Okay, I'm learning how to drive and I'm absolutely terrified of being near other cars... Any advice on how to conquer that fear? Please, don't make fun of me. Driving's really scary for me..
2006-11-26 07:35:16 · 12 answers · asked by roxy81492 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
its to be expected...you just have to drive..you cant go out driving and just be rigid and scared the whole time, i mean eventually you get used to it. but you have to drive to get over that fear..i was the same way, but after i had to drive in italy, i got over it real quick
2006-11-26 07:37:30 · answer #1 · answered by blackqueen 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hiyas, I'm 16 and just got my license. I was the same way when I started, in fact i went for about 2 months without touching the steering wheel of a car i was soo scared of it. You just have to go at it and get better. If you don't like being near other cars take the side roads everywhere, that's what I did for a while but now that i have my license im more confident and I love driving! Even if you just drive around the block every day you'll get better. Like I said i lost most of my fear of other cars but I still stay about 2 to 3 car lengths behind people when im driving.
2006-11-26 07:38:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know it took courage to post this question. and I take it very seriously. Having taught a couple of friends to drive (in college), I realize that new drivers can be filled with trepidation. Some thoughts:
1. Breathe. If you run out of things to keep your mind occupied, focus on breathing. This is very calming.
2. Focus. Practice paying attention to every road sign and details like which side the yellow stripe is always on. This will certainly help you remain prepared for upcoming hazards or detours.
3. Anticipate: Try to predict what other drivers might do, guess where the bumps/potholes are ahead, whether a fire hydrant appears wherever you see a blue reflector in the road, etc. Keeping your mind on specifics like these will preempt any worrisome thoughts you might otherwise have!
4. Learn. Know the traffic rule book inside and out. Prepare for every eventuality by keeping an emergency kit in the car. Knowing you are ready for any eventuality is very reassuring.
5. Assert. Know the right-of-way rules, such as 4-way stops, 'left turn onto one-way road at red light' law for your area, passing, etc. And stand your ground when impatient drivers try to force you to do things you otherwise shouldn't (e.g. they might tailgate to get you to speed, honk at stops so you'll 'go' prematurely, swerve onto shoulders to pass stopped traffic, etc.). 'Right makes might' is the watchword.
My theme here is that knowledge is power. Having your mind trained on the task of driving is not only a great life-long habit, it helps put fear at rest. Remember, too, that other drivers do not want to risk bumping into you...It`s really rare for accidents to occur if you think about it! I'm happy to say that I've experienced only two really minor fender-benders in 24 years of driving, and I attribute that record to being vigilant.
Good luck!
2006-11-27 01:42:51 · answer #3 · answered by Tim GNO 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Thats a fairly easy one. When choosing a place to practice, start with an old parking lot or similar patch of open asphalt where there are no other cars. As you grow more comfortable, ease into, streets with very little traffic. And continue until you go as far as you want. And yes, I know a few people that even after 30+ years of driving still wont go near the freeway, so its ok.
2006-11-26 07:41:32 · answer #4 · answered by zebj25 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
try to practice in a free-cars area first and after you feel that you control the car well, then start to going into the traffic. you should put a signal in the back of the car that says "Driving Student" so others drivers may understand you any mistake and they will not put you more nervious. Just relax, remember everybody felt nervious when we learned and you are not the exception. In a month from here you will be an expert!
Good Luck!!
2006-11-26 07:40:59 · answer #5 · answered by Juan 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just got my license, actually.
Well first, become confident of your driving abilities. To do so, you must practice often! Start out in empty parking lots and get used to how to control the car. Then drive around on empty residential roads. I'm sure you can find some neighborhoods that don't get any traffic. The thing about driving is, the more you do it the better you get. Eventually it becomes second nature. It's not so bad.
2006-11-26 07:44:03 · answer #6 · answered by LexiSan 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
CHILL drive in a parking lot get the feel of the car relax then go out on a street with a few cars, a little more and even more you will get the hang of it GOOD LUCK
2006-11-26 07:42:23 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
go to a dirt road or empty parking lot practice driving and once you get the hang of it then try driving with other cars on the road, every one has the same fear at first. Good luck
2006-11-26 07:40:02 · answer #8 · answered by frog 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
1. Hire a coach.
2. Practice in empty parking lots at night, but you can't stay there forever. Get on a non-busy road after a few practices.
3. Don't mind what other drivers say to you ( i got called a retard the first time i was on the road.)
4. Relax.
2006-11-26 07:39:46 · answer #9 · answered by Jeff 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
the texas drivers handbook says to stay at least 2 seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. If u need to stay father behind. As far as cars next to you,, 1st. try to avoid that situation, 2nd--if u cant the nose of your car should be lined up w/ the right line from drivers seat. .. meaning if you are sitting stright in the driver seat, look at the nose of the car and it should be lined up w/ right line.
2006-11-26 07:49:35 · answer #10 · answered by kevin w 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋