driving nerves

get on google maps and plan out a round trip/route to follow (make it as long or short as you feel, maybe do 20 mile or so to start with?) then as others have suggested head out as it gets a bit later/darker so the roads are clear.

Some of my biggest worries after I learnt to drive was not knowing the roads too well round here and not knowing what lanes I needed etc. It really did put me off unless I knew exactly where I was going, but after going out on my own and just driving around I got much more confident
 
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You've only been out once on your own, I don't think this is enough at all.

I used to have dreams about driving for the first time by myself and I'd always imagine crashing or not being able to control the car, so I was nervous going out by myself the first time (which was about 2 weeks ago).

I planned a route somewhere that I knew I wouldn't run into too many problems on. I was a bit nervous, yes, I've only been driving about 2 weeks so I still get paranoid when I hear someone beep a horn, thinking I've done something wrong. But it's much easier now.

Plan a short route, go out on your own, drive it, do this a few times and you should feel better.

The fact is is that you've passed your test, you're safe to drive. If you are careful, observant and confident then you will drive to the best of your ability and be fine. Do remember though that there are lots of people on the road so it's impossible to be prepared for all eventualities, you can only ever be as safe as you can, the rest of it is down to luck!
 
I passed my test at 17, immediately got into my Mum's 1982 Y reg Escort 1.1L and drove down to the post office.

After buying some stamps I thought I'd be clever and reverse into the drive. In fact, I reversed into the brick built pillar on the edge of the drive...

I thank you. :)

Honestly, if you're nervous - it's expected and just take it easy with short trips and you will soon build your confidence. Before you know it, driving will be simples.
 
Andelusion said:
You've only been out once on your own, I don't think this is enough at all.

I used to have dreams about driving for the first time by myself and I'd always imagine crashing or not being able to control the car, so I was nervous going out by myself the first time (which was about 2 weeks ago).
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i was keep having dreams before my lessons that i would just go straight over round abouts and crashing,and i had dreams that i had a ambulance behind me and i was in the way ,and couldn't get out of its way.I am gonna go out 2mor with my dad for a drive.I think its been on my mind that i got lucky on my test because i was so sure i failed,i passed 2ND time.I nearly messed up on a round about because i didn't even see it until i was nearly on it and luckily it was clear.I also came of a dual carriageway very fast and didn't realise there was a junction when you come off it and had to slow right down really fast.I passed with 4 minors.I think one was for speed approaching roundabout and coming of dual carriage.The problem i had was i use to always stall and panic trying to get going again,even with my car now which is a 1999 mk4 1.4 golf,i stalled twice in a car park just pulling away lol.
 
Just take your time when out. Maybe use some P plates to let others know why you might be going slower than they are etc.
 
Perhaps P plates are a good idea, however the effect could be detrimental because to be frank you should be driving normally as you have passed your test so nothing in regards to "i'm not used to this, i need a P plate" should apply.

I think you just need to go out with your friends to places an hour, 2 hours away maybe i've been driving for less than 2 years and its fine, i do it half asleep (baby killer comments awaited) once you get into it you won't remember the previous 5 minuites.
 
I dunno about that, I think everyone agrees that you learn to operate a vehicle, pass your test, then learn to drive - in that order. :)
 
You will get used to it, i HATED driving lessons and was REALLY nervous on them, as soon as i passed and started driving myself to work everyday the nervousness soon went. I realised the lessons made me nervous because my instructor was an idiot who was always panicking at the slightest thing and making me nervous because of that, also the fact that i had to drive to pass the test and not how i feel natural, once you drive on your own you soon drive completely differently to how you do in tests/lessons and it just feels much more natural.
 
ONESHOTKILL said:
i was keep having dreams before my lessons that i would just go straight over round abouts and crashing,and i had dreams that i had a ambulance behind me and i was in the way ,and couldn't get out of its way.
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That sort of thing is fairly common. I remember having several dreams about writing a car off in the most ridiculous of accidents. Don't pay any attention to them. Have a laugh about it and then move on.

Lots of people think they've failed and then find they've actually passed. On the test, the nerves give you a heightened awareness so you start finding fault in every little thing you do. In all actuality, you're most likely being critical of small things that don't matter all that much. They don't expect you to be perfect, as you're just starting out. You'll iron out any little issues with experience.

As to stalling whilst pulling away, you're most likely not using enough revs. Give it some more throttle and be smooth with the clutch.
 
just been out there,drove about 20 miles or so maybe more just trying to get the feel for the car again lol,my road awerness is ok just my steering and clutch control is way off lol
 
Well done for getting back in the seat and taking the car out for a drive, you deserve credit for not giving up.


Only been driving for a year myself and so therefore totally sympathise with how nerve wracking it can be.
 
ONESHOTKILL said:
just been out there,drove about 20 miles or so maybe more just trying to get the feel for the car again lol,my road awerness is ok just my steering and clutch control is way off lol
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keep practicing :)

its the only way. Give it long enough and it becomes second nature.
 
Thread revival !

So how did it go in the end. Are you confident in driving?

Reason I am asking is because I passed in December and only go to work and back !
 
Holy thread revival batman!

I think I can beat OP in terms of passing the test and driving.

I first passed my test 3 years ago but because I take the train to work, I live 10 walk from town, I don't need a day in my day to day activities so I never got a car.

Then a job put me in a corner, I needed to drive in a hired car in Scotland from the airport to a venue and back. 130miles round trip through some sub urban roads to Motorway to long country lanes worthy of Top Gear to single track country lanes.

All by myself. I did it all successfully and now I just have a car and it is brilliant !

Money pit though, spent £50 on petrol already and £15 on floor mats. That's £65 I would have had in my pocket if i didn't have it. Granted, £25 of that I would have had to spent on trains & buses but still...
 
stoke1863 said:
Well you have passed a UK driving test and this means the instructor thinks you are safe enough to drive on our roads.

Stop being a woman and just drive.

You realy SHOULDNT be feeling nervous when driving it should be natural. Quite frankly if you are feeling un easy and nervous you are probably quite dangerous and shouldnt even be thinking about driving. What if you cause an accident?
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This will definitely help the OP.

Edit: lol just realised this was from May 2010?!
 
Drive more, you need confidence.

When I passed, I was commuting straight away from Bristol to Gloucester, nervous at the start, pretty good by the end :)

edit: what the hell? why has this been resurrected from the land of dead threads?
 
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I was driving little bits last year , but my main reason for not using the car was I only work a 10 minute walk away from work , so never needed it, the only reason I drove was on weekends or the night time to drive to local supermarket, I was still very nervous but I think if i used it more it would become easier but with my job not needing it i doubt I would . I haven't renewed my insurance this year , which ran out in march , was going to be £780 and then throw another few hundred at it, I just don't think it was worth it . So in a way it's beaten me but I can see me driving when I finally get a new job.

I also drove my dads range rover and I was so much more comftable and at ease but it was a auto and was like driving a big go kart
 
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