Advice
Other places that were recommended include the Bolger Center, downtown Bethesda and Montgomery College for parking, as well as Old Georgetown Road and the I-91 highway for driving. Walt Whitman High School was also noted as being a good place for both.
“Walt Whitman’s parking lot is normally empty on the weekends and there’s a lot of turns and weird things with signs and stuff, so that’s where I’ve practiced a couple of times,” Navas Porras said.
Marroquin urged drivers not to be discouraged if they were nervous about learning how to drive. “If you’re scared to get behind the wheel, it’s normal… just remember to be in control and always make sure to evaluate before you do anything at the wheel,” Marroquin said.
Navas Porras also had some advice for how new drivers should allocate their time. “Once you start driving, I’d say go on the parking lot a little: maybe two hours of parking lot driving. Then, drive on the road – not like the highway yet – get like five hours on the road, and then I’d say go on the highway,” Navas Porras said. Nevertheless, each driver is unique, so take your time and do what you’re comfortable with.
Both Smith and Striplin shared some wisdom they’d acquired through trial and error. Smith addressed sophomores and juniors who had just recently started driving in particular: “There’s no shame in switching out with your parent… it’s not that embarrassing,” Smith said.
Additionally, Striplin advised drivers to keep in mind that their skills would eventually be judged in driving tests and that they should be conscious of any technique shortcuts they might be taking. “I would say start the good habits now, okay? So completely stop at all the stop signs, use your turning signal all the time, [and] don’t tailgate people,” Striplin said.
“If someone texts you, don’t worry about it. It’s going to be there when you… arrive. If you’re using GPS and you don’t have somewhere to put your phone… get one of the little things that can go in the CD holder [phone holders]… so you don’t have to hold it in your hand and be looking at it while you’re driving,” Striplin said.
Correspondingly, for those who have Spotify open at all times, Striplin recommends they prepare ahead of time. “It’s ok to listen to music while you drive, but have a playlist ready, don’t be on your phone changing the music while you’re driving,” Striplin said.
Overall, there are plenty of great spots to practice parking and driving in the Bethesda area for drivers of all skill levels, and this list shouldn’t be your only resource. Consider the places listed, try a few, then explore on your own and find what works best for you. Remember to always trust yourself, go at whatever pace you feel comfortable with and practice good habits.
