first week of driving after passing my test

alwaysonthego_2

just past my driving test and not sure whether I should be allowed on the road. I am 30 with 2 young children, so I am no girl racer. My dh moans about my driving, why are you breaking there malarky?

Today went out on my own and nearly run over a pedestrian on a zebra crossing. This crossing has been labeled as being dangerous due to it being between two mini roundabouts, so when you are turning of the first roundabout as soon as you come off it, there is the crossing. I had to do an emergency break and stopped in time. As you can imagine I was given disaproving looks.

Can't stop crying and thinking whats if etc

fox2319

alwaysonthego wrote: »

just past my driving test and not sure whether I should be allowed on the road. I am 30 with 2 young children, so I am no girl racer. My dh moans about my driving, why are you breaking there malarky?

Today went out on my own and nearly run over a pedestrian on a zebra crossing. This crossing has been labeled as being dangerous due to it being between two mini roundabouts, so when you are turning of the first roundabout as soon as you come off it, there is the crossing. I had to do an emergency break and stopped in time. As you can imagine I was given disaproving looks.

Can't stop crying and thinking whats if etc

Don't beat yourself up about it too badly. We all start somewhere and you just need some practice on your own (i.e. no kids or OH in the car). Get him to look after the kids when the roads are quiet and go out in your car and practice driving round your town, reversing into spaces etc. etc. It's also well worth doing a Pass Plus course (ideally with your original driving instuctor) as they'll take you out in the dark, on motorways etc. etc. That also helps to boost your confidence as they'll be there but not directing you. The other good thing about the PP course is that it can pay for itself in reduced insurance premiums.

Just calm down, slow down and put some P-plates on the car. It all comes in time.

Take care

Jeff

newlywed

I've been driving since 1994 and never had an accident. OH is always moaning at my driving saying it's dangerous (he's had more than one accident).

When I first passed my test I used to talk to myself quietly and say, seatbelt, gear into neutral, start the engine, check mirrors etc. Just like my instructor would have done.

I agree, go out on your own and practice if you can, kids and OH's can be very distracting and then you get more nervous and so make more mistakes. Or if you want some company, find someone who doesn't drive at all as they are less likely to comment!

Chill a bit, tell youself you must be able to do this if you've passed the test.

mrbadexample

You have the ability to drive safely and competently - your test pass shows that. What you haven't got the benefit of is experience. It's only been a week, after all. Next time you go over that mini-roundabout, you'll be only too aware of the crossing, so it won't catch you out.

It'll take time to build your confidence, but whatever you do, don't quit now or you'll never start again. If the OH makes you nervous / uncomfortable, then tell him to drive! It won't help if he keeps knocking your confidence. Keep at it - in a few months time you'll wonder why you worried in the first place.

mrbadexample

newlywed wrote: »

I've been driving since 1994 and never had an accident.

But how many have you caused? :whistle: :rotfl:

C_Ronaldo

youll be fine, how about asking a friend to be a passanger for a bit,

nearlyrich

I do about 40000 miles a year for work and I have never been responsible for an accident in 20 years but my DH still treats me like he is teaching me to drive when we go out in my car and I'm driving.

Even experienced drivers have near misses from time to time, there is a lot to think about and with children in the car you were probably anxious and it affects your concentration.

I can remember when I passed my test ( I had 2 little ones too) I just used to set off and drive for miles on a weekend to get some experience behind the wheel.

You will become much more confident as time goes by stick at it and don't worry about what might have been.

racer256

Hi

I know how you feel. After failing my theory five times and failing my practical twice. My boyfriend passes his theory 7 practical first time no bother!! Makes me sick. Now he thinks he is an expert! Every one is wrong including me!

If you feel bad please don't! I have been driving for almost 4 years. No accidents loads of near misses. In my first week I drove into another car, not doing any damage, nearly ran over a cat, a dog and two children. I am still having them. Last week I nearly ran over a cat!

I hope you feel better, big hugs.
X

lottee

alwaysonthego wrote: »

As you can imagine I was given disaproving looks.

Trust me, give it a few months (or even weeks!) & you will too will be giving those looks to other road users (& hand gestures!).

A lot of it is to do with confidence, a year on for me & I think I am just about there now! You will be fine, whatever you do, don't give up. Can you try and drive around your local streets, or a paticular route that you will be doing a lot, just to get a feel for it.

Frugal_Fox

My grandfather had a phrase which has always stayed with me - "You are taught to pass your test - then you learn to drive"

Pick a quiet time - with no one in the car with you. Plan a route in advance taking in t junctions, crossings etc. Put some 'P' plates on your car.

Take a deep breath and just go at your pace.

You are still a novice driver - don't beat yourself up.

Ooo and to 'copy' the other 'fox' - definately find out about the Pass Plus course, it WILL help your confidence and WILL help with the insurance premiums too!

Troubleatmill_2

Some different advice here..

OK... this will cost you about £40... but worth it.

Sign up for the IAM advanced driving test.
You will get a lot of coaching ( the lessons are free and as many as you need. ) You will build confidence, and when they and you feel you are ready - put you forward for the advanced test.

You can cover night driving, country roads, city and motorway.
You will be a safer and more confident driver.
( and statistically - much less likely to be involved in an accident )

https://www.iam.org.uk


Best
Troubleatmill