Driving is one of the life skills you must learn because it’s more convenient to drive than commute. It takes hours to master the art of driving seamlessly. Furthermore, you can improve your driving by enrolling in a driving school or practicing using a driving simulator. The former is the common way of improving your skills, but the latter is up for question. Can a driving simulator really help you improve your driving skills?
The short answer is yes. Using a driving simulator can help improve your driving skills on the road, but it depends on the driving simulator that you have. The more detailed or specific the simulator is, the more your skills will get better on the road. Some simulators have the usual form, and some simulators will give you the experience as if you are inside a vehicle. If you prefer the latter, be prepared to spend a hefty amount of cash.
Driving Simulators as a Form of Recreation
The driving simulator can be a recreational activity for everyone. You get to experience semi-realistic driving while having fun at the same time. You can choose what kind of car you want to use for the simulator, so you can pace yourself well when you’re already driving. But should you rely on a driving simulator to improve your skills on the road? The answer is no. No matter how realistic the simulator is, it is nothing compared to driving on the road.
There are obstacles on the road that are not present on the simulator. Furthermore, whatever you have learned or acquired from the simulator needs to be applied in an actual situation. Otherwise, they remain as learning. You can alternate between using a driving simulator and practicing on the road to really improve your driving skills.
The Perfect Car for Driving
Choosing the perfect car for driving can be one of the toughest decisions you will ever make. There are a lot of things to consider—pricing, model, make, size, etc. People usually start with identifying their purpose for buying such a car, whether for everyday use, a family car, or off-road adventures. Some cars you might want to consider are sedans, SUVs, or a lifted diesel car. However, your choices are endless as there are a lot of car types aside from these three.
You have to do your own research before buying a car, so you won’t regret your purchase. You have to talk with friends and family to help you choose your car. Furthermore, you also have to visit the car companies yourself to request a test drive because you might not like the car when you buy it eventually. You have to test it out first if it actually lives up to your standards. If it doesn’t, feel free to move on to another model or make.
The key here is to take your time choosing because a car is not a cheap purchase. You might experience buyer’s remorse for the years to come. To avoid this situation, take your time and be meticulous as much as you can.
Driving simulators are an advantage to people who want to improve their driving skills without being in an actual vehicle. However, it’s only helpful to some extent because simulation is different from the actual experience. In a simulation, road signs, accidents, and other things or events you might experience on the road are predetermined. You’re more likely to ignore signs or overlook certain dangers because you are convinced that it’s only a simulation. The sense of responsibility has not sunk in yet. This is what makes simulation different from actual driving.
With actual driving, you carry a huge responsibility as a driver. The signs, the pedestrians, and other potential dangers—these are things that you should look out for to ensure your safety, your passengers, and the people on the road. It’s acceptable to practice using a simulator, but you should apply those skills in actual driving as well. Reality is very different from simulation.
Moreover, you should still enroll in a driving school if you are not confident in your driving skills. A teacher will be there to guide you if you are stepping out of line. Furthermore, you can also practice on your own by driving around your neighborhood. Familiarize yourself with the signs, turns, potential dangers while you’re at it. It also allows you to get to know your vehicle more—an equally important task to do when you own a car.
