Being able to drive is more than just a life skill; it's a means to an end. Driving demands complete focus and navigational awareness, regardless of whether the car is manual or automatic. It is essential to master some basic driving methods before you start driving. While operating a car may be seen as a logical process, the peculiar combination of India's chaotic traffic, flagrant violation of traffic regulations, widespread corruption and indifference, bureaucratic insurance support, and unique social factors render driving in the country more of an "Art-Form" than a rational one.
As of January 2024, around 51% of participants in a survey conducted by Rakuten Insight in India reported owning a car, while approximately 49% said they did not. The survey found that there were 246 vehicles for every thousand Indians at the end of the 2020 fiscal year.
Tips on How to Drive in India
Before any driving technique or tip is considered, there is an essential initial consideration: being critically familiar with the vehicle and its controls. As you drive, many parts of the car work together to accomplish important tasks. A variety of controls, including buttons, levers, and knobs, are used to operate each of these parts. Hence, you should familiarize yourself with the location and function of these controls before you begin driving any car.
Indian traffic drives on the left.
This driving convention is consistent with many other Commonwealth countries like the UK, Australia, and South Africa. Visitors to India need to be aware of this so they can navigate safely on the roads.
Also crucial is to be aware of the driving side in India. Unlike most countries in the West, the driving side in India is on the left. British law mandated left-hand driving in 1835. British Empire countries followed. Today, India, Australasia, and the erstwhile British colonies in Africa go left. With the context now set, let's explore some of the tips and mannerisms to maintain during car driving in India.
Comfortable Driving Position
After learning about a vehicle's major controls, establish a comfortable driving stance. Finding your comfort can help you drive comfortably since driving is psychologically and physically demanding. Cabin ergonomics and sitting comfort are so crucial that every manufacturer strives to give excellent seating comfort and adjustment choices. After learning car controls, find a comfortable driving position.
First, slide the seat to reach the pedals. Lower the clutch completely and avoid straining your legs. Fold your legs to avoid cramping when pedals aren't depressed. Adjust your seat to reach comfortably. If your car enables height adjustment, choose a seat with a good view of the road. Finally, adjust your recline so your steering hands are not strained or constricted. After finding your sweet spot, relax and prepare to roll!
Adjust Mirrors
Driving requires more than just your eyes. By showing you what's behind you, your car's mirrors help keep you safe. Vehicles typically feature three mirrors: two ORVMs on either side of the front doors and one IRVM in front of the windshield. All these mirrors function as “extra eyes” to let you cruise without hesitation.
Adjusting the mirrors before driving is essential, regardless of experience. If your vehicle does not have electronic ORVM openings, open them to adjust them. Adjust the mirrors using the manual knob/handle or on-board electric controls when fully opened. Adjust the mirrors so that only the tail of your vehicle is visible at the edge, and the road behind dominates the vision. set your driving position, then set your IRVM so the road behind you is visible via the rear glass. Once you have your “eyes” on the road, start the car and drive.
Carry All Documents
No driver, new or experienced, wants to be caught driving without documents. Since the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act took effect, driving without documents can be costly. The Indian Motor Vehicle Law requires four documentation before driving a four-wheeler. This includes:
- Driver's license
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Documentation of pollution control and vehicle insurance
- Digi-Locker
Driving License: This is the most important document to carry while driving in India. It serves as proof that you are authorized to drive.
Vehicle Registration Certificate (RC): This document proves that the vehicle you are driving is registered in your name or the name of the owner.
Insurance Certificate: It's mandatory to have third-party liability insurance for your vehicle in India. The insurance certificate provides evidence of this coverage.
Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate: This document certifies that your vehicle complies with the pollution control norms set by the government. It needs to be renewed periodically.
Tax Receipt: Proof of payment of road tax for your vehicle.
Permit (if applicable): Certain vehicles, especially commercial ones, require permits to operate in certain areas. Make sure you have the necessary permit if your vehicle falls under this category.
Correct Steering Wheel Holding
Your vehicle can only be driven by its steering. This is why steering wheel grip is important. Hold your driving wheel properly and firmly, even if instructed otherwise. First, adjust your seat so you can always reach the driving wheel. Picture a clock on your steering wheel. Put your right hand at 3 o'clock and your left at 9 o'clock. For best grip and control, hold the steering firmly at both points. New drivers should not hold the steering wheel with one hand. Avoid taking turns with one hand. Refer to the figure above for hand positioning issues.
Avoid Clutch Riding
Your engine turns the wheels and accelerates when you drive. You must engage the transmission without cutting the engine to alter wheel speed. Here comes the squeeze. The clutch's main duty is to limit engine flow to the wheels so you can engage your gear. Riding the clutch, or pressing the clutch while driving, is the most common mistake rookie and expert drivers make. This causes excessive wear and strain on the clutch plate, which can eventually fail the transmission. Keep your feet off the clutch pedal when not engaging gears. Find a comfortable driving stance with enough room to keep your foot off the clutch.
Obey Traffic Laws
Everyone prioritizes safety. Following traffic laws will keep you and others safe, whether you're a rookie or a pro. By obeying driving laws, you can avoid costly fines and penalties. Follow signals, stop at zebra crossings, and avoid lane hopping. Know the traffic laws before driving. Never drink and drive. Follow traffic police directives and don't drive in the incorrect lane, opposing traffic flow, honking excessively, or making unlawful modifications.
Avoid Speeding
Drivers should be aware of speed limitations and their speeds. A high-speed run may delight you, but it endangers you and others. Thus, new drivers should avoid speeding. Watch your surroundings and follow speed limits. Make careful to overtake from the right direction and within the speed limit. On a national highway or expressway, do not exceed 100-120 kmph, and in the city, stay below 70 kmph. Speed thrills but kills.
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Driving/Riding without Licence: ₹5,000 and/or community service
Driving/Riding Under the Influence of an Intoxicating Substance: ₹10,000 and/or 6 months prison | ₹15,000 and/or 2 years jail for repetitive violation
Overspeeding: LMV: ₹1,000- ₹2,000 MPV/HPV: ₹2,000- ₹4,000 (+ licence seizure)
Driving without Seat Belt: ₹1,000 and/or community service
Driving/Riding without Insurance: ₹2,000 and/or 3-months prison, community service | ₹4,000 for subsequent offence
Violating Road Regulations: ₹500- ₹1000
Dangerous Driving/Riding and Jumping Red Light: ₹1,000- ₹5,000 and/or 6-months to 1 year in prison, licence seizure
Driving/Riding While on the Mobile (Handheld): ₹5,000
Speeding, Racing: ₹5,000 and/or 3-months prison, community service | ₹10,000 for subsequent violation and up to 1 year in prison, community service
Not Giving Way to Emergency Vehicles like Ambulances, Fire Engines, etc.: ₹10,000 and/or community service
Riding without Helmet (rider and pillion rider): ₹1000, and or licence disqualification, community service for 3-months
Overloading Two-Wheelers: ₹2,000 and licence disqualification and/or 3-months of community service
Juvenile Offences: ₹25,000 with 3-years prison, cancellation of registration for 1-year, juvenile ineligible for licence until 25 years of age
Driving/Riding Despite Disqualification: ₹10,000, and/or community service
Use Turn Signal
The indicators are vital to your car, but many overlook them. They help when turning, changing lanes, overtaking, and merging with traffic. This is why drivers should always utilize turn indicators. Use the indicator lever correctly to indicate a turn, overtaking, lane change, or merger, no matter where it is in your vehicle. Don't fumble with the turn indicator—it could confuse the driver behind you and cause an accident. Before changing lanes, check your rear-view vehicles and use the turn indicator only when safe.
Avoid Tailgating
Tailgating involves driving excessively close to the vehicle in front. Tailgating is widespread in India since driving etiquette is still evolving. Tailgating is prevalent, but don't do it. Driving too close to the vehicle in front of you will impede your view and slow your reaction time in an emergency. Additionally, failing to keep a safe distance from the car in front impairs your vehicle's mobility. Stay away from heavy-loaded cars and overtake safely. If the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly, you can rapidly move away by maintaining a safe distance.
Other Indian Driving Tips
- In most Indian cities, people don't use lanes and may cut in front of you without warning. Children or animals may block you. Keep your foot on the brake when not accelerating.
- Be cautious at night because intoxicated drivers are widespread after 10 PM. If possible, avoid tailgating drivers beyond 30 kilometers (19 mi). People can turn without signaling or turning on the indication.
- Remember that Indian roads have bullock carts, bikes, rickshaws, three-wheelers, automobiles, SUVs, trucks, buses, etc. Be prepared to brake regularly because there are no slow-moving lanes.
- Learn that weddings, ministers, and religious processions regularly slow traffic. If necessary, drive on the unpaved side road or cut traffic like others.
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Driving on the Highway: Do's and Dont's
When you buy a new automobile and start driving for a daily commute or long drive, you'll encounter highways! Highways have become prominent within the city's road borders due to roadway development. Because many vehicles use it at once, highway driving demands a shared commitment to safety and order.
Speed Limits
With larger roads and less traffic, you can swiftly increase and sustain speed. Please respect speed limits for the safety of all road users.
Lane Discipline
Following lane discipline is a key Indian highway requirement. Neglect can cause catastrophic car and life damage. Consider these factors when driving on the highway.
- Know the purpose of roadway lanes. The fast lane (right) is for overtaking. The left lane is for large, slow vehicles. Moderate-speed cars can use the middle lane. Choose the right lane for your speed and safety.
- To be more responsible and avoid collisions, follow the strict 3-lane highway restrictions in India when driving long distances.
- To stay safe, signal your lane change to vehicles behind you. Abrupt adjustments without warning can cause crashes.
- Highways are notorious for high-speed traffic, so recognize the speed differences between lanes, adjust your speed, and shift to the correct lane.
- Take the middle road while traveling long distances to stay straight. To move right or left, you must switch lanes with previous indications and turn.
Maintain Safe Distances
Maintaining safe distances is crucial due to unpredictable traffic that might cause vehicles to brake unexpectedly. The "three-second rule" can aid in such situations. It buffers rapid traffic movements, increasing reaction time and braking distance. At least three seconds should separate you from the vehicle in front of you.
Overtaking Rules
Highway overtaking restrictions in India are significant since improper overtaking judgments cause many accidents. Overtaking a vehicle requires space and visibility. Check your mirrors for overtaking vehicles. Give your nearby vehicles a warning of your overtaking intention. Predict the pace, overtake in the right lane, and concentrate. To safely enter the lane, maintain reasonable spacing between vehicles during and after passing.
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Nighttime Highway Safety
Avoid highway driving at night because it's difficult. First, clear your windshield and check the brake and indication lights. Set your seat according to headlamp visibility. Avoid high beams when passing or approaching automobiles.
Car Insurance
Four-wheeler insurance covers vehicle and third-party damage. It covers all costs, from slight to catastrophic loss. You can also add 0% depreciation, roadside assistance, etc. to your auto insurance. As it is reasonable, you can compare car insurance policies and choose one with enough coverage to secure your car and keep it in top shape.
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References
- Indian Car Owners: https://www.statista.com/statistics/1027474/india-car-owners-by-gender/
- Traffic Fines & Penalties for Different Offences & Violations in India: https://www.godigit.com/traffic-rules/revised-traffic-violation-fines-2019
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