How Often Should I Practice Driving?

When learning how to drive, it’s natural to wonder how often you should practice. The truth is, while there are recommended guidelines, the focus should be on reaching a level of comfort behind the wheel. In Colorado, the minimum requirement for minors (those under 18) is 50 hours of driving time over the course of a year before you can get your license, but how you spread those hours out and what you focus on during your sessions can make a huge difference in becoming a confident, safe driver. 

So long as you’re driving to better your driving and become more confident as you do it, you can practice as often as you need. But to maximize your driving time, check out the tips below. 

Drive as Often as You Need to Get Comfortable Behind the Wheel

Every new driver under 18 needs at least 50 hours of practice to meet the minimum state requirements, but you don’t need to cram all those hours into a short time frame. If you can, try to practice regularly, even if it’s just a short drive each day. Driving daily will help build muscle memory and improve your reaction time in various situations. Treat each trip as a learning opportunity, whether you’re going to school, running errands, or driving around your neighborhood.

If driving every day isn’t possible, aim for consistency. Keep track of your progress, note what areas need improvement, and focus on those skills in future driving sessions. Remember, driving is about practice and progress. As you improve, you’ll notice increased confidence; even tasks like parking or merging into traffic will feel easier with time.

License Requirements for Minors in Colorado

Before getting your license in Colorado, there are several important steps to complete in addition to the 50-hour driving time requirement. Understanding these requirements will help you build a solid foundation for safe driving:

• Driver’s Ed Course: A minimum of 30 hours in the classroom, covering everything from traffic laws to road signs and safe driving practices.
• Driver Awareness Program: A shorter, 4-hour course that focuses on decision-making skills, handling peer pressure, and understanding the risks of reckless driving.
• Behind-the-Wheel Training: A minimum of 6 hours of supervised driving under real-world conditions, designed to get you comfortable with the challenges you’ll face as a licensed driver.

These steps provide the basics, but the actual time you spend driving with an experienced instructor or responsible adult will make the biggest impact.

Common Challenges for New Drivers and How To Overcome Them

Learning to drive is exciting, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Many new drivers struggle with specific aspects of driving, from merging onto highways to mastering parking. Here are some of the most common difficulties new drivers face and practical tips to help overcome them:

1. Merging Onto Highways

Merging onto a busy highway can be intimidating, especially when cars are moving at higher speeds. New drivers often feel overwhelmed by the need to accelerate quickly and find the right gap in traffic.

Tip: Practice merging in less busy areas first. As you get more comfortable, try merging during off-peak hours when traffic is lighter. Always check your mirrors and blind spots, signal your intention early, and gradually increase your speed to match the flow of traffic. Remember, merging is about being assertive but not reckless.

2. Parallel Parking

Parallel parking is one of the most common skills new drivers struggle with. It requires precision and a good sense of spatial awareness, which can be hard to develop at first.

Tip: Start by practicing in an empty parking lot where there’s no pressure. Use cones or other markers to simulate cars and practice backing into the space slowly. Break it down into steps: align your car with the one in front, turn the wheel at the right angle, and adjust as needed. Over time, you’ll get a better feel for the space you need.

3. Judging Distance and Speed

New drivers often find it challenging to judge how fast they’re going or how far away other cars or objects are, leading to either driving too slowly or too closely to other vehicles.

Tip: Pay close attention to speed limits and practice maintaining a steady speed. When it comes to judging distance, use the “three-second rule” to ensure you’re not tailgating: pick a stationary object on the road, and when the car in front of you passes it, count “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand, three-one-thousand.” If you pass the object before finishing your count, you’re too close.

4. Navigating Intersections and Making Left Turns

Intersections can be stressful for new drivers, especially when making left turns across oncoming traffic. It’s easy to misjudge the speed of approaching cars or hesitate when it’s time to go.

Tip: Take it slow and steady. If you’re unsure about the timing of a left turn, wait for a clear gap in traffic or for a green arrow if available. As you approach intersections, look ahead to anticipate traffic signals and plan your turn early. Over time, you’ll develop the confidence to make smoother, safer decisions.

5. Driving in Bad Weather

Rain, snow, or fog can make driving more difficult for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for new drivers. Poor visibility and slippery roads require extra caution.

Tip: If possible, practice driving in different weather conditions with an experienced driver in the car. Always slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead. Make sure your windshield wipers are functioning properly, and always use your headlights in low-visibility conditions. As you gain more experience driving in adverse weather, you’ll become more comfortable with how to adjust your speed and braking.

6. Handling Distracting Situations

From passengers talking to you to unexpected events on the road, distractions can be overwhelming for new drivers. It’s easy to lose focus, especially when you’re still building confidence.

Tip: Minimize distractions by keeping your phone out of reach, lowering the volume on your radio, and asking passengers to keep conversation to a minimum. As you become more confident behind the wheel, you’ll be better able to handle distractions, but until then, create a calm and quiet driving environment to help you focus.

General Tips While Learning To Drive 

1. Be Consistent: Like any skill, consistency is key. Aim to drive as often as possible, even if it’s just a quick trip. Consistent practice helps solidify your driving skills and build confidence.
2. Lengthen Your Driving Sessions Over Time: When you’re just starting, short drives may be all you’re comfortable with. But as your skills improve, aim to lengthen your driving sessions. Set a goal for each session — whether it’s practicing highway driving, night driving, or parallel parking.
3. Drive With Constructive Feedback: It’s helpful to have someone with you who can give constructive feedback. Choose someone who is patient and can offer tips in a calm and encouraging manner. Having a supportive guide can help you correct mistakes and feel more at ease.
4. Drive at Night: Night driving is a skill that many new drivers find intimidating, but it’s essential to practice. The more comfortable you become with driving in different conditions — like low light — the safer and more prepared you’ll be for real-world scenarios.
5. Mix Up Your Routes: Try driving on a variety of roads to gain experience in different environments. From highways to residential streets, the more diverse your practice, the better prepared you’ll be.

Trust American Driving Academy for Your Driving Education 

The number of hours you spend practicing is important, but the quality and consistency of that practice are what truly matter. Drive often, drive mindfully, and take the time to learn from each session. By spreading out your practice sessions and gradually increasing the complexity of your drives, you’ll build the confidence and skills needed to ace your driving test and stay safe on the road. If you’re ready to start learning how to drive, contact American Driving Academy today to sign up for the next online or in-person course.