Practical tips on how new drivers can be better at city driving

MANILA, Philippines — Learning how to drive for the first time is always a rollercoaster ride (pun intended) of excitement and apprehension for many. There’s excitement in being able to comfortably and conveniently travel at your own means, and there’s apprehension in facing challenges and dangers on the road.

Because once you’re finally there, behind the steering wheel, driving alone for the first time ever and on your first car ever to boot, you may never feel truly ready. So why not just drive, right?

To help you drive around the city safe and sound, bear in mind these practical tips:

1. Plan your trip ahead

Since you’re new on the road, a lot of factors may slow you down like awareness — or lack thereof — on less congested and more passable streets. Don’t let this delay your appointments and tasks for the day.

Avoid being late by planning your trip ahead. Research the best route by using navigation apps beforehand. Also allot longer driving time, at least two to three hours, so you’re relaxed and not hurried.

2. Be on the defensive

This is the golden advice for first-time and novice drivers. By being on the defensive, you watch out for your fellow, more experienced driversand anticipate their aggressive driving.

Defensive driving includes paying attention to and following all traffic signs; keeping enough distance from the car in front of you; wearing your seatbelt all the time; and never using a cell phone while driving.

When you find yourself at an intersection without traffic lights and enforcers, always give the right of way to other drivers. The last thing you want is bumping or crashing into another car that pulled out at the same time as you. You can always wait for a few seconds.

Lastly, avoid overtaking just yet. Stayin your lane, the rightmost one for slow moving-vehicles if possible.

3. Bring lots of patience

As we all know it, driving in major thoroughfares in Metro Manila gives major headaches. There will be choke points, standstills and angry drivers. Don’t be one.

Bring lots of patience and keep your cool.

4. Find time for practice

On top of your weekday driving, find time to drive outside the city on weekends. Not only can you take friends or family on a road trip, you can also practice your driving skills longer. You will also get to familiarize yourself with your car, from its air conditioning to gas mileage.

5. Reward yourself

For being good on the road, give yourself a pat on the back and reward yourself with exciting discounts and promos.

At Caltex, all you need to do is present your Robinsons Rewards Card (RRC). The partnership between the leading gas station and major shopping destination lets drivers earn points at participating stations, and then use these points for purchase of any Caltex fuels. (See the complete offer here.)

Robinsons Rewards points can also be used to redeem these exclusive items from Caltex.

For June, drivers with a minimum fuel purchase of P500 can redeem Justice League collectible cars for P250 or P150 on top of 80 Robinsons Rewards points, or for free using 200 Robinsons Rewards points. As RRC holders, they can also exclusively purchase a Justice League collector's kit for only P499.

This June, drivers with a minimum fuel purchase of P500 can redeem Justice League collectible cars. Philstar.com/Jonathan Asuncion

Batman

Superman

Wonder Woman

The Flash

Aquaman

Cybrog

The Justice League collector’s kit

So what are you waiting for? Gas up at Caltex, get your own Robinsons Rewards Card, and collect all seven Justice League collectible cars. Let the collection be a reminder of your early driving adventures.