A pain on the road

It's normal when you first start driving. I got my license less than 2 years ago. When i started driving in driving school everything was new to me and it was hard. But those few hours don't mean that you can drive. Th more you practice the more you learn and easier it gets. And most important is that you aren't nervous. Some "experienced" drivers are also nervous like my mom. Before i had license we once parked between some trees and when we wanted to go home she was so nervous she didn't even know what to do so i told her in which direction to turn her wheel. Also another good thing to do is to set your sitting position correctly. When you push clutch your leg should be almost straight and when you put your arm over the steering wheel the wheel should be at your wrist. Don't be scared of driving just go somewhere safe like a parking lot and practice a bit so it get's into your blood. But for every driver there are good and bad days. To make you feel better there was this chick that i met when driving with my instructor and the three of us were driving and came to a parking lot that was about 30meters wide and there were no cars. The instructor said choose a way to turn and let's go back the same way we came. And the girl thought for a minute than she said "I don't know what to do!". I told her and we went home. She at the time had 300 driving hours. I'm sure you're better just remember to look left and right so you don't hit anyone. Good luck!

Hello Blue, Its a machine so it does take a little bit of time for a first timer to get used to. The first and foremost thing that you should bear in your mind is that you shouldn't be afraid of driving. Try to drive initially on roads which are empty and less frequented by other motorists. Once you are through with the shifting of gears and controlling the steering, then it would be safe for you to take your car on busier roads. Enjoy driving its a good way to ward off stress. Happy & safe driving!

Hi bluemoonpavilion, There seems to be a few people who are not meant to drive. It's very likely however, that it's just a case of nerves but you must believe in yourself and your ability to do this. Since you have your license, someone must have felt that you were capable of driving a car in traffic. Believe in yourself but practice common sense as well. Blessings.

hi bluemoonpavilion Although I do not drive myself I know that beginning drivers go through just what you are doing. so relax and just keep driving and soon you will gain self confidence. 'Once you know you can handle any situation you will begin enjoying the whole driving experience. Keep on driving and let impatient people pass you as right now you just want to become more proficient at driving.

You remind me very much of my oldest son when he first got his driver's license. He was terrified of driving in traffic. He just got a new job driving a truck! It only took a few months for him to gain the confidence to drive comfortably and only three years later to actually get a job driving a truck! I think that most people are just like you when they first begin driving. I was like that. You will get more confident with time. I guarantee it! The best thing for you to do right now is to drive whenever you can where there is very little traffic. Once you get more comfortable driving and more sure of yourself, you can drive where there is more traffic. If there is no traffic, you can drive slower and build confidence with very little risk that way. Once you are confident, you can drive at the normal speed, then go with traffic. I know it can be overwhelming at first but it is just like anything else. The more you do it, the better you will become and you'll gain the confidence you need to be able to drive by yourself.

I've experienced a lot when i was still learning. I guess to become an experienced driver you just need to take note of all your experiences while driving.

Absolutely!! I do experience it. I learn to drive when I was old hahah I mean just 3 years back but until now am still nervous driving although I've driven in a highway several times but still I am nervous. Good for you you already obtained your license. Me? not yet.. I am still using my learner's permit. But I was able to drive far distances with somebody with me of course. What I would tell you is DON'T STOP DRIVING. Constant practice made you used to it and will make you a good driver. Concentration is just the key. According to others, just imagine that you are walking on the road. You know how to protect yourself when you walk right? that same as driving. Just be familiar with the gas and the break. That's my problem too when I first started to drive.

I'm in the same boat as you. I took driving lessons when I was Fifty. Now at 53 I'm not driving because its just to nerve wracking for me. I did drive for about a year but it was just to much for my nerves to continue. I would get sick in the stomach before getting into the car. I just found that there are to many crazy people on the road that don't follow the rules which then makes me nervous and tense. So I decided I'm not going to drive. I'm afraid with my nerves I will end up in an accident and I just don't want to go through that. To me its just not worth it. As for becoming an experienced driver, people say you become an experienced driver by driving alot. If you continue to be to nervous then maybe getting lessons from a professional might help if you tell the school the problem with your nerves. Otherwise, if your nerves are overtaking you then maybe you shouldn't drive. Good luck to you and I hope you beat the nerves.

i still have not obtain driving licence,but i think i will try.

That's what every new driver would experience. It helps to have someone next to you. But this is not always possible. Practice would make perfect. There is truth in it afterall. Good luck!

I think you should quit driving. Be careful in the road is not the same as being afraid on the road. I am a driver for almost 5 years only but I'd drove for almost 700,000km now. I had to minor accident wherein I don't heat them, they heat me. If you are afraid there will come a time that you're action are sudden. Like sudden breaking, sudden turning, and accidentally stepping on the accelerator instead of a break pedal. But if you are careful, you are defensive to sudden events. In your case I suggest you to quite. You should be determine to drive. Accidents happen in sudden, and if you are afraid your action is likely to be more harmful, than those who are determine and careful. Sorry. But quit. Please. Before you hurt anyone or yourself.

Oh bluemoon, that is very common. When I first started driving, I had this habit of pressing the clutch thinking it is a brake. One time, I almost hit someone in the petrol pump because of that. I had to put the hand brake on to stop the car and I was wondering why the car didn't stop. I realised the next minute that I was pressing the clutch instead of the the brake!!! How stupid was that!! The steps every driver go through in my opinion are: 1. Learn to drive 2. Go ever slowly (less than 30 miles an hour always) 3. Got the license 4. Drive a bit faster (may even cross 40 miles an hour) 5. Gained the confidence and drives too fast. 6. Learned that driving fast or slow does not necessarily means driving good, and driving at moderate speed and more careful and more in control.

i always try to keep a very large gap between my vehicle and the vehicle in front of me......because i fear whether the front vehicle brakes immediately......now i am slowly recovering from this....one week continuous driving will help to gain much experience.....

Hi, I just remember with my first driving experience. Yea I`m so nervous at that time.just try to relax and concentrate. People will push their horn, but it`s okay don`t confuse, let them pass you.all you need is drive more often until you can feel that you are a car.and the last don`t forget to use safety belt :D

Hi blue, Your discussion remind me the scenery of first attempt to drive after I got my driving license. I had a similar situation like you, I need someone to accompany me when I am driving to gain more confidence. In addition, I'll only drive on the little traffic road and speed around 50km/h. I can guarantee you that after 1 or 2 weeks, you should be professional and confident enough to drive at your own and at your finger tips. Enjoy your driving process.

Though I have got my driving licence four months ago, I havn't had a real drive myself till now. I'm a bit afraid of it. But when I drive in a driving school, I haven't encountered this phenomenon. Anyway, I never drove faster than 50km/h, and my foot is always put on the brake, not the accelerator. Though it's really discommodious, but I think it can save me in a emergency.