Driving lessons (I'm scared)!!?

Question

When I was 17 I was desperate to learn hpw to drive, mum wouldn't let me (didn't have a job so left it at that). For my 21st birthday pressie she said I could have lessons. Wasn't really that bothered at that point but thought 'why not'. My driving instructor was a pig, told me that people who wanted lessons were stupid (he was a driving instructor hello?!) and basicaly sucked all my confidence away. Consequently I gave up and am now very scared to drive. My boyfriend has been lovely and keeps encouraging me to drive. He has given me a few lessons, is very encouraging and given me some of my confidence back. My 2 years on I think I should start learning again as I believe it will increase my job prospects. Am still very nervous esp of having a driving instructor, am gonna get my boyfriend to teach me to increase confidence. Any tips that could help me along?

Answer 1

That first instructor was a w*nker. Ignore everything about him. If he was like that to all of his students, he'll have been fired years ago. I was petrified the first time I drove, my instructor took me to a layby on a fairly busy A-road. he told me the basics, and then told me to get in the driver's seat. I was scared that I was going to end up hitting something!. I didn't and after a few lessons overcame my fears. If you like, your b/f can sit in the back for a lesson or two. I'm sure a reasonable instructor won't mind.

I did mine through the military, where a bit more was at stake, I had a TA warrant officer take me for the test!

The only tips I can give are:

1) Relax, your instructor knows what he's doing, so no need to panic.

2) It's your choice of instructor, so if you get a prat, you can always take your business elsewhere.

3) It gets easier every lesson, and your fears will dissipate every lesson too.

My first aircraft see-off was like driving. On my first one, I was scared to mess up, but after the test, you can almost completely relax while doing it. It gets easier every time!

Answer 2

During my life time I have had many experiences, one was a driving instructor. First relax adjust your seat, then your mirrors. Put on your sear belt and check mirrors again. You should not need to readjust mirrors. Look at the controls ask your boyfriend if you do know what that is? The mirrors show you whats is behind you. Most of todays cars have lights that come on when something is wrong. The older cars have gagues to tell you the mpeture of the engine. The amount of fuel you have. How fast you are moving. Some tell you if you battery is discharging. You have a gearshift your boyfriend will tell you if do not already know. Is the car standard or automatic does it shift for you or do you end up doing it, then you would need a clutch. An automatic is easier to learn on. Without looking down look out the winshield learn where the brake and gas pedal is located, WITHOUT LOOKING.
Start the car with the key, you should always start moving forward before learning to back up that will come later. Signal left check for people and traffic if the way is clear. hold the brake down and release the parking brake put the car in gear and if the way is clear move by taking your foot off the brake. Some car idel fastly and the car will move on it's own. The best place to start is a parking lot where there are no cars. Your boyfriend will take over if you get scared. Give yourself a chance, you will learn in time if you relax. Should you not have any problems. You can write me at [e-mail] if you do. GOD BLESS YOU and keep you safe. Michelle

Answer 3

Well, I had sort of the same experience. You need to find a driving instructor who is patient and does not make you nervous. More than anything, you just need lots and lots of practice, and you need to practice regularly (at least twice a week) so that it stops being something you actively have to think about and becomes something that just comes naturally (and believe it or not eventually it will). Try to ignore other drivers on the road who aren't patient, they were also learning once. Try to stick to quieter roads at first, maybe even empty parking lots right at the beginning.

Don't go with your boyfriend if he's at all impatient or short-tempered- you'll just end up fighting.

At the end of the day, learning is worth all your effort... it makes you so much more independent.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Your boyfriend sounds lovely. But you would be better off with a 'proper' driving instructor. One thing you could do is simply ask around, ask a friend who is a good driver if they know a good instructor, you can always tell your own experiences and say that you don't want a repeat of that situation. My partner found an excellent driving instructor this way, and passed his test first time around.

Me, I needed four tries, as I was seriously hampered by nerves. But I got there in the end! Best of luck.

Answer 5

I would say you should definitely go for it. Once you get a decent or anywhere near normal instructor you'll do great! Everyone sucks to start off with so your bf helping you out is good to give you the basics. Ive been driving about a year and a half now and i love it. I had 2 driving instructors who were both really helpful and patient with me. I failed twice but on silly things bcoz i was nervous so i just booked myself straight in for another test and it was third time lucky for me! so i passed when i was 18.
Dont let the twit you had before put you off. i hope he got banned from teaching for saying stuff like that to you and good luck!

Answer 6

You are very lucky in having the support from your boyfriend. Many people do not have that.

Keep going with it, it is so worth it when you pass! If you had a bad instructor, get a new one! There are so many out there and many are really nice people. You can even request a female one if you would feel better.

The other thing you could do, is to go on a weeks intensive course. Most people pass their tests at the end of the week! That way, you get it all out of the way very quickly!

Whatever you decide, I wish you good luck with it. Just don't give up... Independence is worth having!

:)

Answer 7

Just go for it.
I booked some driving lessons last week. My first lesson is next wednesday and I'm a bit scared too.
Like you, I had a rubbish driving instructor years ago and it has put me off ever since. But I really want to learn now because it gives you so much more freedom if you can drive.
Good Luck.

Answer 8

As with most things in life there are good and bad .. my 18yo girl has had three instructors two of whom came from the 'big' names of driving instruction and who absolutely sucked ...

Suggest you try a few until you get an instructor you like and then stay with him / her. Also get your lovely bf to take you out as often as possible as its practice, practice and more practice that will get you through .. just make sure you do what your instrucutor and not the bf tells you as they know how to make you pass the test whereas he, no matter how good a driver, will have picked up 'non driving test' habits as he has driven for longer without instruction.

Good luck and be sure to post when you pass :)

Answer 9

Don't be scared, it's natural to be a little nervous. Most instructors are not like your first one. You should go for it, think how independant you will be, you will be able to drive wherever you want. If I was you I would book a female instructor. I had a woman instructor and she was lovely, she really put me at ease.

Answer 10

the best teacher is experience. if your b/f could get you to the point where you are driving a little each day somewhere in the open like the country your confidence would increase as would your familiarity with the controls ( accelerator, brakes, wipers, blinkers) and you would be in much better shape. and don't let anyone take away your confidence! you're gonna do fine, chickie. just be brave and learn what you can.