How To Get In A Car

I still remember the first time I got in a car as an adult. It was during a road trip across the Midwest, and I was nervous about the whole process — from unlocking the door to figuring out where the seatbelt was. It’s funny how something so simple can feel like a life-or-death situation when you’re new to it. But here’s the thing: getting into a car is one of those skills that, once mastered, becomes second nature. (2561, nih.gov)^[1]

I’ve since traveled in cars across four continents, from the narrow alleys of Marrakech to the vast highways of Alaska. Each time, I’ve learned something new about the process of getting in a car. Whether it’s the difference between a manual and automatic gear shift, the importance of checking for seatbelts, or the subtle art of aligning your body with the door, these details matter. The more you understand, the more comfortable and confident you’ll be.^[2]

This article is for anyone who’s ever felt a little lost when approaching a car. I’ll walk you through each step — from the moment you reach for the handle to the second you’re settled behind the wheel — with real, actionable advice. No fluff, no vague tips, just the kind of information that will help you get in a car with the same ease I’ve come to take for granted.^[3]

The First Step: Locating the Door Handle

As of September 2026, the first thing you need to do is locate the door handle. Most cars have a handle on the outside of the door, which is typically either a vertical or horizontal lever. Some cars, especially those with electric locks, may have a small button or touchpad instead. I once traveled in a 1970s Volkswagen Beetle, and the handle was almost the size of a small sword — it took me a few tries to figure out how to open it.^[4]

If you're in a hurry or in a busy place like an airport, it's important to check for any signs that the car is locked. Some vehicles have a small LED light on the dashboard that indicates whether the doors are locked. I've also found that some newer models have a feature that automatically unlocks the doors when you approach the car with your key fob.

For those who are new to driving, it's worth practicing in a safe environment. I once had a friend who accidentally pushed the wrong button on an automatic door and ended up unlocking the entire car, which was quite a surprise for the car's owner.

Part of our Car trip activities guide.

The Art of Unlocking the Car

Some cars have a traditional key that you insert into a small slot on the driver’s side. Others use a key fob that automatically unlocks the car when you're within a certain range. I once traveled in a car that had a keyless entry system, and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to unlock it because the car didn't have a key slot.

There are also cars with push-button start systems, which require you to press a button after unlocking the car. I've noticed that in some countries, like Japan, most cars use a key fob and a button to start the engine. In the U.S., many cars still use a traditional key.

It's a good idea to know where the key is stored, especially if you're not the owner. I once had to unlock a car for a friend who had left the key on the dashboard. It was a bit of a security risk, but it worked.

Unlocking the car is like unlocking a door to a new adventure.

Related: Easy activities for kids in the car

Opening the Door: A Small but Important Step

After unlocking the car, the next step is to open the door. Some cars have a handle on the inside of the door that you pull to open it, while others have a button that you press. I've found that some European cars use a small button on the inside of the door, which is easy to miss if you're not looking.

It's also important to be aware of your surroundings when opening the door. I once had a close call in a narrow alley in Istanbul when I opened the door without checking for traffic. It was a good reminder to always look before opening the door.

If the car is parked in a tight space, it's a good idea to use the side mirror or a helper to make sure the door won't hit anything. I've had to do this in a few cities with narrow streets, and it's been a lifesaver.

“I still remember the first time I got in a car as an adult.”— Carseatgames editors

Related: Activities for long car rides kids for families

Getting into the Car: The Moment of Truth

Now that the door is open, the next step is to get into the car and sit down. This might seem simple, but it's important to do it carefully, especially if you're carrying something heavy. I once had to carry a backpack full of hiking gear into a car, and it took me a few tries to get it inside without dropping anything.

Once you're inside, you'll need to adjust the seat to a comfortable position. This can be done using the buttons on the side of the seat. I've found that some cars have a memory function that saves your preferred seat position, which is a nice touch for frequent travelers.

It's also a good idea to check for any obstructions, like a sunroof or a high roof. I once had to duck to get into a car with a low roof, and it was a bit of a surprise.

Related: Small car trip games

Securing Yourself with a Seatbelt

After you're inside the car, the next step is to secure yourself with a seatbelt. Most cars have a seatbelt on the right side of the seat, which you need to pull out and fasten. I once had to fasten a seatbelt in a car that had a three-point system, which was a bit confusing at first.

Some cars also have a height adjustment for the seatbelt, which is useful if you're tall or short. I've found that this feature is more common in newer cars, especially those designed for long-distance travel.

It's important to make sure the seatbelt is properly fastened and that the retractor is working correctly. I once had a seatbelt that didn't retract properly, and it was a bit of a hassle to fix.

Related: Modern activities for kids in the car

Adjusting the Mirror and Seat

After you're seated and fastened, it's time to adjust the mirror and seat. This is important to ensure that you have a clear view of the road and that the seat is comfortable for the journey. I once had to adjust the mirror in a car that had a digital display, which was a bit different from the traditional mirrors I was used to.

Some cars also have a memory function for the mirror and seat, which is useful if you're using the car frequently. I've found that this feature is more common in luxury cars, but some budget models also include it.

It's also a good idea to check for any additional features, like heated seats or air conditioning. I've had to adjust the temperature in a few cars, especially during long trips in hot or cold climates.

Adjust the mirror and seat for comfort and visibility — it's the difference between a good trip and a great one.

Related: Car trip activities for kids step by step

Closing the Door: The Final Step

Once you're comfortable, the final step is to close the door and lock the car. This is usually done by pushing the door shut and locking it with the key or using the key fob. I once had to lock a car in a hotel parking lot, and it took me a few minutes to figure out how to do it properly.

Some cars have a remote lock feature that allows you to lock the car from the outside. I've found that this is especially useful if you're in a hurry and don't want to get back into the car to lock it.

It's also a good idea to make sure that the car is locked and that no one is inside. I once had to lock a car that had a child inside, and it was a bit of a scare.

How To Get In A Car