did anyone get scared?

Question

iv passed my driving test for nearly 2 weeks and am so scared to get into the car and drive around on my own. was any of use like this and if so what did u do to get on with it.

Answer 1

I was reasonably confident after I passed my test, so decided to go on a 45 mile round trip to see my grandma (the only person I knew who would likely be in during the day!) Got there no bother, as I'd driven there in practice a good few times before. However, I decided to get cocky on the way home and take a different route that I had a "reasonable idea of". Well, didn't I get lost and end up driving right through the centre of Newcastle! In the dark! Still, once I'd got that far I at least knew where I was so managed to get home no bother.
For some reason, I didn't want to turn into a side road and go back the way I came. Something to do with not knowing that part of the area i guess. I just followed road signs that led me in the general direction of home!

The only advice I can give you is to just get out there and do it. Stick to quiet back roads and country lanes if you like, but you only REALLY start to learn once you've passed your test, especially when nobody can let you get off with mistakes cos you have a red L. If you really are worried, take a friend with you. Even if they can't drive, you'll at least be able to take comfort in them being there with you.

Happy driving. Remember to enjoy the experience. Driving is fun!

Answer 2

you just need time and practise. why not get some green L plates, they weren't around when i passed my test in 1980, i had to drive like someone who had been on the roads for years,and it is the first 12 months after passing your driving that you a lot, however you never stop learning about driving and i am still doing that.
what i did was go out on my own down to the trading estate , when i knew it was quite and just got the feel of driving on my own
i am going to suggest that you look into a pass plus course as a top up to the original test.
you may also like to look at the advance driving test, which may help you get cheaper car insurance. www.iam.org.co.ok.
take care

Answer 3

I am sure you did not get a walking test or even remember you first steps and yet now you are walking. The absolute best way to learn and improve is to do. There is an old saying that "Knowledge replaces fear" the only way to improve and become comfortable is to practice. Through practice we learn to act rather than react and, as long as we do not learn bad practices like allowing ourselves to be distracted i.e., cell phones, radio, cigarettes conversation, we progress. There are courses designed around being attentive. When you are driving see everything, a rule for pilots is see and be seen, the same applies to driving. Note the details, use your peripheral vision, use the three second rule when following, wait three second when a light changes, stop far enough behind the vehicle in front of you to see their license plate. Verbalize what you are seeing, "there is a car coming from the driveway on my left, I am a five count from the speed limit sign, there are two cars behind me, I am three seconds behind the car in from of me, thre is a pedestrian on the sidewalk.
We all find ourselves in sticky situations sometimes just remember to act. If you need to stop quickly pump the brakes do not slam them. If you have an ABS system you do not have to as ABS pumps the brakes for you even though you do not feel it. Practice driving in parking lots or around the block. Remember when you learned to walk you tooks small steps, take short drives. Most important never become over confident or to comfortable when you drive. Driving requires attention if you want to be comfortable sit in an easy chair.
You will do very well because you obviously care and are a concerned person. Good luck

Answer 4

I passed my test two weeks ago and I know exactly how you feel!! I have to force myself to get into the car and drive. Once I'm in there I feel fine but it's the initial panic that I can't do it. I usually make sure someone is with me - even one of my kids - cos then I feel a bit less nervous. I'm told it does get easier and that it's all about confidence. I can't wait for the day tha it becomes second nature and not something I think and worry about. Good luck and just keep on driving x x x x

Answer 5

After failing my driving test, due to a complete idiot of an instructor who was out to take all my money. I decided to buy a little run around car and get some practice. Nobody would take me out for lessons, so one day I thought sod it and I jumped in and drove the 20 minutes to work. I'd never been so scared in my life. I was ultra aware of every pedestrian, car and piece of litter on the roads. I passed my test 3 months later with flying colors. My point is having a licence doesn't make you a better or safer driver, and it doesn't ease the fear. You have to learn at some point and your confidence will come with time. Just get in your car and get out and about.

Answer 6

You need to just get in and do it, as soon as possible. Just go down the road to the shops or whereever at quieter times to start with, until you build up your confidence. It can be quite scary suddenly not having an instructor next to you to cover all your mistakes - but tell yourself - you must have been good enough in the first place on your own to pass your test! And how often was your instructor really covering you - how often did he have to use the dual controls, and was this for minor things, really, that wouldn't matter too much? You probably didn't need him so much towards the end, it just made you feel safer. Get a more experienced friend to come out with you at first if you're really worried, just to give you advice and support if you're stuck.

But you really must get over this as soon as possible - if you let it build up too much it'll get longer and longer, and you'll never be able to relax and build up the confidence and experience it takes to be a good driver. Good luck!

Answer 7

How refreshing to see a young person with some wisdom! Sounds like you understand the dangers of hurling down the road in a two ton vehicle that could be deadly to yourself or others (I take it they showed some movies in the class you took).

Take it slowly, for the first year, don't drive anywhere longer than 30 minutes at a stretch. Avoid peak traffic times. Don't load your car with other teenagers. Don't talk on the phone, or apply makeup or eat while driving......and all the other things they taught you in driver's ed.

I think you will be fine.

Answer 8

I have been driving over 60 years and I remember the feeling.
Two things helped me.
Having someone sit beside me and it doesn't matter if they can drive.
Opening the driving window if alone.
It doesn't last long before you find yourself becoming over confident and when the very first sign comes in the way of a mistake take warning.
Remind yourself how lucky you are and from that point you will become a good driver.
There are loads of bad drivers around but don't let them influence you. Stick to what you were taught but make the actions that of a craftsman.
When you recognise traffic patterns you will become a safer driver.

Good luck

Answer 9

I didn't feel this way personally, but I did have a friend who felt that way. It took her about six months of driving before she was comfortable with it.

Take your time!! There is no need to rush into it. Just go slowly, try a new bit each day, go a little further. Whatever you do, make sure that you are ready before you go it alone, as it is much more dangerous for you and everyone else on the road if you aren't confident of what you're doing.

Answer 10

A little bit of fear is ok, it means you are taking the responsibility seriously. The only way to get experience driving alone is to drive alone, if you are nervous about it start by driving when you know there is little traffic. Get up early before rush hours and drive around your neighborhood, then start branching out. Go on highways that do not go as fast as expressways until you get the hang of speed, but do it in non peak hours.