Nervous driver - best car, new/old etc.

Funky_Bold_Ribena

theboakster wrote: »

Thanks everyone. I know I need to get out driving more.

I have watched the Dangerous Drivers School on 5 - I'm nothing like them, thank goodness! I asked my instructor about doing pass plus with him - he said I didn't need to, waste of money, just get driving.

Not being funny, like, but if you are nervous, then more training is exactly what you need.

Lum

theboakster wrote: »

Sitting on people's bumpers isn't something I do, primarily because I hate it when I'm travelling at 40 in a 40 zone, and someone is sitting right on my tail. I find that intimidating.

If that is happening to you regularly then you might want to compare your speedo to a satnav and see how inaccurate it is. Do this on a long straight road while driving at a constant speed.

This isn't to excuse the people behind. What they are doing is annoying and dangerous, but you might find then when you think you are doing 40 you are only actually doing 33 or something. If this is the case then you can legally start doing an indicated 45mph which is quicker, more fuel efficient and less likely to pick up douchebags tailgating you.

theboakster

It's mostly on one particular road - rural, through villages, people are notorious for speeding and overtaking dangerously on this road (it's 30 then 40, but I've seen people doing stupid speeds...) so I don't *think* it's the car...

jaydeeuk1

Go for a drive on some dual carriageways (although I'd imagine motorways, due to lengthier slip roads and 3 lanes would be easier?!). Failing that, go for a drive in late evening to work and back when motorways are quiet, find a comfortable speed - I recommend no less than 60 otherwise you'll have lorries overtaking you. My car is smaller than the fiat and probably not much quicker - the 1.2 in that is easily enough to get you safely up to speed.

My wife has only ever driven on a motorway once in 13 years, and she has a sporty mr2, and she can't explain why she doesn't like it!

theboakster

jaydeeuk1 wrote: »

Failing that, go for a drive in late evening to work and back when motorways are quiet, find a comfortable speed

Great idea - I think I'll try that, particularly now it's getting lighter later

Lum

theboakster wrote: »

It's mostly on one particular road - rural, through villages, people are notorious for speeding and overtaking dangerously on this road (it's 30 then 40, but I've seen people doing stupid speeds...) so I don't *think* it's the car...

It's still worth checking. I know some rural roads that used to be 60 then reduced to 40 for no good reason.. 35mph drivers really wind some folk up on those roads.

But I agree, the chances are that you just happen to drive in an area that is frequented by douchebags. Even so going 5mph faster will be slightly more efficient in most cars

theboakster

Cool, I'll give it a check and let you know how I get on

steve-L

StrongWork wrote: »

vice on this forum (esp the motoring section) but this is probably one of the 'best'.

Oh well.

FWIW OP, you need to practice practice practice. Hit your fears head on, it's the only way to learn. If your previous driving instructor doesn't want to take you out on a Pass Plus type course find another one. I think you'll find it a useful investment for your driving future.

I think the advice was just poorly worded.
Sitting in the inside lane is not an answer... people who do that then end up getting stuck in the filter lanes as other traffic joins/leaves.

This is stressful enough for an experienced driver.... but obviously worse for someone with low confidence.

The OP needs enough confidence to be able to move into the middle lane when traffic is filtering or they will end up being the sandwich between the two HGV's. Again intimidating for experienced drivers...

missing_link_2

theboakster wrote: »

I passed my test at the age of 36, and am a nervous driver.

If only I could,I would let you have a go at driving a bus or truck,and I am serious. Once you've experienced driving a large vehicle,and then driving your car,you will find it a doddle,and will rid your nerves.
I was watching the channel 5 dangerous drivers,and Karen Parker,the AA instructor was superb with a few people,i.e Farah Sardar

anotherbaldrick

steve-L wrote: »

I think the advice was just poorly worded.
Sitting in the inside lane is not an answer... people who do that then end up getting stuck in the filter lanes as other traffic joins/leaves.

This is stressful enough for an experienced driver.... but obviously worse for someone with low confidence.

...

Police on the M25 have allegedly observed motorists sticking to the inside lane religiously to the point that they go up the off slip at an intersection, across the roundabout at the top and back down the on-slip rather than move out of the left hand lane.
There was also the case of a motorist who was given directions to turn right at a certain junction, ended up running out of petrol having done several circuits looking for a right hand turning.