Passed test, got my car but so flippin nervous

BusinessStudent

Hey all,

Passed test now weeks ago, got myself a ford ka collection. The car is great but i find myself so flippin nervous driving.

When i drive to college i am always stalling at junctions/roundabouts -partly because i've got to get used to the car i suppose and because of my nerves, my leg shakes and can't keep my composure.

Sometimes it has taken 4 times to find my biting point. Drivers behind are mostly ok, only twice has anyone honked their horn at me.

I've been out at night when the roads are quite and i find that im mostly ok but its during the day when the roads are busy:-(

colin79666

I found it was really weird not having someone next to me so I drove around with my mum quite a bit after passing my test and slowly got used to being alone.

If you are in an unlucky position - worst case scenario you at the front of a queue and theres an obnoxious white can man behind. Take a deep breath and then get the basics right. Operate the clutch slowly and don't let the person behinds horn dictate when you decided to go. If you are at all unsure just wait. Works for me.

Many people say you only really learn to drive after passing your test.

nickmack

BusinessStudent wrote: »

When i drive to college i am always stalling at junctions/roundabouts -partly because i've got to get used to the car i suppose and because of my nerves, my leg shakes and can't keep my composure.

Sometimes it has taken 4 times to find my biting point. Drivers behind are mostly ok, only twice has anyone honked their horn at me.

I've been out at night when the roads are quite and i find that im mostly ok but its during the day when the roads are busy:-(

Passing your test is just the beginning. You will learn alot more over the next few years on the road.

Try not to feel pressured when you're driving. The morning and evening rush hours can be taxing even for experienced drivers. People are trying to get somewhere fast, but as long as you progress at a reasonable pace and keep your awareness, you should be fine.

BusinessStudent

Thanks, my journey to college is 10 miles there and 10 miles back - it is very daunting and stressful because i am always stalling and roundabouts and junctions.

lauraaurora

Have you got 'P' plates on your car? It might help people to be a little more patient with you... Also, try putting some gentle music on low, it might help relax you - it worked for me. I'm not a classical music kind of person, but Classic FM helped me through my first few weeks of driving.
Try not to worry, you'll get more confident in no time!

BusinessStudent

lauraandclive wrote: »

Have you got 'P' plates on your car? It might help people to be a little more patient with you... Also, try putting some gentle music on low, it might help relax you - it worked for me. I'm not a classical music kind of person, but Classic FM helped me through my first few weeks of driving.
Try not to worry, you'll get more confident in no time!

Hi.
Thanks for your reply

Yep I have got 'P' plates on my car.

markwi

dont worry everyone is the same when they pass,give it a couple of years and it all comes second nature.

BusinessStudent

We have two Ford Ka's on the drive, mine is a 2001 ka and my moms is a 2005Ka.

I've just tried her clutch and gas peddle and they seem to feel more stffer than the peddles on my ka, which feel very flexible?

It seems very hard to stall my moms ka but easy to stall mine.

Rikki

Did you do your pass plus?

My son did his and the instructor said his confidence got better.

BusinessStudent

No i did not do pass plus. I heard it can boost your confidence but i had been having lessons for over a year.

Rikki

BusinessStudent wrote: »

No i did not do pass plus. I heard it can boost your confidence but i had been having lessons for over a year.

My son had lessons for nearly a year but he chose to take the pass plus. He thinks it was worth it. (for him anyway)

If the biting point on your cluch is high up, it will need adjusting.