Learning to Drive - Tips Please?
@djgarner86 (289)
Exeter, England
November 12, 2015 4:13am CST
Hi all,
So I am currently in the progress of taking lessons to drive and I have my test booked in the next couple of weeks.
My instructor tells me that technically I am fine but I just need to breathe more and relax into it.
We have a single carriageway around 1 miles away from us which is notoriously bad for crashes (3 per week) - sometimes fatal. Why this isn't something that I'm consciously aware of, it might be having a subconscious effect on me.
Does anyone have any tips for learning / relaxing? At just over £100 a go, I'd be happy if I can pass first time. How many lessons did you have to pass your driving test?
10 people like this
11 responses
@destry (2572)
• Kirkwall, Scotland
12 Nov 15
No real advice as it is hard to know your current driving style. . . but relax! Don't get road rage. . .
and on that note, I am dedicating this song to you!
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4 people like this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
12 Nov 15
Haha - aww thanks :-) Na, I'm not an angry driver - they teach you to be careful and respect everyone on the road. Shame people forget this!
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
12 Nov 15
I pot my license with my first try. The key is to practice around where they have the test so that you are familiar with the traffic regulations. I find that I am more relaxed when I am well prepared. All the best!
3 people like this
@1hopefulman (45120)
• Canada
12 Nov 15
@djgarner86 Great! Let us know how it goes!
2 people like this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
12 Nov 15
Thanks very much. I have been having lessons once a week and we generally drive to the test center (or near it) and then practice the routes. Fingers crossed.
2 people like this
@artemeis (4194)
• China
13 Nov 15
If you've been practicing and hopefully on the test route as well, then there is really nothing to worry about since you've not seen any thing as disastrous as a plane falling from the sky on that day of your test. As if, right? LOL!
Just focus on what you've been doing during your lessons and look out for areas where your tester might want to really test you. Think positively and if you can just treat your tester as someone you would take for a car ride and enjoy the drive.
Last of all be very good with your parking and I mean damn good. So, good luck and hope to hear that your good news soon.
2 people like this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
13 Nov 15
Thank you - I will be sure to write a post up with the results either way.
1 person likes this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
13 Nov 15
I don't drive at all so can't advise too well. Look up areas you fear you could struggle on and try to get extra lessons on those points if time remains before the test and good luck
2 people like this
@arthurchappell (44998)
• Preston, England
13 Nov 15
@djgarner86 the cost is what always deterred me from taking up driving
1 person likes this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
13 Nov 15
Thank you @arthurchappell. Problem is lessons are £25 an hour so it is an expensive habit. I think it is just more practice in general, nothing particularly bad at.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (341787)
• Rockingham, Australia
13 Nov 15
I took my driving test so long ago I can't remember anything about it! But now, when I have something stressful to accomplish and I'm worried about it, I keep saying to myself 'You can do this, you can do this'. For some reason it does seem to help. Good luck with your test.
2 people like this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
13 Nov 15
Thanks very much. A bit of self belief goes a long way I guess!
2 people like this
@Marilynda1225 (83074)
• United States
13 Nov 15
Your instructor is right about relaxing. If you drive with confidence you will probably pass the first time
1 person likes this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
13 Nov 15
Fingers crossed! I think you do need to have confidence otherwise you could put other people at risk by being indecisive.
@moffittjc (121659)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Nov 15
What has always helped me is not just paying attention to what is immediately in front of you, but also paying attention to what is way out ahead of you, and anticipating what might happen as you reach that point. I call it situational awareness. For example, if you are driving and you see a green traffic light a mile ahead of you, there's a good chance it will be red by the time you reach it. So, knowing that, you can begin to slow down, or make sure you shift to the correct lane (if you're making a turn), or keep your eyes open to see if a little old lady is crossing in the crosswalk, etc. The key is always anticipating what is ahead and being prepared to react to it.
2 people like this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
12 Nov 15
No worries. Have a great day anyway!
2 people like this
@djgarner86 (289)
• Exeter, England
12 Nov 15
Hahaha - Don't think I will be doing that myself but thanks for the tip!
1 person likes this