TL;DR:

Advanced driving skills go beyond the standard curriculum and make you a more confident, proactive driver
Situational awareness, precision braking, and efficient steering improve both safety and comfort
Anticipating other drivers’ actions reduces your risk of collisions
Get Drivers Ed offers drivers ed courses that lay the foundation so you can build these advanced skills
Continuous practice is key to mastering techniques that keep you safe for life

Learning to drive is a milestone, but passing your road test is just the beginning. Standard drivers ed programs teach essential skills like signaling, lane changes, and speed control. However, the real art of driving comes from learning techniques that aren’t always covered in the classroom.

At Get Drivers Ed, we give you the foundation to become a skilled, confident driver. Once you have the basics down, these advanced tips can help you navigate any road with expertise.

Why Advanced Driving Skills Matter

It’s About Safety and Confidence

Driving is dynamic—no two trips are exactly the same. Mastering advanced skills gives you the ability to adapt quickly, whether it’s reacting to sudden changes in traffic or handling unpredictable weather conditions.

Reducing Stress on the Road

When you’re prepared for more than just the basics, you naturally drive with less anxiety. That means smoother rides for you and your passengers.

Mastering Situational Awareness

The 360-Degree Scan

While you already know to check your mirrors, advanced drivers develop a habit of scanning the entire environment every 5–8 seconds. This includes blind spots, crosswalks, and distant traffic lights.

Tip: Keep your eyes moving and avoid “tunnel vision” by regularly shifting your focus from near to far.

Reading Other Drivers

Look beyond just your lane—observe body language and vehicle positioning. A car that’s drifting toward the lane line might be preparing to merge or could be driven by a distracted driver.

Braking Like a Pro

Controlled Braking for Comfort

Rather than abrupt stops, apply steady, progressive pressure to the brake pedal. This keeps passengers comfortable and reduces wear on your brakes.

Threshold Braking for Emergencies

In sudden stop situations, press the brake pedal firmly—just before the wheels lock up—to get the shortest possible stopping distance without losing control.

Steering Precision

Hand Position for Modern Safety

Many still think “10 and 2” is best, but 9 and 3 gives you greater control and minimizes injury risk if airbags deploy.

The Push-Pull Technique

Instead of crossing your arms, push the wheel up with one hand and pull it down with the other. This method improves steering precision and reduces fatigue.

Managing Speed Beyond the Limit Signs

Driving to Conditions

Speed limits are for ideal conditions. In rain, fog, or heavy traffic, reduce your speed to match visibility and road grip.

Smooth Acceleration

Gradual acceleration saves fuel, reduces wear on your vehicle, and gives you more control.

Defensive Driving Tactics

Anticipating Mistakes

Advanced drivers assume other motorists might make errors—like running red lights or changing lanes without signaling—and prepare accordingly.

The Escape Route Mindset

Always keep an open path in case you need to swerve or stop suddenly. On highways, this might mean avoiding being boxed in between large trucks.

Parking and Low-Speed Mastery

Precision Parking

When parallel parking, line up your rear bumper with the other car’s and use small, calculated steering adjustments.

Tight Turns

Practice making tight turns in empty parking lots. This improves control in crowded spaces and during three-point turns.

How Get Drivers Ed Helps You Build a Strong Foundation

While these advanced tips often come from real-world experience, Get Drivers Ed prepares you for them by giving you a strong understanding of road rules, safe habits, and vehicle control. Our courses include:

State-approved, comprehensive curriculum
Flexible online learning you can complete at your own pace
Interactive lessons and quizzes to reinforce understanding
Preparation for both the written and driving exams

Once you’ve mastered the basics with us, you’ll be ready to take your driving to the next level.

Final Thoughts: Keep Learning, Keep Improving

The best drivers never stop learning. By combining what you learn in drivers ed with real-world practice and advanced techniques, you’ll not only pass your test—you’ll thrive behind the wheel for years to come.

If you’re ready to build a foundation that goes beyond the basics, enroll in Get Drivers Ed’s course today. We’ll help you master the fundamentals so you can focus on becoming a confident, skilled, and safety-first driver.