Finally got insurance but a bit nervous

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flibbage0

Soldato
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that's good enough for most

As the title says, I've finally managed to get insured at a reasonable price, turns out I had to wait until I was 20 :o

The thing is that I haven't driven a car in 2 years (since my driving lessons) so I'm quite apprehensive.

Any suggestions as to how to overcome this (other than man up)
 
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Can you get someone to go with you and who has plenty of experience to help you get back into the swing of things?
 
Confidence comes with experience.

When I passed my test I thought I’d just be able to jump in a car and be completely comfortable, but when I eventually bought a car a few months later I was incredibly nervous about going out on my own. In fact, eight months later and I still get worried when I have to drive around the city or go on motorways.

My advice would be to rack up some miles on as many different roads as you can, but plan your routes before you go so you’re not worried about getting lost.
 
PMKeates said:
Don't bother with any lessons, just get in a car and go drive. Grow a pair of ******* *****.
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This. Look at all the braindead idiots on the roads all around the world. The fact you have managed to turn on a computer and post here suggests that you should have the aptitude to get into a car and drive it if you have managed to previously pass a UK test.
 
I drove better the second a I removed some smug sod sitting next to me speaking with his nasal tone telling me what to do. First thing I did when I passed my test was see what the top speed my mini would do.:D
 
Doing a couple of short trips with a parent might be a good idea, but overall just take it easy, maybe drive around a few quiet areas before entering a city/town. Most of all just stay cool and take your time.

Oh, and mtfu. :p
 
koolpc said:
Can you get someone to go with you and who has plenty of experience to help you get back into the swing of things?
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Yes my Dad suggested this

yosamuel said:
Confidence comes with experience.

When I passed my test I thought I’d just be able to jump in a car and be completely comfortable, but when I eventually bought a car a few months later I was incredibly nervous about going out on my own. In fact, eight months later and I still get worried when I have to drive around the city or go on motorways.

My advice would be to rack up some miles on as many different roads as you can, but plan your routes before you go so you’re not worried about getting lost.
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I'm not particularly worried about motorways more so city driving and spatial awarenes.
 
There is no substitute for experience, so just choose a quiet time, even its 5am on a Sunday to get out there... Try parking in the empty car parks, driving along side parked cars to gauge your car's width, maybe hit some county roads and get the feel for bends, braking distances and how much push your car has. Maybe even drive around an empty car park to get the clutch control back up to speed and try a few 20 second three point turns. You just need to get out there when it is quiet!
 
Against most peoples advice here I would suggest a couple of paid lessons to get your confidence back and also to get some instruction on the motorway. You could just jump in a car and drive but you have many, many years of driving ahead and regardless of how badly must people drive, it would be an advantage to start driving the right way rather than start with any bad habits copied from others.
 
I had the same predicament you're having OP. Luckily I live near some good rural roads so I used them for a bit of practice and I was confident in no time.

However don't rule out having a refresher lesson. Just book the one lesson and see how you get on if you're really nervous.
 
I had my license for three years before using it. I just jumped in and off I went.

Obviously I did what most did and explored the limits of the car. Empty industrial estates with big roundabouts can be fun.
 
I passed my test and it was 2 years before I drove, as said above just got in and drove round the block a few times and never looked back. I think it depends so much on confidence though, if you don't feel confident you can do it either go out when roads are quiet or consider refresher lessons.

I will say though that there are things that you will only learn through experience and no amount of lessons etc will teach so there will always be an aspect of just get out and drive.
 
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