I just got my license, but I'm not ready, what should I do?

Question

I'm 18 and I had my permit for 2 years before finally getting my license yesterday. It took me 2 years because my parents both work full time and could hardly ever practice with me. I was so desperate to finally get it so that I wouldn't have to bum rides from my friends all the time. I completed the required "practice hours" and passed my test, but I'm afraid I've made a mistake! I drove around by myself all day yesterday. I ran over the curb while leaving my school parking lot, I forgot to yield to oncoming traffic while making a left turn and got stuck in the middle of the intersection, I was too nervous to go on the freeway. Is this just normal for a new driver, or have I made a big mistake?

Answer 1

This sounds like normal driving mistakes.  You do need to practice, and the only way to get it is to drive.  By the way, I too do occasionally run over a curbing, when leaving a parking lot, and I 've been driving longer than you.

Answer 2

Not everyone is cut out to drive. If you feel that nervous, PLEASE do not drive. A fatal accident will never be overcome.

Answer 3

You are taking responsibility for your actions.  You did not make a mistake in getting your license, but it does take practice to make a good driver.  I agree that you should go to a driving school and get more practice time behind the wheel with an instructor that has patience and will not yell at you like your parents.  

It is normal to be nervous the first time you drive, it is a lot to take in.  Practice on your own on streets that do not have much traffic on them at all larger malls that have stop signs, right of ways and other types of situations you will find on more crowded roads.  Your nervousness will lessen with time and you will find that you will be a good drive in no time at all.

Just remember to keep to the rules of the road, wear your seatbelts at all times, keep to the terms of your license if you have restrictions like not talking on the cell phone or having others in the car with you.  And if you get to a point where you are panicking pull over, stop and let it pass before you continue on.  

Be safe.

Answer 4

You should have another driver in the car with you cuz you can cause someone or yourself your life. If you think your not ready yet then practice more because driving is serious and if ur not ready then you shouldn't be on the road and especially not alone!!

Answer 5

I remember ust getting my license.  It's a little scary, but if you really feel like you're not ready, why don't you hire a driving instructor?  My dad had no patience teaching me, and the instructor taught me some tricks that made driving easier.  Plus they have a lot of patience and won't yell at you.  Your parents should be impressed that your taking responsiblity for yourself in becoming a safe driver, plus make you less likely to get in an accident because you'll be more confident in yourself!  the price if I remember correctly wasn't too bad either.

Answer 6

Go to your room and stay there for the rest of your life. Then this problem will be solved.

Answer 7

You sound very responsibly just admitting that you don't think you are ready.......Just practice on some side streets and parking lots,,,things of that nature ! You will be fine, all new drivers do things like that..that's how you learn ! Good Luck

Answer 8

No--it is not normal. It just shows that you need a lot more driving instructions. You need to get an experienced driver with you and drive with them until you feel more comfortable by yourself. Practice, practice, practice.

Answer 9

park your car and walk! you are not ready to be driving you might kill someone

Answer 10

dont drive until your ready...theres really no rush

Answer 11

It's normal your first year of driving 2 s***w up....If you're not ready take more practace where no one is so you don't hurt anyone

Answer 12

Practice makes perfect. I'm 20 years old and still haven't gotten my license, because my anxiety/nerves have taken over and I guess you can say I'm too freaked out to get it. Congratulations on getting it though! It just takes time.