What the site covers
The guides focus on things any driver can understand and practice: defensive driving, following distance, night driving, rain and fog, snow and ice, avoiding distraction, drowsy driving, quick vehicle checks and new driver basics.
The site is written for drivers in the United States. Most of the habits apply anywhere, but rules and terms differ in other countries.
What the site doesn't do
- It doesn't sell anything, carry partner links or recommend brands or products.
- It doesn't publish crash statistics or rankings. Figures change every year and are best read from the agencies that collect them.
- It doesn't give legal advice or tell you exactly what the law is in your state.
- It isn't a driving school and doesn't replace a driver education course or supervised practice.
- It isn't connected with any government agency, insurer, carmaker or driving school.
Why we point to your state DMV
Traffic laws, licensing steps, phone rules and equipment requirements are set by each state and change over time. When a guide mentions a rule, it describes what is common and tells you to check the current version with your state DMV or driver handbook. That source is the one that counts if you're stopped or tested.
Where the information comes from
The guides draw on general road safety guidance of the kind published by federal and state agencies, such as state driver handbooks, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Weather Service. Figures such as following gaps in seconds are rounded and described as general guidance. Distances in feet are simple arithmetic from speed and time.
About your car
Vehicles differ. Your owner's manual is the best guide to your car's tire pressures, fluids, warning lights and features such as anti-lock brakes. For anything that affects brakes, steering or tires, have a qualified mechanic take a look.
Spotted an error?
If something here is out of date or wrong, please write to contact@optimumdriver.com and say which page it's on. Corrections are made as soon as they're checked.
See also the privacy policy and terms of use.