too nervous to drive!

[lsharp]

hi
i am starting my lessons monday morning and im so nervous. i have been out in the car with my partner but panic to much when i have cars behind me, in front etc..i cannot seem to understand anything at all its all peanuts to me why is it soo hard? please somebody help me! thnks

[Mrs Y]

It's very scary the first time you drive a car; there's so many things to concentrate on inside the car, let alone worry about what's going on outside!

Although you're sure to still be scared when you go out with an official instructor, I guarantee it'll be a lot less scary than with your partner. Driving Instructors are specially trained to deal with nervous drivers, plus they have their own brake pedal!!

Really try not to worry; when you first start driving it's normal to feel as if you're never going to be able to manage it all, but I promise you will! Before you know it, you'll be doing everything automatically without even having to think about it.

Have a nice weekend, and enjoy your first lesson! Good luck x

[Postdog]

You are only like that because you don't know what you are doing yet.

That will come with experience, and if it doesn't, THEN give up. Never mind you being nervous, wea ll will.

BTW it is NEVER a good idea to be taught by a partner or relative - better someone who can just remain objective to the job.

[daniela31]

I first went out with my partner and he made me feel worse, always shouting out orders, and I said I would never learn to drive.
My Mum paid for me to have lessons with a proper driving school and I had a lovely man called Dennis teaching me. I only had 10 lessons with him and passed my test first time.

It will be much different for you, and they are trained to put you at your ease.

good luck with the lessons.
:-)

[sara3]

halve your fear by concentrating on what's in front of you, and don't worry so much about what's behind!

I was a very nervous learner, which is almost unbelievable as I'm a very confident driver and have never caused an accident.

you'll get there, don't be so hard on yourself.

[no-knowledge]

can i take it you are a woman?

[quizbag]

My fears disappeared only when I was absolutely confident that I could stop the car safely. Sounds silly I know but it worked for me as at last I felt in controll.

[sara3]

nk, butt out!

[evedawn]

YOu'll be fine. Most people are nervous at first. (I definately was) and anyway like others have said on here the instructer is trained to deal with nervous folk. A word of advice - if you do not feel comfortble with your instructor do change. My first instructor was awful - so i changed to another co and what a difference - got my confidence in no time at all!

[daniela31]

There are nervous men too nokno. you are not making constructive comments on this thread so take your silliness to CB and stay there.

[paraffin]

You must either accept that YOU, as a learner driver, have as much right to be at the wheel of a car as anyone else.
If you have any doubts about that, then reconsider having driving lessons. You must be confident without being cocky, but also remember that there will always be absolute idiots out there driving vehicles no matter where you go.
If you always concentrate fully on driving, listen to your instructor and not to get distracted, you shouldn't go far wrong.
Don't forget - the dipstick who's blaring his horn at learners was one himself once!