this guide, we break down the 10 fundamental principles of driving a vehicle, so you can feel confident and safe driving any vehicle!
These basic tips on driving a vehicle cover everything from having valid insurance to understanding the motor. We even dive into checking for damage and ensuring passengers/loose objects are buckled in/secured.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools and knowledge you need to successfully drive any vehicle.
Key Takeaways:
1. Seek permission to drive the vehicle and ensure that you have valid insurance.
2. Check your route for traffic, construction, etc.
3. Understand how the vehicle is powered.
4. Where are the light controls located?
5. Is there a parking brake/emergency brake? How does it work?
6. How does the vehicle start? Does it require a key, fob, or button?
7. Does it drive on wheels? Are they inflated?
8. Is there any noticeable damage to the vehicle?
9. Is there anything in the path of the vehicle, preventing it from moving?
10. Are your passengers buckled in? Are loose objects secured?
1. Seek permission to drive the vehicle.
When driving a vehicle that is not your own, you should make sure that you are allowed to drive the vehicle. Before driving a new vehicle, the driver should let the owner of the vehicle know where you plan to drive.
You should also tell them how long you plan to be gone and what stops you plan to make. This will help to calm anxiety from driving a new vehicle (for both you and the vehicle's owner).
In addition, it’s important to make sure you’re covered under the vehicle’s insurance policy. Read and understand the terms and conditions of your own insurance policy, plus the policy of the vehicle you intend to drive.
If your friend or family member that owns the car you’re asking to borrow has insurance, but you do not, you can still legally drive (with a valid license).
Note that if you drive another person’s car on a regular basis, you’ll likely need to be listed as an “occasional driver” on their insurance policy. If there is an accident, you need the peace of mind that you will be covered.
If you are an occasional driver under someone else’s insurance, note that age impacts insurance premiums, too, since younger drivers are generally more likely to have accidents or take risks on the road.
Keep this in mind if you are lending or borrowing a vehicle because if no one under the age of 25 is driving your vehicle, your insurance will be cheaper. The high car insurance rates that young drivers pay start to go down at age 25.
Furthermore, ensure that your insurance covers the type of vehicle you intend to drive. For example, you need different insurance to drive a motorcycle than you do for a car, and different insurance for a car than you do for a truck.
Soon, you’ll be able to plan, communicate with, and seek permission from someone regarding their vehicle using our upcoming tools. Provide the owner with the info they need and keep track of the car’s info, policies, etc.
You’ll even be able to communicate, make/track updates, track your mileage/fuel, and so much more – all in one convenient platform.
2. Check your route for traffic, construction, etc.
When driving anywhere, it’s important to search along your route for traffic and/or construction delays. This will help you to get to your destination on time and to avoid any unplanned detours.
When borrowing someone’s vehicle, this is important because you want to return the vehicle at the time you’ve agreed upon with the owner. If not, you may worry the owner of the vehicle and in turn, lose your driving privileges.
Soon, you’ll be able to use our tools to plan your route, search for and find delays, send updates to the vehicle’s owner in real-time and so much more. Give yourself and the vehicle owner peace of mind.
3. Understand how the vehicle is powered.
There are many different types of engines in vehicles and it’s important to know whether the vehicle takes gasoline, diesel, can be charged electrically, or whether it’s a combination (a hybrid, for example).
Is the engine a standard or an automatic? If it’s a standard, do you know how to drive the vehicle? If it’s an automatic, do you know where the gear shifter is? Do you know how to disengage the shifter?
Check if the vehicle is fully powered (i.e. there is a full tank of fuel or a fully charged battery). If not, how far can you go safely? Where is the nearest area to “fill up?” How do you charge, or where is the fuel tank located?
Is there a button or key needed to charge the vehicle? Special safety features? These are all things you want to know BEFORE you’re stuck on the side of the road calling for help.
Soon, you’ll be able to use our tools to plan your next trip, regardless of the engine that’s taking you there. Map out the distances, check for charging/fuel stations along your route, and make trips more streamlined and convenient.
4. Where are the light controls located? Do they work?
Much like fuel and battery power, it’s important to test the lights on a vehicle before driving away in it. If you’re driving in Ontario with a burnt-out headlight at night, for example, you can be fined.
One of the best tips for driving at night is to check your high beams, low beams, and brake lights before driving. It’s also important to know where other accessories are that you may need.
For example, where is the volume button on the radio? Is the station suitable for you? You don’t want to be fiddling with the radio while you’re driving, so set it up before you take off. Check that the windshield wipers/wiper fluid works.
You never know when you may hit a rainstorm. You could also have something splash on your windshield which would require your wipers/fluid to work properly.
Do the turn signals work? Turn them on and check outside your vehicle to ensure that none of the lights are burnt out. Test both the right and left turn signals, checking both the front and rear of your vehicle.
If your turn signals are burnt out, this could cause an accident. You can also be fined for having burnt out lights. Soon, you’ll be able to use our upcoming tools to make checklists for every vehicle you drive.
Easily keep track of what you have and haven’t checked every time you drive a new vehicle so you can have peace of mind, convenience, and an easy way to monitor the life of accessories on your vehicles.
5. Is there a parking brake/emergency brake? How does it work? Is it engaged already?
Test the parking brake by engaging it and attempting to drive away. If the car moves, you know the e-brake doesn’t work.
If it stays put, you know you can safely rely on it. It’s important to test the e-brake BEFORE you’re in an emergency that requires it.
If your primary brakes fail and you attempt to use your e-brake, but are unaware that it is faulty, this could result in a serious accident.
You should also check that your primary brakes are working properly before driving the vehicle anywhere.
Soon you’ll be able to use our upcoming tools to find local mechanics and auto shops, book appointments, coordinate it into your busy schedule and so much more – all through one convenient app.
6. How does the vehicle start? Does it require a key, fob, or button?
Vehicles nowadays can differ significantly from each other. Some cars have traditional keys, some use ‘push-to-start,' the list goes on. When driving any vehicle, it’s important to have the required items.
In addition, do you have backups or spares on you in case one of the pieces breaks and/or the battery dies? It’s important to have a Plan B for when this occurs.
The last thing you want is to be locked out of your car because your key fob battery died! Fortunately, most cars have a backup system that allows you to hold your dead fob up against the ignition button.
Then, the proximity of the fob verifies the key and starts the car. Many key fobs also have a physical key tucked away within them. This key can be used to unlock the car in the event of a dead battery.
These are not provided with every key fob, however, so that’s why it’s important to have a backup plan. Soon, you’ll be able to use our tools to create your auto-backup plan.
Set up an emergency contact who has access to your spare key so you can easily contact them, send your location, and get help A.S.A.P. – all in one convenient platform.
7. Does it drive on wheels?
If there are tires, check that all are filled and usable – i.e. no visible damage to the tires or rims, no objects protruding from tires, and not flat. Ensure that each tire has the correct PSI.
Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). Your vehicle's recommended tire pressure can typically be found on a sticker located on the inside of the driver's door.
You can often find it listed in the owner's manual, too. Ensure that each tire on the vehicle is not under or over-inflated. Soon you’ll be able to access helpful tips and resources using our tools to assist you with tasks like these.
You’ll be able to empower yourself to achieve success by learning key practices and principles. Make inflating or deflating your tires simple and convenient using our upcoming tools.
8. Is there any noticeable damage to the vehicle that would impact how it would drive or function?
If there has been significant damage to a vehicle, it may be unsafe to drive. If the bumper has a dent, that’s probably OK. If the tailpipe is dragging on the ground, however, you should refrain from driving the vehicle in that state.
Soon, you’ll be able to use our upcoming tools to find and book an appointment with a local auto body repair shop. Send photos of the vehicle, receive estimates, and communicate with the shop.
You can even be notified of your vehicle’s status - all in one convenient place!
9. Is the path cleared? Is there anything in the way preventing the vehicle from moving?
This could be something as simple as your child’s toys or as complex as a limb falling from a tree. Check and remove any obstructions in front of or behind your vehicle that could cause damage, before driving it.
10. Are your passengers buckled in? Are loose objects secured?
The driver must always wear a seatbelt. Drivers are also responsible for ensuring that all passengers under the age of 16 are properly restrained. Failure to do so can lead to fines which the driver is responsible for paying.
Thus, it’s important to check that your passengers are secured and ready for you to begin driving. You should also secure any loose objects. If you make a hard stop, these objects could hit you or your passengers.
You should also make sure that there’s nothing that could roll under the seats and potentially under the gas/brake pedals. Secure loose papers (in case you decide to open your window), too.
If you are traveling with pets, make sure they are secured in a crate or are wearing a seatbelt or harness. This will prevent your animal from jumping out of the backseat or window and keep them secured when braking.
Soon, you’ll be able to eliminate loose papers from your vehicle by storing all your auto-related documents in one of our upcoming ‘Workspaces.’
Using our upcoming tools, you can scan and store documents, easily search for them, organize, and access them anywhere you need them. And there you have it! Our top 10 vehicle driving tips.
Hungry for more? Stay tuned for additional guides on how to achieve your goals using our solutions and keep in mind that soon, groundbreaking tools will turn these principles into actionable steps.
You can also check out the 10Fundamentals YouTube channel for more helpful tips and informative video lessons.
Software and Process Design: A group of expert problem-solvers crafting software solutions that redefine. Learn more about the work we’re doing at softwareandprocessdesign.com.
