I am 31 years old and in the process of learning have to drive. I am terrified while in the car with the instructor. Can anyone give me any tips to finally overome my driving fear?
2006-08-12 21:22:51 · 17 answers · asked by chriscornelluv@sbcglobal.net 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Commuting
If you have your learner's permit and a friend with a car, there's nothing to prevent the two of you from going out and practicing between classes, first with the parking lot and then with the quiet streets. Get used to the basic skills of turning, stopping, accelerating, driving in a straight line, parking, etc., so you have the confidence that you can get the car underway and stop safely from speed.
Once you know you can work the machine, then you can convert that brain power you were using for fear to focus on the rules of the road and better driving. And don't forget that until your license exam you're only there to learn. Study, practice, ask questions!
2006-08-17 18:37:11 · answer #1 · answered by G. Whilikers 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Enough to pass the road test? Probably. Enough to keep you alive for the first year? Not a hope in heck. You would be a vehicle operator only, not a driver because you would not have been exposed to any more than a few basic driving and traffic scenarios. Passing a driving test doesn't mean a person is truly qualified to be on road in full control of a huge metal weapon of mass destruction. When I learned, I experienced parking lots, side roads, main roads and highways, divided roads, wide roads and bridges, nice summer days, rain, snow, and full-blown winter driving. It is totally impossible to do that in 3 weeks. Driving is not easy, and the skills needed can never be taken for granted. Do I know what I am doing? Yep, with 43 years of driving, somewhere between 1 1/2 and 2 million miles. Do I know absolutely everything? Heck no, nobody does, and anybody who says so is a fool. After all these years, I find I still learn the odd thing here and there. One must always be prepared for the unexpected, and learning one's own limitations and the capabilities of a vehicle are needed skills. Those skills coupled with confidence that can only come with experience will save your life someday, mark my words. The shortest period I have ever taught a person to drive, and I mean to drive well, is 4 months. Every person I taught passed first time, every one of them made it through the critical 1st year, when you know nothing but think you know it all, alive and accident free.
2016-03-16 21:50:34 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bring something along to distract you. An Ipod, a cell phone, perhaps several of your favorite CDs, a #1 Extra Value Meal, your kids, all are excellent ideas. Before long you'll be driving without even thinking about it. Then you'll fit in with all the other idiots I do battle with every day. Seriously, the first thing you have to do is relax and give yourself plenty of space between you and other cars. Panic and fear are the worst two things to bring into the car with you. Drive with someone who isn't an instructor. My dad was a lousy instructor, my mom was a good one, because she just sat there. She was scared but she didn't show it. My dad was the opposite. Understand as well that even if you have only limited driving experience, you are better at it than at least half the boneheads out there.
2006-08-13 12:27:12 · answer #3 · answered by Me again 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remember that the car is a tool, like a hammer or a buzzsaw. It works mechanically, but you are in control of what it does. It does not go into gear until you put it in gear, it slows when you hit the brakes, accelerates when you hit the gas, turns when you turn the wheel.
New things can be nerve wracking for anyone - the more you practice the easier it becomes, practice with other licensed drivers besides your instructor (follow the state laws on that) and remember the car does not control you - you control the car. Most people, when afraid, think that the tool controls them - you control the tool.
Finally, listen to what the instructor says, pay attention to the road, other drivers and how the car is doing under your control and you'll soon realize that everything is fine.
2006-08-12 21:33:18 · answer #4 · answered by advancedmaster 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go with a friend or a family member. When I was a kid,
I felt like you do now. But I love to drive, anywhere anytime.
Dad took me to a large parking lot on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Where I had lots of room, and could get the feel of the car.
No real instruction, just drive around to get comfortable.
Take it in steps. After the parking lot, try a country road or any road where there is little traffic. A nice relaxing drive.
Then maybe try a weekday when you get comfortable with that.
Get used to other cars and drivers. Especially the dumb ones
that never learned how to drive in the first place like you are now.
Go from that to the highway, again on a Sunday. Get used to the speed. You graduate when you drive in rush hour.
You can do it, believe in yourself. Your fear is based on axiety.
Anxiety of doing the wrong thing, or the fear of the unknown.
Those fears are not real. Concentrate on the here and now,
not what may or may not happen.
2006-08-13 02:44:40 · answer #5 · answered by rjm96 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Practice driving in an empty parking lot or something with a licensed driver until you get the hang of it before you get back into the car with the instructor. That would make ANYONE nervous! Then drive around a rarely populated country road for awhile (with a licensed driver...)
2006-08-12 21:29:37 · answer #6 · answered by Evil Wordmonger, LTD LOL 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I took drivers ed in high school and I was so terrified too! I got my license but never drove after I got it. I let the fear keep me from driving for years- a major inconvenience. In fact, I didn't get back to drive till 2 years ago and I'm now 27! I faced my fear and kept reminding myself that most of my fears were not logical. We have a lot more control than we realize sometimes!
2006-08-12 21:36:32 · answer #7 · answered by CorinneI 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Get a licenced friend that you're comfortable with to go out somewhere with you a few times so you can drive somewhere more relaxing than with the instructor. Go out to a deserted parking lot or something and just get comfortable with it.
You can even set up your own little course with plastic cones or something to practice backing up and things. Don't try taking the test until you're comfortable with the car. Sure everyone can be nervous with it, but if you let it affect you too much, you're just going to mess up and you'll make yourself feel worse, you know?
I wish you luck and happy driving! ^_^
2006-08-12 21:31:09 · answer #8 · answered by Amba 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Face what you fear. Drive lots and you will soon be so at ease you will be able to change the baby's diaper,apply make-up and finger any offending driver, all at the same time, even while driving in heavy traffic,and without taking the Marlboro from your mouth. Seriously the more you drive the more confident you will become. Good luck.
2006-08-17 17:30:41 · answer #9 · answered by luther 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't drive anywhere very busy the first time you solo. Work your way up to the highway or the busy part of your town.
Always pay attention - turn off your phone.
I bet you won't be so nervous when the instructor is not with you.
2006-08-13 03:25:04 · answer #10 · answered by Layla Clapton 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋