Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

What are the three steps in the driving task?

I need to know them for a test tomorrow in driver’s ed. I don’t remember what they are and I forgot to write them down! Please help! What is the three-step method for driving?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Most often, students learn the four principles of defensive driving in driver’s ed: identify, predict, decide, and execute. But some instructors might combine the last two principles and discuss just three steps related to the driving task.
Regardless, here are the steps:
  1. Identify:
    Remain alert
    to any potential dangers on the road. This could include someone driving recklessly, a weather warning on the radio, or emergency lights up ahead.
  2. Predict: Predict what those around you will do. If you see a stopped car ahead, you’ll need to anticipate whether or not they will move before you reach them.
  3. Decide: Sometimes you’ll have to make a choice very quickly to avoid an accident if you come across a hazard in your path.
  4. Execute: Finally, you’ll need to execute (or carry out) the decision you’ve made. Since this is so closely tied to step 3—and must happen in such close succession—it isn’t always listed as its own step.
Together, the four steps are often referred to as the IPDE method of defensive driving. Sticking to these principles is a great way to stay safe on the road.
It can be hard to find affordable car insurance if you’re a new driver, but
Jerry
is here to help. Jerry is an insurance comparison app that shops for low prices with over 50 different insurance companies for free. You will get quotes in seconds, and if you ever have any questions, agents are just a text away. The average Jerry user saves $887 a year on car insurance.
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings