I did it guys! I conquered my fear of driving after a car accident. I found the secret to be to drive more and keep in practice. My husband normally does all 5he driving because he's an exceptional driver.
That is super awesome news my friend. CONGRATULATIONS on getting out on the highway after a crash. That's a tough hurtle to overcome. You probably saw this video already: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GRX7iW4Jqcs.html Drop us a note if we can help further. All the very best, Cheers Rick
This guy is a phenomenal teacher I’ve been watching his videos before I got my permit then I got my learners permit and then I got my drivers license thanks man
Hi ashanta young - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Maybe I missed it, but keeping an eye on the cars that are 2-3 cars in front of you is a huge benefit. Will give you a heads up on changing traffic conditions much faster than just watching the guy in front of you.
yep. I'm more interested in DISTANCE rather than how many vehicles.. I try to look "through" the vehicles directly in front of me rather than the one that is closesest. I drive at least 2000 feet in front of me even though I may be in only a 30 mph zone. I also try to "time" signals. if a light is green 2000 feet in front of me I'm probably gonna get "caught" on its red. oh, well it is what it is. however I may slow a bit and especially if its been green for quite a while. There's no sense in rushing up to a light that you KNOW you're gonna be stopping for anyway so get that foot off the accelerator you're only burning up kinetics that wears your brake pads & stuff that much quicker. I rarely use my brakes over about 20 mph... due to experienced traffic aware "timing". And because of this its rare that other traffic will be able to "stay with me" that are not doing the same thing and especially so in congested areas. why? Because its the "averaging" of traffic flow speed in this situation.
I've been watching videos trying to over come my driving anxiety. This man speaks with such confidence and expertise it has a calming effect on its on. Definitely adding this to my Playlist
Hi ivana - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Sumi41 THE silver lining is, you now know they are a poor driver. Stay away from them. Let someone else get bushwacked. They don't care who they run into. Make sure it's not you . . .
the ones who dont know how to drive are the ones who dont signal and weave in and out of the lane. they also honk at you if you are too slow. ironically they think they are the best drivers in the world and everyone is slowing them down. tbh these people should be banned from driving and put in jail for endangering the public.
Hi Xiucheng Yang - thank you for your kind words. That is *_SUPER DUPER GREAT_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-21hBJ49sX-s.html
It's also important to be scanning the roadside for wildlife that might run into the path of your vehicle. Deer are particularly bad. However, they will not cause nearly as much damage as a collision with a Rhinosaur will. Heads up!
Sometimes you simply can’t prevent hitting them. Animals get scared and often don’t even look before crossing the road. It’s even worse during hunting season, they’re even more spooked than normal. Never swerve to miss them though. Slow down or brake if you can but trying to swerve is a bad idea. You may hit another car and a no fault animal collision becomes your fault. Or run off the road and cause more damage to your vehicle. Unless it’s a Rhinosaur, avoid hitting them at all costs. You’re just going to make it mad and it will be out for blood.
You are lucky to live in a place where this is an option. All I have are pavement, asphalt and cement... and the occasional suicidal pedestrian (a kind of animal, i guess).
Less space behind? Leave more space in front. One of the most important yet often forgotten rules to driving. Really wish more driving instructors taught students all the information you do. Not just the basics.
Not a single dislike, now that’s what I like to see on a video like this!!! Thanks to everyone who watches this, and thank you for the informative video! Most of us drive every single day, and there’s always something new to learn to be a safer driver. :)
Hi Lord of Woe - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Glad somebody is putting this information into a knowledge transferrable format. I arrived at these methods on my own but with so many individual (non-communicating entities) on the road, the more people that apply the same method will result in a better system. Kudos…not the candy bar.
Hi Ben - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Glad it was helpful my friend! How did a Canadian end up in the states? Have a look at this video for more info on winter driving: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0TC2KeXF2VU.html Safe travels my friend. Cheers Rick
i've watched tons of rick's videos & i was able to pass my road test first try i really just heard rick in my head about what to do vs what not to do, i still watch this content even after passing the test
Did you see that first shot of the young lady terrified? That’s what the majority of people do in a situation-panic, grab the steering wheel as tight as possible, close thier eyes as tight as possible, turn thier head left or right and pray for the best.
Left lane hogs are definitely annoying, but what really drives me crazy is when I'm trying to merge onto the highway, someone else is coming up on the right hand lane right by the entrance ramp that I'm on, I can see in my side mirror that the left lane is empty and that other driver could easily mover over to give me some space to safely merge in, but they don't........
Driving correctly is what we all want for other drivers on the highway and in the city but sadly it rarely happens. All we can do is be defensive and use the tools that Rick teaches us. That way, we are better prepared to face the challenges of bad drivers we encounter on the road.
Those mountains are so nice. Thanks for the video, Rick! I sure needed this. I still don't have a car yet :( don't know when or if that blessing will even happen, but this video helps a lot. Merry Christmas!
Really useful tips Rick and for novice drivers, they might need experienced drivers to accompany them on the freeways or in the United States Interstate Highways. One more thing quickly accelerates if the highway lacks an acceleration lane commonly found on the older freeway. At night drive within the speed limit since there might be animals crossing the highway.
Hi Prakash K - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I lived all my life in London England, never had to drive, and now at 40 I passed my driving licence/bought a RAV4 to commute in my new home in the middle east ... thanks for the tips as despite being a big sporty guy, I am terrified behind the wheel
Hi M T - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I taught a female how to drive. she was 42 years old that had moved to West Palm Beach from NYC. She never drove and was terrified. And WPB has a LOT of traffic at least during "rush hour" when everybody goes nuts behind the wheel. The number one rule is this. When you get behind the wheel you DRIVE and that is ALL YOU DO! Driving takes experience thus its age related BUT one hasta learn PROPERLY from the getgo. I know 70 year olds that cannot drive for crap. but I know 20 year olds that practice excellent driving habits that the author explains in his videos. I don't agree with all of them but probably because I'm 80 years old and have driven millions of miles as a retired CDL driver. The things that cause the most fatals 1) Excessive speed for conditions 2) Illegal lane changes 3) Intersections 4) Substance abuse (impairment) 5) Cell phones 6) lack of vehicle maintenance 7) Lack of seat belt wear. Be patient. Drive "ahead" (situational awareness).
I’m super glad that I have found your videos. I recently moved to the USA from Europe for work reasons and the need for driving here has been my biggest fear. While I do have a Swedish driving license I haven’t done much driving before coming here so it is good to see someone as experienced and pedagogical as you in preparation for my American license. If you haven’t done it already could you make a video on the proper way to enter a high way? It feels like one of the situations with highest risk of collisions.
Apologies for the late response. How's the driving going there in the US? Here's the video you seek my friend: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-enBI_nJ8xqE.html Drop us a note if we can help further. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest The driving is going well, I passed the drivers test on the first try. But I will still look at your videos, passing the drivers test is just a step towards becoming a better driver.
Awesome news my friend. Thanks for letting us know. Congratulations on passing you license test. If you have questions drop us a note. All the very best, Cheers Rick
I’m here because after working from home during the pandemic and continuing to do so, I rarely have a need to go onto highways. I am now panicked and avoid them. I want to overcome this. I hate trucks near me, fast cars around me, switching lanes and merging. I almost feel like I need to go back to driving school. It is so humiliating.
Winter mountain road. Snow on ground, whats the temperature? 28 deg with wet roads; expect invisible or black ice. DO NOT USE CRUISE CONTROL. Any up grade with ice will cause cruise control to spin you out uncontrollably. (Alaska driver) especially when entering fog. Icy roads are safer with much lower temperatures, 21 deg or less. Temperatures vary a lot with any change in elevation. Vehicle needs a good outside temperature guage.
Hi M B - you are most welcome my friend. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best for you and your family for the coming year, Cheers Rick
Hi DreForShort - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Great video and a beautiful landscape as well. Compared to the Autobahn, German trucks are much smaller. Usually not more than 40t. But the speed differences are quite bigger. While trucks allowed 50 mph on the Autobahn, cars drive often 80 or more. It is not unusual to get close on a truck on the right lane while someone on the left is driving 130 mph or more. So drivers who want to change the lane need to use the rear mirrors quite early and often to see how fast cars behind them close in.
You laughing at rhinosaur was awesome lol. You are such a great genuine person rick. You helped me pass last winter and now I have to go on a big road trip so was just checking you out. I even joined your streams a few time. I have a feeling ill be watching you for years as its always smart as a refresher. As I am driving now its amazing how dangerous some people are out here. Luckily my highway driving is in boring sask unlike BC
I hear you my friend. The first few times that can be a bit intimidating. Look far forward, and focus on what you're doing. Don't look at the guardrail, because the vehicle will go where you're looking. Drop us a note if we can help further. All the best, Cheers Rick
Great. Now I know how to drive more intelligently and with better skill and safety on the roadways. I'll certainly implement these techniques in my driving. Best!
Hi Matt Milroy - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetesthy Rick. How do you receive your paycheck or your funding.v I'm amazed you respond efficiently and effectively. I am dragging my feet at getting my air endorsement for a class three licence. Maybe you could somehow walk me through it. Or facilitate it some how.
No snow in this one my friend: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jUmB7aQ3S10.html What is it about snow that gives you the heebie geebies? All the best, Cheers Rick
drive defensively, courtesy, keep safe distance , see as far as possible at front, watch blind spot first before change lane, cautious, someone might coming from other lane.. no distraction, rather wait for a minute & not to rush a second..
You're going to do awesome. Remember to breathe - that will cause your body to relax. See this vid too: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GRX7iW4Jqcs.html Drop us a note if you have further questions. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest , my instructor said I’m not ready for motorway yet 🤣🤣 I can’t seem to go over 50 without having a meltdown! . But I actually had Hardly any anxiety on A rds today , When even that was freaking me out , with all the traffic . But still couldn’t bring myself to go over 50 😫.
I was coming back from the beach and it was dark and raining. I was on like a 4 lame wide interstate. I was trying to drive as safe as I could as the road was packed with cars and everyone practically was driving like 70 mph. So I put on my turn signal to merge in to an exit lane. I had my signal on for like 5 seconds before starting to merge. I didn't see any vehicles near by as I started to slowly merge. When I was like 2 feet over on the exit of the exit lane a car doing like 80 mph blows their horn as they rushed up behind me. I didn't see them as I was merging. I rushed back fully in to my lane as they rushed by. This person should've gotten a ticket for reckless driving as no one should be driving like 20 mph over the speed limit especially on an exit lane! You're not expecting someone closing in near that fast.
We're happy to hear that you're okay my friend. Unfortunately, it's going to happen with other drivers doing aggressive manoeuvres. See this vid too on driving in the rain: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-nMqhbZB65so.html Drop us a note if you have further questions. All the best, Cheers Rick
Awesome general I’d like to add some improvement points for the first tip Not sure if that was the best spot to overtake that truck: hitting max allowed speed while not ideal road conditions, and it was a curve. If the truck was making 80kmph I’d stay behind until a long straight was ahead, or during the very uphill when it slowed down. Please let me know if there were other factors at stake
I failed my test today because the modified road test set up was very confusing. It was such a small space. Yet they had 2 stops signs and yield sign. I passed maneuverability but have to retake the road test. Can you try to do a video about that? Thank you.
Hi VegetaLover 100 - Thank you for your for letting us know. Sorry to hear about your unsuccessful attempt. We're confident that you'll get your license on the next attempt. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick Have a look at this video: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sWRSNB1iiuQ.html Was the road test part in the parking lot my friend. Perhaps you could send me a diagram: rick@smartdrivetest.com
Hi Blessed - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest Thanks. Just got my license and I've been driving small distances, no HIgh Ways. But your videos on highway driving have been helpful. I'm not ready yet, so I'll keep studying the vids you guys have up. Thanks.
Misinformation my friend...misinformation. If there's not too much rain and the road is clear, it's fine to use cruise. Learn how to cancel cruise - that's the technique you need to learn. All the best, Cheers Rick
@@smartdrivetest ok. My driving instructor years ago said that a loss in traction while on cruise can lead to loss of control, especially with rear wheel drive vehicles like pick up trucks.
Your driving instructor, my friend, wasn't wrong. Yes, rear-wheel drive vehicles are more susceptible to losing traction on slippery conditions - especially pickup trucks. Of course, when you're driving, you take note of the weather conditions and the vehicle you're driving and its tires' condition. Most vehicles today are all-, front, or 4-wheel drive vehicles and provide great traction. If it's not raining too hard, or the roads are clear in the winter, you can use cruise. Practice CANCELLING the cruise my friend. On most vehicles, there's a cancel button on the steering wheel. And of course, touching the brake will cancel the cruise too, but just touch the brake pedal every so slightly. And if you're driving a manual car, the clutch will cancel the cruise. Drop us. note if you have further questions. Cheers Rick
Hi Pisey Peov - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Excellent videos..just to share a personal experience, do not get pressured by the driver behind you into doing something you are not comfortable with.😊
Hi Yung Benzo - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Very helpful and well spoken, thank you. I'm a new driver and I don't like driving on the highway at all. But I will give these tips a try. Also I don't know what a rinosaurs is but I will defiantly be saying that to remember to put space between me and other cars 🤣🤣
4:20 All drivers should keep a decent set of sunglasses to help when it's bright out, and during those times of sunset/sunrise. I wear some sunglasses on my head even if it's cloudy out because I've had occasions where those clouds clear up, or the sun finds a break in the clouds to peak through and blind me. I like polarized sunglasses with brown tint.
Thanks for sharing these amazing tips. I am a new driver and do have some anxiety in driving on highways. How do you figure out the "right" right lane, as almost all the time in CA these meet at T points or exits and it is not always clear which right lane to take ? Other times, the lane just next to the rightmost lane as traffic merging all the time and makes it harder to stay at a steady speed
Do you have a video on how to pass the class 5 road test for BC? I binge watched your videos and took 3 driving lessons and passed my road test yesterday and finally have my N😁. Thank you for all of the great videos, it truly helped me.
Hi Cybele Alvarez - that is *_SUPER DUPER_* news! Would you stop over at Smart Drive Test, register your success and enter the draw for the $100 Fuel Card - www.smartdrivetest.com/contact/donation Thank you for letting us know. I'm sure you are having a huge celebration, and it is well deserved owing to your study & practice. All the best, Cheers Rick 🏎 PS - where did you go for your first solo trip to celebrate? See this vid too my friend: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-21hBJ49sX-s.html And this is the vid you're looking for Class 5: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-wPUPciPP46c.html
@@smartdrivetest thank you for the opportunity to win $100 fuel card and fro the recommendations. Will check them out soon. I haven’t gone on a solo trip to celebrate but will be taking my kids for a cruise.
Hi Cybele - that's great news that you're going to celebrate with your kids. Drop us a note if we can help further my friend. All the best, Cheers Rick
"And I live here. That's the dump and so I know there's going to be garbage trucks are pulling out there" Um, you surely don't live in the dump, dude?! ;-) (7:27)
Maybe I do live in the dump! I’m like Oscar the grouch in Sesame Street. I like your sense of humour my friend! Drop us a note if we can help further. All the best, Cheers Rick
Hi Yousoph Elmi - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Sir, I get my license a month ago and my car a week ago. Since then I have been practicing everyday. Managed to feel as natural as walking on foot. I am about to go on my first ever Canada road trip from Montreal to Vancouver in a Corolla hatchback at the beginning of July. What specific trans-canada highway tips do you have? Thanks!
I'm not the author but... if you're a newbie driver that's the best time of year (no ice or inclimate weather for the most part). Don't drive at night as safe night driving is a whole new experience having to deal with glare, limited frontal distance viewing, etc. remember also that you lose 70% of your traction if the roadway is wet. it does NOT have to be raining all it hasta be is WET. Never drive faster than what your stopping distance can see. Stop distance for an average sized vehicle is about 160 feet at 60 mph but increases by the SQUARE of speed!.. yeah doubling your speed quadruples your stop distance! Its all about kinetics, okay?
@@leecowell8165 Thanks anyway. I have completed my adventure in July and it took 8 days, stopped at every major cities. One night was heavy rain hill single way detour at 11pm towards from Lake Louis towards Vernon. It was the scariest. Since then I have been driving at night often, city or highway.
@@jamisona.5639 Thanks! It was a wonderful journey began with deer greeting me at the middle of the road when I was at 110 km/h. No deer was killed nor car was damaged. Ontario around Lake Superior was the most exciting and difficult place to drive through the province when traffic is single lane two way and I performed lots of almost-got-killed opposite lane overtake. The best views and sightseeing along the road also goes to Western part of Ontario. I got a rock chipped as well on day 2 arriving Thunderbay and carried on with a cracked windshield to Vancouver. I added 5000km to the mileage counter in just 8 days. I love driving very much and still enjoy every ride performing smart and defensive driving.
Hi Nol Sova - And you are most welcome. We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
Only thing I don’t entirely agree with is use of cruise control. In any adverse weather conditions such as rain or snow or limited visibility, cruise control should not be used. Cruise control gives you less total control of your vehicle. In many rural areas, wildlife routinely will dart out in front of you. I wouldn’t recommend using it in these situations either. If traffic is heavy, again not a good idea. Sunglasses would be a good idea to help with glare as well. Most people never think of using them.
I’ve been driving for six years never had an accident but now that I just had a baby and I have to drive with her I have horrible anxiety to the point where I panic when I’m driving any tips
Hi Cyndi - deal with the anxiety first - it's real. The tips in the video will help out: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-GRX7iW4Jqcs.html Drop us a note if you have further questions. Always happy to help out my friend. Cheers Rick
theres only a few spots on the us interstate system that terrify me worse than being deployed to an active warzone. Chattanooga, Nashville and Atlanta. 8 lanes of semi trucks, locals, and passer-by's all not knowing where the hell they want to go or what lane they need to be in until the last 3 feet going 90mph.
When passing a truck or anyone, their space following you is just as important as your follow space. Dont put yourself at risk by moving back to right lane until following vehicle has adequate space too. Remember that big truck needs more stopping distance than you.
And never slow down immediately after passing. That goes for any vehicles but especially large trucks. Other car drivers might see this as a start of road rage and might do something in return.
Last Wheek i drove down the Highway during Rush Hour There was heavy Traffic Had to Slow down to 30 MPH a few times due to Traffic Backing up in the Left Lane. Passing wasn't easy.
Hi Zhenglei Wang - We're happy to hear we could help out. If there is anything further we can do, drop us a note. Always happy to help. All the best, Cheers Rick
I noticed most of my anxiety from the highway comes from switching lanes especially when there is a lot of cars so you have to lane switch kinda close to other cars. Another thing is theres an exit from a highway here that's like 5 seconds from a stop light at 45 mph where I have to get 5 lanes over to turn right to home. This is scary for me. Any tips?
Do you have an address where I can look at on Google? Is there another route you could take to get home...perhaps the previous and next exit? All the best, Cheers Rick
If you’re waiting until the exit to move multiple lanes over, that’s too late. Plan ahead and be in the correct lane ahead of time. You should be in the far right lane anyway.
See this vid: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-rVG3EBSY-dY.html Slow slightly before the curve by taking your foot off the accelerator slightly. Move to the outside of your lane and power through the curve. You don't have to accelerate, but you do need power to the wheels my friend. Drop us a note if you have further questions. All the best, Cheers Rick
American Highways and roads can be really confusing at times. I often get confused, end up on the wrong lane and going somewhere I didn't planned on going to
