Should I be driving?

Question

I have recieved my driving learners licence not long ago, meaning that I can drive leaglly with a fully licenced driver in the car with me. My dad has been teaching me for a while now to drive. Every time I go out driving, I get swort of nervous, and I allways make a mistake while on the road. My dad is a good teacher, but driving is just so confusing to me with all of the signs and all. I try my best not to make a mistake while driving, but no matter how hard I try, I allways make some swort of mistake every time out. I feel like i'll never get the full hang of it. I have a bit of ADD;also, I get confused and overwhelmed very easily, resulting in driving mistakes that I try so hard to avoid. Should someone in my condition be trusted on the road, because if anyone thinks that it is unsafe for a person with minor learning dissabilities to be on the road, then I will choose not to drive and stay out of peoples way. I just don't wan't to be a threat. So should I be driving?

Answer 1

You should.

Answer 2

Keep practicing until you feel comfortable.   It may take a while,  so be patient and be careful.

No one in this forum can determine your worthiness,  we don't know you well enough.    Ask your doctor about your suitability to drive and possible problems to watch for.

Answer 3

Don't loose heart and continue to drive in the rush free roads for some times

Answer 4

Organise a lesson with a professional instructor. No matter how good a parent thinks they are, you need the expert instruction so that you can overcome your fears and pick up pointers on not making mistakes.

Answer 5

That's really up to you (or your decision).

But I have ADD (so still have it as an adult) and I've been driving since 1979.  Most of the time your grow out of ADD as you get out of teens.  So you may want to wait if you really can't cope.

But like everything, things get easier with practice.  I would practice really early (especially early weekends) when traffic is really quiet).  Just remember that you learn better when you are young (even with ADD).

Good Luck...

Answer 6

The best thing you can do is to learn to relax behind the wheel and just keep practicing with your dad's help.  Everybody makes mistakes when they are learning, you're definitely not the first to make a mistake on the road.  

Driving can entail an overwhelming amount of input so focus on what is most important and that is safety.  Sometimes you might forget your turn signal in a lane change or when turning, but it's most important that you look before you make your move.

Driving safely and effectively is "socializing" on the road.  You'll learn the ropes with more practice.  Soon enough, you'll start to learn what you are supposed to be doing and where like what the typical speed limit is in residential areas or on freeways so you don't have to literally read every sign.

Practice, practice, practice and just relax.  You'll do fine.

Answer 7

no one is perfect ... go for it.

Answer 8

Keep at it, you will get better with time.

Answer 9

Great Dad...ask him. I suspect he believes you can learn or he wouldn't be trying with you (it isn't fun for him either). Making a mistake is not the problem. Not learning from a mistake is a problem. Each mistake is an opportunity for education. Anyone who tells you when they first learned they weren't easily confused or overwhelmed...lies to you or themselves. Driving an automobile requires a unique combination of skills, judgment and experience...to be developed. For you it may just simply be that it will take you a little longer to master the techniques. ADD doesn't mean you don't learn, but that you have needs to learn differently than some others. Trust your Dad...and be glad he loves you so!

To avoid concerns for the safety of others...practice first in areas with minimal traffic and gradually enter a more crowded environment. And remember, when you get to a point when you never make a mistake - there's a job for you at the Vatican!

Answer 10

It is spelt "Sort"

Answer 11

No you should not. There are already enough so called drivers out there making the roads unsafe. Since you already know that you are not qualified to be a safe driver stop now before you do cause a problem.

Answer 12

Everyone feels nervous when they first start driving.  It can be very scary and very high stress trying not to make driving mistakes, but the more you drive the easier it gets.  As long as you keep your eyes on the road and keep alert, you'll do fine.

If you think your ADD is seriously affecting our driving, be sure to minimize distractions while driving.  Keep the radio off and tell your family/friends that you can't have conversations while driving.

Try to keep confident and you will see your driving improve quickly as you become more comfortable and familiar with driving :-)

Answer 13

don't worry about it. i have ADD and i am the worst driver ever when there is someone in the car with me. when you drive alone it's different. at least for me it makes me less nervous. I've had my license for a while now. it took me three times to get it but i got it.

Answer 14

Look for the following warning signs that may interfere with safe driving............

Doesn't observe sings/signals

Drifting while driving

Failure to yield right of way

Difficulty with interpreting traffic environments / does not anticipate dangerous situations

Impaired eye/ hand/foot coordination

Neglects to observe all areas of the vehicle before driving in reverse

Multiple minor accidents

Slow to respond to traffic lights

Speed fluctuation / Inappropriate speeds

Unable to coordinate distractions and driving

If you or those that drive with you notice any of the above warning signs, you may need a driving evaluation. A driver rehabilitation specialist, with knowledge about medical conditions, can provide a comprehensive evaluation and determine your ability to drive........

This assessment should include:

Visual Perception

Functional Ability

Reaction Time

Behind-the-wheel evaluation

Good luck and be careful....

Answer 15

Anytime anyone begins to learn something new, there is some anxiety associated with making errors.

Operating any equipment, whether it be a power tool, hairdryer, blender or car requires a person to become familiar with handling it, getting the feel of it, and thus becoming more aware of safety hazards and becoming more skilled and confident.

This also applies to classes at school, right?

So, every time you get behind the wheel of that car, take the time to familiarize yourself with the controls, adjust the seat/steering wheel/mirrors for YOUR use to make YOU comfortable and feel "in control".

Take it one day at a time, beginning in quiet areas, shifting from Park to Drive and Reverse. Take it slow and you will build up your skills and confidence.

Have fun with it.

Answer 16

my girlfriend was the same way.. its just like everything else it takes a long time to get used to just give it time and dont get in a wreck

Answer 17

Well when i started driving i was very nervous It Just takes time and after a while you'll get the hang of it. What helped me alot is driving down side streets and also driving by self. because when my dad or some one was with me i made all kinds of mistakes. turn on the radio  on with low volume to help you relax. Well if you think you really cant handle it practice more like at parking lot. NOT DRIVE if you really feel you cant

hope i gave some good tips and helped you a litttle Good luck

Answer 18

Continue driving with your dad. As long as you question your ability, you probably should not be on the road by yourself.

As you are at learners permit age, and are aware of what ADD is, I'm sure you've seen examples where you've been able to overcome difficulties, or at least compensate for them. When you were younger I'm sure you've found some things difficult and confusing that you don't today.

As you drive more and more with your dad, it will become easier  and some of the things that confuse you you'll learn how to react to.

You should also look at how your father is teaching you. Sometimes kids do better with private driving lessons. It's very difficult for a parent to be a good driving teacher.