How to calm driving nerves?

Question

I've taken lots of driving lessons yet most of the time when I get into my own car I get so nervous and scared that I totally forget what to do and what I have been taught. I don't want to put myself under too much pressure and push myself too much in regards to driving because i want to take it step by step.

Any suggestions will be welcomed.

Answer 1

instead of taking your lessons once a week try doing an intesive course where you can get into the 'habit' rather than dreading the lesson to come because of nerves. also try to get a driving instuctor who inspires confidence. A decent instuctor can make a world of difference.

Answer 2

It will go away as you drive more and more. But remember the more comfortable you feel the more chance there is for you to get into an accident because the less aware you will be of your surrounding's. Its just human nature

Answer 3

It's always good to feel a little apprehensive when driving, it makes you a more defensive driver.

The more you drive, the more comfortable you will get. It just takes time.

Thanks for being a contentious driver.

Answer 4

drive more often in progressively more challenging situations as gradually, when ready and you will get used to it  You have to practice to get better but do so safely. So if you are very nervous practive more in an uncrowded are awhere the speed limit is low Plan out your trip so you can be prepared for turns way ahead of time. If you get flustered find a place you can pull over safely and gather your wits. Dont drink caffeine before your drive and be well rested. Dont use cell phone or adjust radio,eat or divert your gaze or attention from the road and traffic  while driving If you drop something in the car do not lean over to pick it up while driving-practice ignoring all those little distractions like blinking ad signs, cute people of the opposite s*x in cars or on the street near you, etc..Pay attention to road signs and cars around you and road condtions.  Have only those passengers that are quiet and considerate and won distract you.

That being said some people are just nervous nellies and have a hard time driving their whole lifetime due to the stress of it or their mental make-up or sue to previous traumas.

If you end up that you are not that great at it, know your limitations and dont drive in those situations where you will not be safe. For instance you could nix night driving or busy city or rush hour driving or bad weather driving. You could use public transportation or go places with others who drive and offer gas money.You can plan out trips or errands and have back up plans. If you find you've missed a turn for instance train yourself to keep going and safely get the next exit instead of making alast minute dangerous swerve Avoid left turns against traffic without a left turn signal. Practice knowing the route well before needing to be somewhere important for the first time, take trial runs before that day. Study maps, consider having a good GPS that includes traffic info but don't , for Gods sake, obey the instructions when its dangerous to do so-takes some practice to use them safely.

Answer 5

when I took my test some year ago i had a prep-drivng lesson, and did every thing wrong my three point turn was a sight to behold, my instructer  was also a friend who ran his own school, called me all the names under the sun, On the actual test it went superbly well, thats how it will be for you practice, makes perfect they say  ,the more you drive the more confident you become it has happened to all of us, keep driving and it will become second nature, when it does you will start to identify many idiots on the road

Answer 6

Hop on the bus, Gus

Answer 7

First thing to do is to take a deep breath and suck in a lot of oxygen. Put your head back too that helps heaps.

Visualise yourself doing whatever it is you have to do – see yourself being really successful and pulling it off brilliantly. Whilst you’re imagining it make it a really bright and colourful picture with lots of sounds to back it up and make sure you feel really great inside when doing this.

Like your favourite movie repeat it over and over again just how you expect it to be.

Answer 8

every one is nervous when they pass they driveing test well i think you should just go out in your car as often as you can and just keep on practiceing  and you will become more aware of the roads dont let the nerves put you off from driveing

Answer 9

Driving involves mostly repetitious motions and is very boring...It is also an activity of habit...Yet we have to be acutely aware of all the circumstances and situations around us...The best thing to do is practice in the same vehicle in order to be intimately aware of how it handles...Anytime you change vehicles you should go through the familiarization process again - where are the controls, is the radio set to where I want it, temperature settings, headlights - everything needed to operate the vehicle...And always give yourself enough time to complete your trip.

Just take your time and get in the habit each time you get behind the wheel.

All the best.