Driving Sense's Podia/Driving Sense™: Before You Start Driving

  • $9.99

Driving Sense™: Before You Start Driving

  • Course
  • 33 Lessons

Driving Sense™: Before You Start Driving teaches the essential skills you need before getting on the road. You will learn how to approach your vehicle, set up your driving position, use basic controls, and build confidence for your first drive. This course is ideal for: New drivers Nervous beginners Adults who never learned properly Anyone who wants to feel more confident before driving

Contents

Welcome & Course Overview

Welcome to Driving Sense™: Before You Start Driving.

This course is designed to help you build confidence, awareness, and control before you ever begin driving on the road.

Most people are taught how to drive while already moving. That creates stress, confusion, and mistakes.

This course solves that problem by preparing you first.

If you follow each lesson step by step, you will feel more comfortable, more aware, and more in control when it is time to drive.

Lesson 1: Confidence Behind the Wheel
Lesson 2: Understanding How the Vehicle Works
Lesson 3: Knowing What to Look For Before Driving
Final Thought

Before You Enter the Vehicle

Before you even open the car door, take a moment to check your surroundings.

Look for:

  • People walking nearby

  • Children or pets

  • Moving vehicles

  • Objects behind or around the car

This habit builds awareness and prevents accidents before they happen.

Safe driving starts before you enter the vehicle.

Lesson 1: Inspect the Vehicle Before You Enter
Lesson 2: Check Around the Vehicle for Hazards
Lesson 3: Read the Environment Before You Move
Final Reminder

Setting Up Your Driving Position

Before starting the car, adjust your seat so you are in full control.

You should:

  • Sit upright, not leaning back

  • Have a slight bend in your knees

  • Be able to press the pedals comfortably

  • Keep your back fully supported

Your seating position affects your ability to control the vehicle.

Lesson 1: Entering the Vehicle and Setting Your Foundation
Lesson 2: Adjusting Your Seat for Control and Comfort
Lesson 3: Hand Position and Steering Control
Final Reminder

Mirrors and Blind Spots

Your mirrors are critical for awareness.

Rearview mirror:

  • Should show the entire back window

Side mirrors:

  • Should be angled slightly outward

  • Should not show the side of your car

This reduces blind spots and improves visibility.

Lesson 1: Mirror Setup – Seeing What Matters
Lesson 2: Blind Spot Awareness – What Mirrors Cannot Show
Lesson 3: Combining Mirrors and Awareness

Understanding Car Controls

The gas and brake pedals control your speed.

Gas pedal:

  • Apply gentle pressure

  • Do not press suddenly

Brake pedal:

  • Press smoothly

  • Avoid slamming unless necessary

Driving is about control, not force.

Lesson 1: Gas Pedal Control – Managing Your Speed
Lesson 2: Brake Pedal Control – Slowing and Stopping Safely
Lesson 3: Steering Basics – Controlling Direction
Final Reminder

Turn Signals and Communication

Turn signals communicate your intentions to other drivers.

You should:

  • Signal at least 100 feet before turning

  • Signal before changing lanes

  • Turn the signal off after completing the action

Failing to signal creates confusion and increases risk.

Lesson 1: Using Turn Signals – Communicating Your Intentions
Lesson 2: Proper Turn Signal Habits – Building Consistency
Lesson 3: Common Turn Signal Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Final Reminder

Before the Car Moves

Before moving the car:

  • Put your foot on the brake

  • Start the vehicle

  • Shift into drive

  • Check mirrors and surroundings

Release the brake slowly and allow the car to move naturally.

Lesson 1: Starting the Vehicle – Setting Yourself Up for Control
Lesson 2: Understanding Vehicle Movement – The Idle Effect
Lesson 3: First Movement – Controlled and Intentional Driving
Final Reminder

Beginner Safety Rules of The Road

Before driving on the road, understand these basic rules:

  • Stop signs require a complete stop

  • Yield means slow down and be ready to stop

  • Always maintain a safe distance from other vehicles

  • Control your speed at all times

These rules form the foundation of safe driving.

Lesson 1: Basic Rules of the Road – Understanding Right of Way and Traffic Control
Lesson 2: Speed Control and Lane Discipline
Lesson 3: Awareness and Defensive Driving
Final Reminder

Practice Without Driving

Before driving on public roads, practice in a safe environment.

Use:

  • Empty parking lots

  • Quiet areas with no traffic

Focus on:

  • Smooth braking

  • Gentle acceleration

  • Basic steering

This builds confidence without pressure.

Lesson: Safe Practice Environment

Final Checklist & Confidence

You do not need to be perfect to begin learning how to drive.

You need to be:

  • Aware

  • Calm

  • Willing to improve

Confidence comes from preparation and repetition.

Take your time, follow the process, and build your skills step by step.

Final Summary: