Should I be afraid to start driving?

Question

I am 15 years old and enrolled in a driver's ed class at my high school. My mom won't take me driving in her car until I get my first behind the wheel class. The driving instructor said he was going to make the one with the least experience go first. And I am really nervous about it.

The only time I have ever gotten in anything that is remotely similar to a car is a go kart. I crashed it and injured myself and I was 11. Help?!

Answer 1

It's totally different, don't be scared. There's no way to crash and/or hurt yourself in a driver's ed class! Driving's not hard, especially with a real instructor, and 15 is a lot older than 11 so that's gonna help!

Answer 2

Hi.....Driver's ED is a area of growth and experience,  you can't grow if you don't get any experience..    Your mother is wrong not to take you out for some behind-the-wheel experience..    there's gotta be a open parking lot somewhere where you live,  it's better than nothing?!     I'm self-taught,  I love to drive and have been behind the wheel 35-years..    I learned at age 8-yrs old..   First mowing the lawn, then go-carts, then dune-buggies, then off-roading...    There is no replacing experience behind the wheel,  knowing what to do when something unexpected happens.

       Like a flat tire,  would you know how to change one?  There is a formula for this..     Checking the fluids,  changing fluids at regular intervals..  VERY IMPORTANT!!

Maybe your dad could show you or a big-brother?!     Don't worry so much, ok??     You'll do wonderful,  just focus on what your being told..     Take your time,  it's your clock your on...Not his/hers.      Your instructor is there for your benefit.

Ask questions..   if you need help PLEASE let me know and I will do my best..    I understand it's your first time out..:-))))

No problem!!      Good Luck!!     Be calm and breath,  listen carefully to what your told..

Answer 3

Its normal to be nervous. Your mother is corect to wait . Your instructor Has good training most parents dont teach instead the say you did this wrong   I used to prefir nervous people  They are willing to learn.  I had some of worst rides withe people who said im not scared they think they know it all  please keep in touch  my name is Ed i retired from Young Drivers after 25 years  expriance

Answer 4

Change the word afraid to apprehensive or a little nervous.  That is natural.  I taught my daughter the basics in driving then she took drivers ed.  My suggestion is that when you start driving with your mom - if it is possible - drive on wide streets until you become more comfortable.  Trust me you will pick it up fast.  good luck

Answer 5

Hello, here is a little advice for you - driving is not as difficult as it seems. Besides having minor bumps or scratches, you'll have to be firm and make it perfect.

An interesting thing to share about my own personal experience: After I got my driving licence, I was having a driving-phobia, because in Malaysia, most conventional vehicles are manual transmission and I'm bad at them. I was so bad at manoeuvring that I stalled the vehicle many times, scratched cars before and even got into minor accidents before. However, things changed as went to the city of Kuala Lumpur, one of the most "open" cities in Southeast Asia. I was influenced into daring myself to try anything, from test-driving an automatic transmission to performing rigid tests, such as making sharp cornerings at extensive speed or emergency skid-braking (do NOT attempt these acts because even as an expert, I still prefer not to take the risk to do such acts). Now, as an automotive Service Advisor, all I can say is don't be afraid, just drive in accordance to the speed limits and trust me, you'll be a good driver, just like me. Do not be afraid to make mistakes. One or two bumps or scratches may cost you a sum, but it's better than to make a greater wreck and cost you as much as your own life. If you're driving manual transmission (i.e. Gearstick & Clutch), take it slow. You'll do fine. Just learn and practise your steering, footwork and gearstick handling.

Answer 6

Ok driving isn't as easy as it looks. I'm pretty sure that you can handle it though I think you might be a bit young. It depends on how interested in driving you are. Its not just the gas the brake and steering. Driving is mostly look for those a******s that drive like they are the only ones on the road. Thats probably what your mother is most concerned about. While driving you have to be aware of your surroundings. You also have to be able to react. Its also all about the timing. I've done some reckless driving, but because I was able to react such as swerve or brake quickly I avoided an accident. But those aren't always good 2 do. Becuase if u stop short in going traffic a car will slam u back.

Answer 7

It is going to be okay.  Just adjust your mirrors so you can see clearly.  Start the car the place it in gear.  Take your foot off the brake the let the car move forward slowly.  Then give it a little bit of gas to get moving faster.  When you come to a turn just look in the middle of the road where it is clear and the car will go exactly where you are looking when you turn the steering wheel.