Driving lessons for extremely nervous driver...?

Question

i started having driving lessons ages ago but hated them because iwas so nervous and used t get so upset and frustrated because id forget silly things. im not a stupid person so it was so annoying, i really wanna learn , anyone got any tips?would an intensive course be beneficial?

Answer 1

Hi!

An intensive course is a really good idea!

I would also try and get a female instructor - she'd be more sympathetic to your situation.

Please don't give up - no matter how long it takes, you'll be glad when you pass your test!

Hope this helps!

All the very best!

Answer 2

All good instructors should put you at ease! Don't worry if you make mistakes they are there to help you.

Personally I would not suggest an instensive course was for you. Sorry because the previous replies say otherwise. I'd take it step by step, week by week. This is because intensive courses are for those who want to pass quick for whatever reason, if you try this there will be more pressure on you, and that is not what you need.

You need a laid back instructor who can help you. Fair enough choose between male and female by your own wishes. However try and get a well qualified instructor. Instructors are graded...did you know? between grade 4 which is ok, and grade 6 which is AMAZING in theory. However there are some grade 6 instructors you may not get on with? so make a point of asking what other qualifications they have, do they have any advanced driving qualifications, like Rospa, or Diamond advanced tests.

Instructors can also do a Dipoma or Degree in driving instruction/driver training so see if they've got one of thoses, these people will have more experience and will have lots of different teaching methods to help you.

Finally, try a forum I'm involved with which can help new drivers and people like yourself called drivertrainingtoday.co.uk

Good Luck

Answer 3

Spend some time in the car (in the front passenger seat) with an experienced, attentive driver. As the driver goes along, picture what you would do. Take time to think about how you would do things like turn on the blinker, brake for lights, stop at the stop sign, and such, as the driver does them. Would you do them sooner, later, or would you have forgotten? Pay attention to experienced drivers and you will see that you already know how to drive. If you are 'forgetting' things, that means that you have to think about them. When you drive, thinking takes time and driving should be immediate- almost instinctual. Just calm down, relax, and make the little things like turn signals, braking for stop signs, and such an instinct. It will come eventually and it is always much easier without the instructor present.

Despite what the courses say, driver's education won't actually teach you anything. If you have lived in the united states for a while (especially if since your birth), you already know how to drive. An intensive course won't help you much unless you want to take a defensive driving course (which is about road techniques, but these courses are too advanced for any new driver).

Answer 4

DONT GO TO BSM - THEY WILL RIP YOU OFF - SO IVE HEARD

My advice would be ask your friends who they learnt with and try to fond someone who is patient and calm and preferably in a small firm of private - not a big outfit like BSM as they are crap - i saw a BSM the other day doing a reverse around a corner from a minor road to a major road instead of the other way around - dangerous and irresponsible and leaching the driver nothing only how not be safe.

Answer 5

Tried asking any of your friends/family? That's the best way of finding yourself a decent instructor.

And I wouldn't really reccomend an intensive course if you're of a nervous disposition. Try and find an insructor who can put you at ease and allow you to learn at a pace you're happy with.

Answer 6

You have to find a driving instructor that is sensitive to your nerves. I used to specialise in nervous pupils. The secret is to make them feel relaxed, and at ease and give them confidence and loads of encouragement. I used to start them off on an enormous car park that was set out like a road system. This way they were used to all kinds of junctions before they got on the learner slopes - a quiet estate.
I used to tell them' "You can do it this time ( eg reversing) I can tell". My pupils would trust my judgement and 9 times out of ten they would do it.

Keep going and you will pass your test. I have every confidence in you!

Answer 7

i am in the same boat, i keep stopping and starting - i hate driving lessons they make me nervous. Have never made it as far as a test yet, keep dropping out.

i think i might take intensive, i dont know why i hate lessons so much, my instructors all say i am a good driver.

Answer 8

bsm are 1 of the best people every 1 i no has passed 1st time with them including me . if u can do some practice as well as your lessons with a friend or relative it may help . dont think it is the end of the world if u fail and dont put to much pressure on yourself. i fund drinking loads of red bull before my test helped may be just me tho

Answer 9

hi
i was nervous at driving too, but i find, putting a good cd / cassette on helps, or if you can get some one to go with you.
i needed to go to Nottingham from Essex, train was too dear, so i left on a sunday morning at 6.15 am, played a good cd, one stage i was doing 97mph on the M1- journey time for the 155 miles 2 hrs and 15 mins.

i came back today, i left later, done the same thing, put my favourite music on, i was happly overtaking other cars on the M1 & M25- road was lot busier, as i left at 8.45, was still home by 11.30. so take your favourite music and relax

Answer 10

Go to BSM,m they are professional, and what are you worried about??? Theres anothe rset of pedals on the other side, just go for it!!
Intensive cours would be one way to do things, but if you are very nervous you might find it tiring.