How do I boost my driving confidence

Question

I just got my permit and my dad is teaching me. It's not easy because he is very nervous when I drive and it makes it very difficult. I can't take a class for financial reasons. How do I become a better driver?

Even driving in residential areas is nerve wracking. I've driven around a parking lot a lot.

Answer 1

STEERING Steer smoothly whether you are driving straight ahead, turning or backing up.

ACCELERATION Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Don't race the engine or cause it to stall.

BRAKING Bring the vehicle to a stop gently. Start braking well before your stopping position to avoid "jerky" stops. Make sure you stop your vehicle in the proper position of the lane.

CLUTCH/GEAR Always be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. With either an automatic or a manual transmission, shift into the proper gear at the right time without "grinding" the gears.

SPEED Obey the posted speed limit, of course, but also adjust your speed properly due to weather, road, visibility and traffic conditions.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE Keep an adequate space "cushion" between your vehicle and those you are following. Use the "two second rule" described in the Driver's Manual. Be sure to increase your following distance in poor weather or visibility.

TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES Know the meanings of signs, signals and pavement markings, and obey them consistently.

STOPPING POSITION If a stop is required, stop your vehicle before it reaches an intersecting street. If stop lines or crosswalks are present, stop before crossing them. If your view is blocked after stopping behind the crosswalk, move up until you can clearly see your way, then stop again if necessary.

LANE SELECTION AND POSITION Keep your vehicle in the proper traffic lane, especially when preparing to make turns. Don't allow room for another vehicle to pass you on the side that you are turning toward.

COMMUNICATION Let other drivers and pedestrians know which way you want to go. Use your directional signals or horn consistently and at the proper times.

OBSERVATION Look for and identify potential problems or hazards in the traffic around you - not just straight ahead, but behind you and on either side. Check your mirrors frequently, but be sure to look over your shoulder behind you when changing lanes or backing up.

ANTICIPATE & REACT TO OTHERS Anticipate possible driving errors by others and be ready to react safely to make up for their mistakes.

Answer 2

I started in a park that had many road signs so I could get used to looking at the road and signs while driving. Then I moved to driving to places around my house. Places I'm used to or got to a lot. The best way to boost your confidence is repetition. Drive a lot, run errands for people or drive people places. I was a nervous driver too but now I'm so comfortable behind the wheel and trust me when you get over your nervousness driving is fun!!!  

Answer 3

Sorry to say, but it will just come with time. You will feel more connected with your driving as time progresses. Eventually, you will have to deal with moron drivers, and you'll find ways to deal with them. It took about a year to become pretty comfortable with driving. Of course, driving alone will help a ton (when that time comes).

Answer 4

Find a low traffic area, preferably no traffic and drive as fast as you feel comfortable, which may be very slow. Gradually build up your speed over a few days.

I took driver's ed in high school.  Nearly all the other students came from farms and had been driving for years on their farm.  I had not.  When it was my turn to drive on the highway, 35 mph was my top speed for a while. Fortunately there was very little traffic.  It just takes lots of time.

Answer 5

Drink

Answer 6

Go out and do some go-karting

you'll build confidence from driving a go kart because you know your not driving on real streets.

Answer 7

wel, for one thing, u might want to get a different teacher. =] maybe and aunt or uncle or something. it might help if thers not someone there kinda nagging u nd stuff like most parents, and it might put a little less pressure on you. and even tho u dont have confidence, act like you do, eventually it will turn into real confidence. and last but not least PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!  :D  drive in different situations, like interrsections, highways, just around the town, everywhere. this will help you get used to different surroundings so your not taken back when you eventually drive there. i hope this helps! =] I'm getting my permit in September! :D cant wait!

Answer 8

well, basically just do the best you can everytime you get behind the wheel, and ofcourse your not gonna be a great driver right away, it always takes time and practice.

i got my permit 2 months ago, and i can honestly say im a good driver due to all the times i spent driving. i go in at freeways and everything.

driving confidence will come in time. and relax.

and tell your dad not to yell and say negative things.

oh and if your gonna go out driving, drive in the mornings when theres less traffic. and soon youll be driving on  your own.

Answer 9

my dad was like that too.. practice makes perfect.. i practiced driving before driving skoo... also my friend had a big nervous prob driving even after a year of driving... you'll get used to it over time

Answer 10

drive in parks and roads that arent used a lot