Still a little bit nervous when driving a car?!?

Question

I took driving lessons for 6 days and made it. I drove on highways, on a heavy traffic, backing and parking. My instructor said that I am good and what I need to do is a constant practice to become more confident. And so I did, but i get this weird feeling, why when Im using the driving school car I am relaxed ,with my instructor beside me. Why I am so nervous ( sweaty palms, heart beating fast) to drive when I am already using our family car with my Dad besides me. Please give me tips to be more focused and relaxed. Thank you.

Answer 1

the reason that you are feeling this way is because you are feeling that you are being judged. Any person is beside you to give you advice and maybe a better way of handling certain situations. Nothing beats experience.

Everyone started where you are at some time and anyone sitting beside you should remember that so that they are less inclined to jump down your throat.. just to give advice if needed.

Just drive the best to your own ability and be confident in what you do. Don't allow them sitting there doubt you about what you are doing. You need to be sure of yourself and control your circumstances while driving to make yourself safe. The rules are there to make it safe..... not to cause you to get into trouble. Trouble will only be close-by if you do anything silly

Answer 2

just concentrate on the road, you need more experience to get rid of the fear, it is perefectly alright for anyone to get the chills during the first few times on thier own, but you will get over it in a  week or so

Answer 3

You might be more nervous because it's someone important to you riding beside you. When I first started driving I wanted to show my parents that I was a responsible driver but I would get nervous about it when I was with them and make silly mistakes. Just remind yourself that everyone has to learn and if you make mistakes (as long as they don't injure anybody) that it's ok too.

Answer 4

You're showing what's called anticipatory anxiety, which is part of a phobic response but you will get over it.

Answer 5

The school car most likely has a brake pedal for the instructor, which he/she can use in an emergency situation.  Gives you a sense of protection.  Don't have that in Dads car.

Answer 6

When you're with a family member, you're aware, somewhere in the back of your mind, that they're free to criticize you, even if they DON'T.  A driving instructor is a lot more likely to be polite unless something is REALLY wrong; as the old saying goes, "Familiarity breeds contempt."  I guarantee you it will get easier when you're free to drive without a parent beside you.

Answer 7

If I were you, I would not have the radio on if you do.  That could cause loose of concentration.  Also, in the driving school car, there is another brake pedal on the passenger side which gives you more confidence.  Maybe if you were to imagine that there was a brake on the passenger side, it would make you feel better.  Just  a guess.  Good Luck!!!