you in the driver’s seat 1 in this chapter Be a thinking driver You in the driver’s seat – part 1 5 • be fit to drive • make good decisions • take responsibility. A thinking driver chooses to: A thinking driver puts safety first. Smart driving is about making  choices that help keep you and others safe. The choices you  make determine what kind of driver you will be. You have to make many choices as a driver. You have to choose  the best route to get to your destination, and decide how much  time you need to get there. You have to make decisions about  the safety of your passengers, especially if you’re caught in a  dangerous situation. You have to decide how much risk to take.  And you need to make sure you can focus on driving before  you get behind the wheel. You’ve had your driver’s licence for eight months now,  and you’ve become a pretty good driver. This morning  you need to take the car in by 9 a.m. for an oil change,  and then pick up a friend who lives in the country. You  both need to be back in town by noon. You’re not sure if  you have enough time. As you were leaving the house, you had an argument  with your roommate. Now you’re feeling angry and  pressed for time. Driving gives you the freedom to get around — but it also  involves certain risks. When you’re in the driver’s seat, you need  to focus on the task of driving, make good driving decisions  and look out for the safety of others. This chapter will help you  think about the choices you can make as a driver to help keep  yourself and others safe. • Be a thinking driver • Be fit to drive • Make good  decisions – keep learning – plan your driving – predict the scene – think for yourself • Take responsibility – you, the driver – your passengers – other road users