Learning to drive can be scary and sometimes even frustrating. The best advice is to breathe, relax and focus, but, when you’re the one in the driving seat, on an open road, things aren’t necessarily that easy.
There are so many rules that need be remembered, with movements that make everything seem more intimidating, but it’s all part of the learning process. Practice makes perfect.
Here are a few tips to help you calm down and get you ready for your driving test:
Start to become familiar with the car that you are going to be doing your test in. Often the problem comes in when you are driving a different car at home to any other cheap used cars for sale that your instructor picked up and that you might be doing your test in. Try to learn the controls of your test car to help you become more comfortable when you get into the driver’s seat. Once you feel at ease and comfortable in the car, this will stop you from panicking for the inidcator the next time you are asked to change lanes.
Learning to drive from your parents’ experience is not always the best option. When you’ve been driving for years, you tend to learn bad habits on the road that should not be passed down to you. If possible, in terms of finance and time, try to fit in as many lessons as possible. They can be expensive but it is the only way for you to get comfortable behind the wheel and pass your test the first time. If your test is booked far in advance, frequent lessons are important. But make sure you get some good practice in the weeks running up to your test. This is particularly advised for nervous, anxious drivers.
There is no doubt that the instructor you choose will determine your driving success. From the start of your driving experience to the test, it’s handy to have driving lessons with someone who you trust. These instructors have years of experience and knowledge in dealing with all types of personalities on the road, so try to find someone who comforts you and guides you through the process the way you would want to be taught. Listen to them, learn from your mistakes and concentrate as much as possible.
In the beginning, you are going to make mistakes. And it’s only natural. It’s not embarrassing or cringe-worthy. You’re only learning. There are going to be several times where you will be hooted at for taking too long at an intersection or when you’re struggling to park, but remember that the more focused you are, the less panicky you will be. Do not let these stressful situations build up in your head. Learn from them and then move on. By dwelling on them, you’ll just end up becoming more stressed out.
For anxious and nervous beginner drivers, it’s important to do some breathing exercises to relax your body and calm your mind before getting behind the wheel. These exercises will make you feel at ease, helping you to focus and concentrate. Also, when you visualise that you are going to pass, your mind naturally becomes more positive about the experience. Do not focus on the negative.
A good rule of thumb is to leave your cell phone at home, on silent or completely out of the way when you go to your next driving lesson or test. You cannot afford to be distracted when you have little confidence on the road. The roads can be jam-packed and the last thing you need is to take your eyes off the road. Other habits to avoid are eating while driving, turning up the music and indulging in deep conversations.
Make sure that you have a safe following distance when travelling. Even though you’re following the road rules, others aren’t always. When there are complications on the road, people tend to become aggressive, so don’t let your mood influence the way you drive. Be calm and composed at all times.
Just because you’re legal to drive, your nerves are still going to stick around for quite some time. Try to hold onto everything that you’ve learned during your lessons, as these tips will come in handy. Remember that you may have passed your test with an instructor next to you but when you’re alone, it’s a different story. Wait until you are fully confident on the road before you transport passengers and listen to music.
