Confidence in driving

[H-S]

The problem is I have none and it's causing me real issues!
I passed 3 years ago because I thought I'd need to drive for work but I actually got a job locally so haven't driven since, which I know was the worst thing I could have done. So I never wanted to do lessons but thought i'd need to, hated every minute driving and only passed on my 4th attempt. And because I dont need to drive I dont, but now I need to. I'm so scared of doing something wrong and having an accident that it's actually making me nervous now just thinking about it. I literally cannot park to save my life (my test must have been a fluke) I've got no spatial awareness so can't judge gaps at junctions etc or whether I can fit thorugh gaps and I'm so nervous in general traffic. I'm having refresher lessons but I'm just not improving and still feel just as anxious at even the thought of driving. My instructor said I'm not at an adequate standard and was actually shocked when I tried to park, I'm really not exaggerating! Any suggestions?

[R1Geezer]

OK well you seem to be a classic case of someone who currently has a licence but really is not fit to drive. Continue with the lessons get them to concentrate on the areas you have explined here. Also you have to practice too, find a deserted car park and set up some obstacles and practice driving between them, get the feel for how wid your car is, practice parking in your own time, get a friend to help. It's really a matter of experience, good luck.

[Panic Button]

You cannot pass the test by a fluke.

You obviously can do it, so be more positive and keep taking lessons.

[TWR]

The longer you keep away from driving the worse you will become, take a tip if your parents/ boyfriend or whoever hold a License get them to go out with you, If you loose your nerve this COULD be the end of your driving days.

[askyourgran]

Practice Practice Practice, I passed my test 15 years ago my Instructor was great, but I didn't drive very much after that. My OH was a too critical when I was driving, so wouldn't drive the car when I was with him and I felt too nervous on my own. I never got the experience and now I wouldn't dare drive on my own. It's such a waste keep at it, If you like your instructor thats a start if you don't find someone else. I took some refresher lessons, and the instructor told me that it was just experience I needed.

[horselady]

When anyone first starts driving they have to learn things such as judging car width, and getting used to heavy traffic, I was terrified when I passed and went out on my own an hour later and suddenly thinking "there's no-one else in the car, what if I do something wrong" I can remember my legs shaking. Keep at it-you will succeed in the end.

[joko]

could you possibly start driving an automatic?

they are easier and give you 2 less things to think about - the clutch and the gears.

this way you can concetrate on the road and traffic etc.

[boxtops]

Do you really have to drive if you really dislike it so much? I travel for work but I use public transport and I must admit I don't find it a problem, and I can work on the train - whereas people sitting in their cars on the motorways can't do anything but drive.

[kevo2k7]

H-S join this site it has a great forum to do with driving, real qualified driving instructors and pupils with all kinds of confident troubles etc are on it, it certainly helped me pass my test 1st time last year. http://www.2pass.co.uk/ p.s my mum also passed her 4th Test ten yrs ago and has still not driven because her confidence is shattered, shes pushing 50 now and its just gonna get harder for her as she gets older, she talks about getting back in a car all the time but does not actually do it. Just remember that we only live once and one the lifes few luxuries is Driving and seeing the world a bit. i must confess i still have not driven on a motorway yet but im gonna do it really soon. lol Good luck in your journey and Join that forum. Kev

[northernmonkey]

I think the main problem giving you lack of confidence, is because you are looking at Driving with all negative and no positive. You are not such the bad driver you describe yourself as because you passed your test, which must be of a standard which is Safe and overall satisfactory that you wouldn't be a potential danger to other motorists or yourself. Your parking may need improvement, but as with most new drivers, time and experience will start to improve your driving, and confidence in yourself will help you alot. You can always take time on evenings, Sunday afternoon's to practice parking in a supermarket car park when no other cars are around and you have time to start with parking and you should feel like you WANT to drive and confident in doing so, The refresher course will hopefully be something you benefit from.

[johngraham]

Hi,

1st thing don't be nervous and be confident about your driving. Its not like that if you have pass your <a href="http://www.theory-test.co.uk">driving test</a> after 4th attempt that means you are bad driver. As most of the new drivers improves after getting some experience in driving. Just try to practice as much as you can and improve your parking. Still you are nervous then try to drive with some one who has well experienced in driving it can be your insrtructor or your family friends so that he will guide you at the time of driving and you will not feel any nervousness.
You can find more tips on driving just visit: <a href="http://www.theory-test.co.uk/asp/car_pr
actical_test.asp">http://www.theory-test.co.u
k/asp/car_practical_test.asp</a>
Media URL: http://www.theory-test.co.uk
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