Very nervous car driver

Southernman

I passed my driving test about 6 months ago and i've always been a bit agitated whilst driving. I think the only reason i passed was a major overdose of calming tablets and a lenient examiner. (she put a scribble in the major bit on the scorecard then marked it as a minor instead for not stopping at an unmarked crossroads as i was going 5mph anyway).

Well anyway, i've been added on my OHs car as a named driver and this weekend we went to this University campus which was deserted so no risk of killing anyone plus there's a few roundabouts and other obstacles to practice with.

I was so nervous. I was gripping the steering wheel for dear life and a stalled the car almost immediately...i'd actually forgotten how to get the biting point.

My steering wheel action was quite jerky too, there was a lot of drifting to the left followed by a jerky bit with the wheel to get myself back to where i needed to be.

I feel sad that i've gone downhill on my driving after only 5/6 months. Obviously there's the issue of never driving that car before too (it's a citroen picasso xsara thing which is quite big) but is there anything to do to calm me down? I'm terrified to go on the main roads and end up hitting a car parked on the side.

Also the idea of no one sitting in with me scares me too. My OH was there like a faux instructor but in real life driving that doesn't happen.

I don't want to end up like my mum who passed her test and hasn't driven for 25 years and wouldn't know what to do now.

Sambucus_Nigra

Personally, I think you should not drive, and have some more lessons in motorway driving before you go anywhere near a main road.

Some motorway drivers scare me on a daily basis, and I drive about 20,000-30,000 miles a year.

Southernman

Well i would need to go on the main road before going on the motorway surely so i'm a bit confused.

The next part was for me to go on the main road and be comfortable with that as the speed limit is only going to be around 30 compared to 70 of the motorway. (the university campus i was driving around had a maximum 30 and most areas 20) then from there learn motorway driving rather than the other way around which you're suggesting which scares the hell out of me!

cyclonebri1

Forget the motorway thing, that would confuse you and to be honest you are not safe enough yet for that.

You simply need more exposure to driving and suggest you keep a driver in the passenger seat until the confidence forms.

Ensure you drive when in the car with OH at all times, only way you will get it sussed.

Being out in a car on your own for the 1st time is daunting, that's over 40 years ago for me and I still remember it. You've past the test, they don't give licences away, you just need the experience, albeit at your pace.;);)

lesalanos

The only was to increase confidence is practice. That can either be with your OH or get an instructor with you again in your car (do they do this??). Get yourself down some industrial estates or on the uni campus and keep driving.

Don't worry about motorways yet, get there when you are ready

Sambucus_Nigra

Southernman wrote: »

Well i would need to go on the main road before going on the motorway surely so i'm a bit confused.

The next part was for me to go on the main road and be comfortable with that as the speed limit is only going to be around 30 compared to 70 of the motorway. (the university campus i was driving around had a maximum 30 and most areas 20) then from there learn motorway driving rather than the other way around which you're suggesting which scares the hell out of me!

I was hoping that the instructor would see you were so nervous and tell you not to drive! You don't have to drive, it's not the law. And if you live near a uni, surely the buses are a decent alternative?

Syman

My OH is going through the same sort of thing. She passed her test two years ago and is ok (ish) now. she is off to do the weekly shop on her own today as i have had a shift change.

Don't give up! Take your time, there is no hurry.
If you can afford to, get in touch with your driving instructor to see if they can give you some extra lessons to build your confidence.

a good time to try the road driving is early Sunday morning. Not so many people about.

Lum

Syman wrote: »

a good time to try the road driving is early Sunday morning. Not so many people about.

Unless you live near a church, in which case expect the roads to be full of badly parked cars on both sides and for people to pull out in front of you without looking.

PollyOnAMission

Poor you; it must feel horrible being so stressed.
I would recommend further lessons until you gain some confidence, or perhaps signing up to the IAM Skill for Life program which is great for building your confidence and making you a safer driver

http://www.iam.org.uk/motorist/the-advanced-programme80

Even if you don't go through with the test, just the observed drives (kind of like lessons) will help you a lot.

tanith

I'm actually amazed that you passed your test if you really are this nervous. I'd take a whole course of lessons until you are comfortable driving along the road and not worrying about every small manouvre..good luck

dacouch

Practice makes perfect