Thinking about learning how to drive a bus or RV for the first time? Intimidated by the size? Looks like it’d be difficult to maneuver? Relax. Driving a bus or an RV isn’t as difficult as it may appear.
With a few pointers and a bit of practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time. Here’s a few tips to think about while you’re behind the wheel.
What You Need to Know About Driving a Bus or RV for the First Time
Take A Test Drive
The only way to get comfortable driving a bus or RV is to take a few practice runs. While it’s not as difficult to drive as people think, it does require some getting used to. Get to know the feel of it by driving around a parking lot or a street that isn’t crowded.
Your RV or bus is bigger than a regular car so you want to be mindful of its weight and size. Braking, parking, turning and backing up will be different than what you’re used to.
Turning will be different because you’ll have to go farther out into the intersection to adjust for the larger turning radius. Braking requires more time too. Due to its greater size, it will take longer to stop, so you’ll want to leave more space between you and the cars in front.
It’s always a good idea to practice backing up, turning, braking and parking in an empty parking lot or road that receives little to no traffic. After a few test runs, you’ll be ready to handle yourself on regular streets and busy neighborhoods.
Handling On The Road
Driving down the interstate is very different from driving in smaller spaces like city streets, tree-lined roads and parking lots. You’ll become much more aware of the size of your vehicle in these conditions.
Know the height of your rig. While interstate overpasses provide no problems, drive-thru windows are usually inaccessible. When backing up, it’s always a good idea to have someone outside your rig navigate you.
If alone, be sure to do a walk-around inspection and make certain it’s safe to proceed. Merging and yielding with other vehicles requires extra caution. You have more blind spots and are higher off the ground.
Fueling up your rig can be a tricky situation. This is an easy place to get into an accident due to the confined space of the lot. It’s easier to fill up at a truck stop gas station because those stations cater to large-sized vehicles.
Like backing up, have someone outside assist you with lining up alongside the pump. There might be a roof, other vehicles or people nearby to watch out for.
Takeaways
Driving a bus or RV isn’t as difficult as you may think. It will feel different the first few practice runs, but that’s normal. You’ve got to take a little time adjusting to its size. It’s not as easy as driving a smaller car and takes some getting used to, but once you do, it’ll seem like second nature.
