[architect]

I learnt driving many years ago...then I didn't drive at all for 12 years before starting off on an Alto and moving on to a Palio!

Just some small pointers apart from the regular stuff already mentioned:

1. Most important: Relax and be comfortable. Get a good seating position, know all the controls well. Don't Panic.

2. If you're not sure of whether there is enough space ahead of you (or behind) for the car, then don't move. I use the reference for the car ahead of me. If a Swift ahead of you can go, yours can as well. Keep minimum clearance on the driver's side in tight situations and you will always have enough space on the left.

3. If there is a doubt, slow down or stop. Nobody can force you to go ahead faster than what speed you are sure of. Even if they honk like mad.

4. Size is a question of getting used to. Simple. It took me equal amount of time to get used to the size of the Amby 12 years ago, the Alto, the Palio and the Ikon. So don't worry about the size.

5. Have an idea as to how much your car protrudes sideways from the window glass, especially on the left. For a Swift, its almost 4 inches or more. For the Palio its lesser. That's important (even if your ORVMs are open).

6. IMO, Parking Sensors are not such a great idea for beginners! Use the three ORVMs judiciously, instead. You will learn the correct way.

Happy Driving. And buy the Swift, its a good car to drive!