Passed My Driving Test - Still Nervous

[MrFoley]

I passed my driving test yesterday with only two driving faults, one fault was for hesitation and the other one was for not stopping and pulling in to a safe place and the road did not seem have any where to stop safely...was down an industrial estate road with junctions every where and road crossings but it was a minor and that's it.

I still feel nervous on the road, he was right with the hesitation and I am hoping Pass Plus will help with this but is this feeling natural to new drivers?

[Hopkirk]

I remember the odd feeling after I had passed - it was the first time in my life I had ever been alone in a moving car.

I know that's obvious but it did feel weird.

I remember after I passed my lorry test, I was on my first trip in an articulated lorry. I kept expecting the police to stop me and say there has been a terrible mistake.

[Booldawg]

took me a good 2 weeks 'driving solo' before I felt at ease. This was back in 1987 when there were alot less cars on the road.

Feeling nervous isnt a bad thing as it makes you more aware! Better that than being to cocksure of yourself.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Go and join your local I.A.M. All tuition is FREE you use your car and fuel and you pay only for the test.(that was the case when I took mine).Its good fun.

[furrypusscat]

Congratulations. As an ex driving instructor, I can say that this is the point where you start to learn to drive and gain confidence by being out on your own. It will feel strange for a while but your confidence will grow. I think it is good that you are taking the Pass Plus which when passed may also help with reducing your insurance costs. Advanced driving courses are excellent but I would gain a bit more experience first.

[MrFoley]

Thank you all for your answers and advice :)

Pass plus starts tomorrow and snow is due, should be a fun experience.

[tonyav]

You'll be fine just take it easy if there is snow.

[shoota]

Congratulations: if you are serious about an advanced driving course (which I think is a good idea WHEN you have a little more experience) buy 'Roadcraft' the Police drivers hand book and start to absorb the wisdom contained therein.
There are usually some cheap copies knocking around on ebay or Amazon but do get a recent one.

[MrFoley]

Thanks Shoota, will try and find one!

[shoota]

The yellow covered one is recent enough if you don't want to splash out a lot.

[hc4361]

First light Saturday and Sunday mornings is a good time to drive a route you know well on your own. Very little traffic, you'll know where you're going and it will get your confidence up.

In the months after passing my test I used to do a practice drive early weekend mornings to a new place I had to drive to if I was worried about it.

[Blymey]

Pass Plus is a good step to take https://www.gov.uk/pass-plus but will only give about 10% discount off most insurance, and that's if the policy is in your name as main driver, not piggy backing off someone else's.