TL;DR:

A dead battery can happen to anyone — but jump-starting a car is easy with the right steps.
Learn how to safely use jumper cables and get your car running again.
At Get Drivers Ed, we teach essential real-world driving skills like this in all our courses.

Why Every Driver Should Know How to Jump-Start a Car

Few things are more frustrating than turning the key and hearing nothing. A dead car battery can catch you off guard — whether you're heading to work, school, or an important trip.

At Get Drivers Ed, we emphasize not just passing the driving test but building practical skills every driver needs on the road. Knowing how to safely jump-start a car is one of those essential life skills that can save time, money, and stress.

Step-by-Step: How to Jump-Start a Car Safely

1. Prepare the Right Tools

You’ll need:

A set of quality jumper cables
Another vehicle with a working battery

Having a roadside emergency kit in your car — including jumper cables, gloves, and a flashlight — is always a smart move.

2. Position the Cars

Park both vehicles close enough for the cables to reach.
Do not let the cars touch.
Turn off both engines and make sure the keys are out of the ignition.

This setup ensures safety and prevents electrical surges when you begin connecting the cables.

3. Connect the Jumper Cables

Follow this sequence carefully:

Attach one red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead battery.
Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the working battery.
Connect one black clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the working battery.
Connect the other black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the car with the dead battery (such as a bolt or engine block).

⚠️ Important: Never connect the black cable directly to the negative terminal of the dead battery — this can cause sparks or damage.

4. Start the Working Car

Start the vehicle with the good battery and let it run for 3–5 minutes. This allows the dead battery to gather enough charge to start.

5. Start the Car with the Dead Battery

Try to start the dead car. If it starts, let both cars run for a few minutes to ensure the weak battery gets charged.

If it doesn’t start, wait another few minutes and try again. If it still won’t start, your battery may be too drained or damaged, and it may be time to call for roadside assistance.

6. Safely Remove the Cables

Once the dead car starts, carefully remove the cables in reverse order:

Black clamp from the metal surface
Black clamp from the working battery
Red clamp from the working battery
Red clamp from the dead battery

Avoid letting the clamps touch while removing them.

Let your engine run for 15–30 minutes or take a short drive to help recharge the battery.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Connecting cables in the wrong order
❌ Touching clamps together while connected
❌ Using damaged or corroded cables
❌ Turning off the car immediately after jump-starting

These simple precautions can prevent electrical damage and keep you safe.

Learn More Practical Skills with Get Drivers Ed

At Get Drivers Ed, we go beyond theory. Our drivers ed courses teach students hands-on knowledge — from handling emergencies to understanding vehicle maintenance.

Our online and in-person lessons are designed to build confident, responsible, and prepared drivers.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared, Stay Safe

A dead battery can happen anytime, but knowing how to jump-start your car safely keeps you in control. It’s one of the many essential driving skills that make you a confident and capable driver.

At Get Drivers Ed, we believe every driver should understand the basics of vehicle care and emergency response. With the right training, you’re not just passing a test — you’re preparing for real life on the road.

👉 Learn more about safe driving practices at Get Drivers Ed and make sure you’re ready for any situation behind the wheel.