How to Drive a 15 Passenger Van

The first car I drove on the road was a 15 passenger van.

My family and I were on our way back from Stake Conference when my mom realized that I had just recently gotten my driver's permit and that I could legally drive home.

 

My dad pulled over to the side of the road and I tentatively walked up to the driver’s side of the car and cautiously stepped up into the driver's seat. Sitting roughly four feet above the ground Honda civics looked like they wouldn’t stand a chance against the roaring monster I was about to pilot. (This was some comfort to me because I was seriously worried my family was about to be killed in a tragic car accident at the hands of an inexperienced driver).

 

Step one Turn the Car On

The car was already on when I traded places with my dad, so I did not have to start with this step.

First you take the car keys and insert them into ignition. Once the keys have clicked into the ignition you turn the keys in a clockwise motion until the engine revs to life.

 

Step two Make sure the parking break is NOT on

 

It's always embarrassing when you are backing out of the school parking lot and your parking break is screeching like a rusty hinge (not that this ever happened to me or anything).

 

 

The parking break in our van is located near the driver's left knee in order to disengage the break you pull up on the release.

 

Step Three put the car in Drive

 

This step is of vital importance if you intend to go anywhere.

 

The shifter is located to the right of the steering wheel. You need to reach over and shift the car from park to drive WHILE KEEPING YOUR FOOT ON THE BREAK!!

Step four check mirrors

 

Look at your side and center rear view mirrors to make sure no cars are coming and then glance over your left or right shoulder to make sure no cars, people, or cats are in your blind spot.

 

Step Five signal

Reach over to the signal stick located on the left side of the steering wheel and signal which way you want to go.

 

Step six

Cautiously and confidently accelerate to the flow of traffic as you merge onto the road.

 

 

 

Important Notes

Vans tip easily

Never start driving without an experienced adult with a license

Don’t drive without a driver’s permit

This post was written by a 16 year old