BHPian Raghav07 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: Hello everyone, I am Raghav Manickam. I have not done a formal introduction to the forum despite being a member for 2 years and having posted 150 times, but now’s better than never. I am a 1st year student at VIT Chennai, studying Computer Science. I have always been fascinated with cars since a young age. My dad used to put me to sleep by driving me around in our used 2002 Honda Accord when I was 1-2. The number of Hot Wheels, Matchboxes, and diecast cars in my room is also a clue that I am a petrolhead to anyone who comes in. I have lived in the US(New Jersey be precise) for 10 years, and have been in Chennai for the last 8, so I definitely have experience with two different car cultures, from the big trucks and SUVs of the US to the small compact hatchbacks of India. Coming to my dad’s history of cars, his first own car was a used 2002 silver Honda Accord bought in 2006 in the US. We owned this for 6 years, and sold it because we got a 2012 gray Mazda CX-5, which I miss a lot. After we moved to India, we got the Hyundai Venue in 2019, followed by the Innova Crysta in 2022. Our family also has quite an interesting collection of cars. My dad’s brother has a BMW 220i, and before that, a Honda City. My mama has a Carens, and my dad’s younger brother has 2 Volvos in the UK. I think I have been counting down to my 18th birthday since I was 15, getting more and more excited each year because it marked the day I could finally drive. Having got my LLR and almost completed my lessons, with my test around the 14th of October after my exams, my childhood dream is finally becoming true. But before I embark on driving in India, I want some driving tips from the community, who have driven lakhs and lakhs of km on our chaotic but beautiful roads. I would like tips on literally anything, from driving in cities to highways, any habits for newbies, etc. Any tip would make me a better driver. Please share your thoughts, as I wanna enjoy the roads but be safe as well. Before I conclude, I would like to thank my parents for nurturing my car enthusiasm. I would also like to thank the mods for approving my membership so I can be here and interact with you all. You all have really enhanced the petrolhead inside me. With regards, Raghav Here’s what BHPian nova.19_exe replied:Alright, here’s my 2 cents. Safety first – be it a motorcycle or a car, buckle up ALWAYS. that’s a non-negotiable and you don’t move an inch till you and everyone else in the vehicle is buckled up! Alone freedom – if you’re alone, do not drive like you’ve been removed from chains. I know a lot of people who do this, just because you’ve been let out alone in the car doesn’t mean you’ll start swimming on main roads. Self-control is key! The more you control yourself, the better Keep it cool – there is absolutely no point in getting angry over the idiots on the roads. If you know you are in the wrong, apologize and move on. Never, and I repeat NEVER get into road rage and pick up fights, there’s literally nothing in it for anybody Slow and steady wins the race – don’t rush, keep it cool and drive in a calm way. You’ll probably reach your destination 10 mins late but you’ll reach in 1 piece. You don’t want to drive like a maniac, drive like a chill guy (gen-z reference) and enjoy the drive (even if it’s peak traffic) Cops are your friends – you have a DL, you have the paperwork, you don’t have to get scared when you see cops. They’re just doing their job so relax. If they stop you, talk to them in a polite manner, co-operate with them and they will with you as well. If you were in the wrong, accept it and if they tell you to pay a fine, go ahead. If they ask for bribes, don’t. Practice makes a man perfect – you won’t be a perfect driver on Day 1, no one will. you will make mistakes, but learn from those mistakes. That will help you become a better and safer driver on the road. Never do anything that would put you and your passengers in risk.. Happy driving man! You’re gonna have a whole lot of fun now! Cheers mate!Here’s what BHPian S2kyon replied:My dad says that the key to driving in India is: Always assume the other person is stupid. The lady on the divider holding her kids? Slow down, because she may jump onto the road any time. Overtaking? Make sure you blare the horn and keep pressing it, you never know when the other person fancies a lane change. Biker on the left? Give more than enough space, you never know if he can just slip – due to our dirty and space technology roads. Lastly, please drive slow on rural roads. There are simply too many factors coming into play. Stray animal, children playing, unnatural speedbumps. Most of our nearmisses always happen on rural roads. Happy driving Raghav!Here’s what BHPian mgastor2022grey replied:Hey Raghav, congrats on attaining the dream number 18, and being able to drive. Trust me, you’ll be having a whole lot of fun driving on our roads. No one becomes a perfect driver in a single day, it’s a process that takes a long time to refine yourself. There are some tips I’d like to suggest you. 1) In case you have both the Innova Crysta as well as the Venue, I’d suggest start learning in the Crysta itself, if you are confident. Many people say that learning to drive in a smaller car will help you in judgements, and that’s true, but also, some people develop the fear of bigger cars. My driving instructor taught me in a Tavera, even though he had the option of a M800, and this did help me a lot. Again, ONLY if you have some experience behind the wheel. 2) Hold the steering wheel in a position that you find comfortable. I won’t tell which position, but there are good videos for that (and I think a Team-BHP thread too). A good steering position will help you hone your techniques much better. 3) Learn parking, it is an essential skill. As important is driving a car, more important is to park it and store it carefully. Not only is this fun to learn, but is crucial too. Mainly focus on parallel parking and reverse parking. Have a great time out on the road mate!Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
