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Driving a car comes with a learning curve. Feeling uncertain at first is natural, but confidence will come with time! Here are a few tips for student drivers from your local Kia dealership in Temple Hills, MD. Take Note of These 6 Smart Tips for New Drivers 1.    Practice Without Pressure When you get your license, you now have the freedom to go everywhere. That doesn't mean you should immediately go for a drive on a long road trip or navigate rush hour traffic. Spend time practicing your driving skills on quiet roads before you face high-pressure situations. Even a few weeks of driving on back roads can help improve your reaction time in a busy intersection. more 2.    Drive Without Distractions It goes without saying, but we'll say it anyway. Never text and drive. Don't use your phone at all while you're behind the wheel! More experienced drivers may listen to music or make phone calls, but we advise new drivers to gain experience on the road first. 3.    Put a "Student Driver" Sticker on Your Car Other drivers can be inconsiderate when you make mistakes or drive more slowly than they'd like. Consider putting a small bumper sticker on the back of your car to let people know that you're new to the road, and they'll usually give you more distance. ​Don't worry - With the right tools, you can easily take it off later! 4.    Stay Within the Speed Limit It's tempting to drive above the speed limit, especially when everyone is doing it. Seriously, though: Don't speed! Speeding increases the risk of accidents and injuries. Not to mention, the punishments for speeding are much worse for new drivers. Keep in mind that speed limit signs are the highest maximum speed for optimal road conditions. If there's rain, ice, or wind, you should slow it down. 5.    Be Aware of Other Drivers The key to staying safe on the road is to expect nothing from other drivers. Don't assume that other people will drive properly. Many people speed, tailgate, and merge erratically. While many people do drive safely, be prepared for the people who don't and give other cars plenty of space. 6.    Bring a Friend It may feel uncomfortable to drive alone when you've gotten used to having an instructor or parent in the car. Ask a friend to tag along for moral support while you practice! Make sure to bring someone you trust and who will not distract you. Are you a new driver? At your local dealership, you'll find a car that's equipped with smart safety features at unbeatable prices. Contact us at DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills to begin your search for a vehicle, or stop by and see our inventory!

Getting your driver's license and a new vehicle are some of the most exciting days in your life. Before hopping behind the wheel and heading out, here are some tips for new drivers from a Kia dealer in Temple Hills, MD. 5 Tips for New Drivers from a Kia Dealer 1. Wear Your Seatbelt Seatbelts were added to vehicles to keep occupants safe. They can help keep you secure in the event of an accident. Every time you get into your vehicle, the first thing you should do is put on your seatbelt. You also need to make sure all of your passengers are wearing their seatbelts before you start the vehicle. more 2. Watch Your Speed Being able to go fast is appealing to a lot of first-time drivers. However, the faster you're going, the more time you need to stop. If you aren't able to stop in time, this could result in an accident. Every time you're behind the wheel, you need to watch your speed. Obey all of the posted speed limits and keep an eye on the traffic around you so that you have enough time to slow down and stop. 3. Obey All Traffic Laws and Rules Speaking of obeying laws, not only should you be watching your speed, but you need to understand and follow all the rules of the road. These include the traffic signals and signs that are in front of you, as well as those that are written in the rule books. To prevent serious injury or traffic tickets, it might be in your best interest to take a driving course. Not only will a professional instructor inform you of the rules in a classroom setting, but you'll also be able to apply your knowledge during a driving test. 4. Take Care of Your Car Taking care of your vehicle not only makes it look good, but it ensures that it's in good running order so that you don't have to worry about breakdowns and accidents. Some of the things you need to do to take care of your car include getting the oil changed regularly, rotating the tires, checking fluid levels, and keeping it full of gas. 5. Reduce Distractions There's a lot going on when you're driving a car, and having your eyes off the road for half a second could result in an accident. Put your phone away, turn down the radio, and make sure passengers behave themselves. You want to avoid distracted driving to stay safe on the road. Ready to Buy Your First Kia in Maryland? Obtaining your driver's license and getting a car is a huge milestone in your life. Make sure you get to enjoy it for a long time by staying safe behind the wheel. To find the perfect vehicle for new or experienced drivers, visit DARCARS Kia of Temple Hills today. We can help you pick out your first Kia, whether it’s an electric car or sporty SUV and get you an affordable financing plan for your next vehicle.