Learning to drive can feel like an anxious time for most of us, and it really is a journey all about building confidence. First of all, the only real way to become a more confident learner driver is to be on the road, behind the wheel, as much as you can. The more time spent on the road, the more you will up your skill level.
Many drivers start to feel worried or lack confidence because they aren’t always sure when it comes to the rules of the road, along with not actually being out on the roads much. If you’re having driving lessons, it’s important to keep on top of them every week, so that you don’t fall behind or spend too much time away.
As you start learning to drive, there might be lots of scenarios on the roads that may slightly faze you, but as you progress, keep learning and continue to experience life on the roads, these scenarios will be less scary and much less common.
Remember that even the most advanced drivers out there can make mistakes or question themselves. The key is to practice and have as much knowledge as possible. Here’s a few tips on building your confidence.
Know Your Fears
There may be certain aspects to driving that set your confidence back a little. These could be understanding roundabouts, overtaking, speed limits or even just other drivers. Once you have understood your main triggers, spend time working on them so that they don’t continuously knock you when you get behind the wheel.
Practice Continuously
You know the saying – ‘practice makes perfect’! It couldn’t be more true when it comes to driving. The more you get on the road and experience different situations, your confidence will only increase. Even if it’s just driving around your local streets or block, the more you do it, you’ll get the hang of the roads, the car, and how you as a driver handles being in the driving seat.
If you can, ask your driving instructor to spend extra time focusing on roundabouts, or parking, or whatever it is that feels slightly uncofmortable. It’s best to practise the worst aspects to driving so they don’t become a fear.
Look at Learner Driver Insurance
A lot of people don’t know there is learner driver insurance, but this is crucial if you are getting in extra practise outside of your sessions.
If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity practise with friends or family outside of your time with a qualified instructor, you will need your own insurance policy. Of course, as a learner driver it’s unlikely you will need cover constantly – this is why its wise to choose an insurance policy that’s flexible to suit your needs.
When you take out temporary learner driver insurance, you will only be paying for the cover you need, when you need it. It will give you the highest level of cover as standard, and you’ll also have that peace of mind.
Force yourself to drive somewhere new
There will be a few places that worry you – that multi-storey car park, the dual carriageway, the street with the roundabouts…. but remember you may have to tackle them one day! Facing scarier driving situations can help you build up confidence. Just try to face them when it’s quieter than usual. Facing the big, busy roundabouts in the peak of rush hour might not be the finest idea when you are an anxious learner, but practicing them at 10am on a weekday might be all you need to crack your fears.
Don’t worry about other drivers
This is one of the biggest worries and confidence knockers that learner drivers have. It’s very easy to feel intimidated by other drivers, especially if they are driving close to the back of you and appear to be going faster than you. You may even see them take risks, like overtaking, or beeping at you. It’s hard but do not let this phase you – they are more than likely breaking rules, and it’s important you ignore them and focus entirely on your driving. Remember to stay focused and concentrate on the roads, the rules and your driving.
The bottom line is to make sure you go at your own pace, but do make sure you keep up with lessons and practising as it is far too easy to let it slip away when fear creeps in. When you pass your test, again it’s vital to get on the roads sooner rather than later, as the longer you stay off them, the harder it is to get back into it.
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