Terrified of driving on unfamiliar roads / night driving

CreditCardChris

So passed my test last week and have been very anxious to drive on unfamiliar roads because I don't know exactly where the exits are and what to expect from certain roundabouts etc.

I just did my first night drive and only drove for 5 minutes, already noticed a massive difference, even though I know the roads I'm driving down I still felt uneasy approaching junctions and emerging etc.

When I was doing my lessons I was very keen to drive by myself and let loose on the open roads, now I'm starting to realise driving isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's quite stressful when you don't have anyone to fall back on (instructor) when driving.

Tigsteroonie

That's where modern technology can help (compared to centuries ago when I first passed my test) - Google StreetView You can effectively 'drive' the route in daylight first, via your computer or mobile phone screen, checking road junctions and even landmarks. I still use it even now before driving in a new area, e.g. before going on holiday.

building_with_lego

So book your instructor for a couple of hours' night driving.

Pass Plus was great for my confidence once I'd passed- my car, motorways and thick fog, country lanes and night driving. Cost me about £160 I think but was well worth it for the tips and confidence.

Failing that, take someone you trust out for a couple of hours, letting them know that you're nervous but need the experience.

It does get easier with experience, I promise. If you need to slow right down for a junction, do so- the other drivers will just have to wait a couple of seconds. No biggie.

SHAFT

Give it time.

Scrapit

You instructor surely didn't take you down the same route every time. Each test centre has more than 1 route to test on.

CreditCardChris

Tigsteroonie wrote: »

That's where modern technology can help (compared to centuries ago when I first passed my test) - Google StreetView You can effectively 'drive' the route in daylight first, via your computer or mobile phone screen, checking road junctions and even landmarks. I still use it even now before driving in a new area, e.g. before going on holiday.

I do have a quick look at the route before hand but when I can't remember every junction or roundabout. I'm using Google maps offline mode on my phone but sometimes the map lags and doesn't update my position for a few seconds.

building_with_lego wrote: »

It does get easier with experience, I promise. If you need to slow right down for a junction, do so- the other drivers will just have to wait a couple of seconds. No biggie.

This is one the biggest problems I have right now, I always feel rushed by other drivers. For example I might drive 20 mph in a 30 zone as I'm getting close to my turn just so I can see it clearly and then I look in my mirror and the driver will be right up my backside! Or on motorways sometimes the left lane branches off to an exit so I slow down a bit just to double check if it's my exit or not but again I feel rushed by the driver behind me, after all these people don't know why I'm driving slower than usual.

I try to be considerate on the road but I think that's also contributing to making me nervous, I'm always trying to please other drivers...

chris_n

Put a green P plate on if you feel that anxious, most people will make allowances and give you a bit more space.

Sea_Shell

Well done for recognising this and not assuming that because you've passed you're now "qualified".

It takes years of experience, during which you also develop your "spider senses" about other road users too.

P plates is a really good idea too.

Like any skill, it takes time, practice and repetition...you'll get there!!

daveyjp

Get yourself booked on a pass plus course. You will cover many more types of driving than you need for the test.

Night, motorway, dual carriageway, country roads (highest for accidents), urban, bad weather

[Deleted User]

I hate driving unfamiliar roads in city centres where you have to be in this lane for that and that lane for this, sway over the line or make a wrong turn and end up with a ticket in the post etc etc. Yet on the other hand I've driven all over the country and even to the Republic of Ireland as it's not that bad when you follow an up to date sat nav like Google Maps. Would never have been able to just do it on my own.

silverwhistle

You'll get there. I had a motorbike but didn't learn to drive a car until I was 28 and needed to. As my car was a £100 banger at least didn't have that to worry about. Most (if not all) motorists have got lost or taken a wrong turning at some stage.


For slightly longer journeys I use post it notes with my main heading points or road numbers. It's normally when you get to your destination that the problems arise, but they can occur whether that is a city of Upper Lower Village. It's only then I bother with my phone, not having satnav in my car.


But if necessary slow down, pull over, check, and as long as you are aware of other traffic try and ignore them if they're impatient.