Question for DRIVERS only...

[Officialusername]

Be honest here, when you all first passed your test, and got your very first car, how did you feel? I've recently passed my test and after learning in a diesel, I bought a petrol car, I stall all the time, I am SO scared to drive and the other day I scratched a car slightly. I hate uphill starts and sometimes roll back....I learnt for over a year, had 4 lessons a week (extensive I know), passed first time, little minors, only now? I feel like I can't drive at all. :( The thought of driving makes me feel sick. I worry about crashing, or killing myself. Please someone tell me this is normal?

[MarkRae]

Unfortunately, driving lessons don't teach you how to drive; they only teach you how to pass your driving test. Is there anyone who could sit with you until you gain more experience...?

[ladyalex]

Normal-ish.
I was very scared to drive on my own for a while, but I had to, so I got over it.
I'm afraid you have to get on with driving to get over this...and you will.

[welshlibranr]

totally normal reaction!.....I felt the same!.......you have to just get out there and drive, you will be fine!...scary at first on your own, but you'll be fine!........do it sooner rather than later, otherwise you'll lose your nerve totally, and be even more scared to do it!.........

[Officialusername]

People have sat in with me a few times. Its such a horrible feeling. I am not sure if it is normal. So scary.

[excelsior-1]

firstly, congratulations on passing.

i passed on my second test thirty three years ago, i was a little nervous too - then my father told me that i was in control of the car .. not the other way round.

it is an axiom i have used throughout my life as i now drive fork-lift trucks. just do not let yourself be intimidated by the machine

[EDDIE51]

There is a scheme called 'Pass Plus' it gives more expierience of driving in real situations such as night driving and dual carrige ways/ motorways. nearly all driving schools do it , why not give it a try ? As a bonus you get a discount on your insurance if you have 'pass plus; as well as the basic pass.

[Officialusername]

Yea welsh I get ya, I will get out there more. SO scared haha x

[baza]

going out with the front passenger seat empty is strange at first, just imagine the instructor is sitting there. Time makes it easier, before long you will go out on your own and enjoy the freedom.

[shoota]

Take the Pass plus with more lessons if necessary or better still the IAM test. Do as Mark suggests and go for extended drives with someone with you on 'country' roads where you will meet relatively little traffic.
The more you do it the easier it will become - probably.

[Officialusername]

I have a pass plus booked in a few weeks, it is £140 and to be honest, it's sooo expensive, I wasnt sure if I could afford it. I guess I really should do it to up my confidence

[SpikeyBush]

I too was apprehensive when I first passed my test in a Vauxhall Viva. Confidence increased with experience and you would do well to take the advanced test. It is not as hard as you may think, they prepare you well for it.
I didn't pass the ordinary test until my third attempt but after tuition with the IAM passed the advanced test first time. Go to www.iam.org.uk

[Officialusername]

What is the IAM test?

[baza]

congrats by the way. Over 40 years of driving petrol cars my latest diesel car intimidated me at first, not now.

[ladyalex]

Institute of Advanced Motorists...I think.

[craft1948]

After passing my test I would say it took me about a year to actually enjoy driving.

[hc4361]

Take advantage of the light mornings and get up very early and drive round roads you are very familiar with. Drive the routes you will often use.
The roads will be quiet soon after dawn, so you won't feel pressured by other drivers. Find a quiet, steep road and park up. When there is absolutely no traffic, pull away. Do it several times and you'll soon get the feel for your car.

I used to be exactly like you, until a bus driver friend gave me that advice. As your confidence builds plan longer journeys, with plenty of stops. You will be fine.

[shoota]

Lady Alex is correct.

[EDDIE51]

The IAM is the Institute of Advanced Motorists . That is a bit too far for a beginner, but if you do a 'Pass Plus' test and pass you wll save more than the cost of the test in your insurance premium. Up to 30% discount is available if you have Pass Plus.

[MASS1961]

Mark's right. You only learn to pass your test, now you learn to drive.
The more you drive, the more you learn.
I was lucky years ago, I had a few weekly lessons but also drove every time I went anywhere with my Mum, even a holiday to the Isle of Wight. When I passed, first time, I had a lot of driving hours.
Just be aware of the other drivers, they are all lunatics, and try to think 3 steps ahead, be aware of what's happening 100 yards up the road. Over time your confidence will grow. Good Luck and keep positive!

[Officialusername]

Thanks everyone. It is very daunting driving alone. To the point I sometimes cant eat at the thought of driving. I will DEFO try the driving early mornings that would be a plan. I'm going to practise my hill starts too. So many accidents happen on the road I want to be a safe driver. I will do my pass plus course in the mean time and tell my driver instructor that I need extra help. x