15 and TERIFFIED of driving?

Todd S

It's natural to be scared. Try to remember how you felt when you were just riding in the car. Probably not as nervous right? Try to hold onto that feeling when you are actually driving. It's not hard but you do need to pay attention. There's a lot of stuff going on around you but you can handle it. In a few years from now, you'll look back and laugh at yourself for being so nervous so think about that to help calm your nerves as well. Good luck and keep the shiny side up!

Robert B

What you're going through is perfectly normal. It takes time for people to develope instinctive driving behaviors. If you have a big enough backyard practice driving there; if not try going to a parking lot when there isn't a lot of people there and practice. The speed is slower and there are usually still lanes to drive in to get your bearings. As for driving with dad well every teenager I've ever known hated driving with their parents.

Weengi

If all is possible block out all sounds and you are the only driver on the road, that way you don't get nervous about hitting other cars and you just focus on you! If your dad yells something like you are going to run into that car, focus and pretend you are the only driver on the road! Just make sure you do not hit into things. Just relax and calm down that way there is a less chance getting into an accident! Also you can not be tense before you start driving so you might want to take a warm bath so that you are calm before you take off! Also you might want to tell your dad that he is tensing you up and that way there is a greater chance of there being an accident if he does not calm down!

nana j

i understand u get nervous when u are driving take deep breaths and calm your nerves dont worry about what your dad thinks just stay focus on the rode dont get up set when u make a mistake just keep your cool! always head check when you are driving check before switching lanes and pulling out from a parking spot good luck!!!!!!!!!!

sidekick

I would be to at 15

curiousmorey

a couple of ideas:

don't drive with dad. its probably a lot more intimidating. i drove with my dad and hated it, he distracted me and i felt he was judgmental and overly critical. and he made me drive on the freeway because he thought it was safer that way (no pedestrians or turns). i did much better with a professional driving instructor. parents are also really worried you will get injured and/or wreck their car, where instructors are pretty much used to the risks of teaching driving.

spend a lot of time doing basic maneuvers in a parking lot, then gradually move up to neighborhoods that are good to practice in. you don't want a lot of traffic and also you want no kids around.

play some video games. that'll get you used to driving around. maybe try out grand theft auto?

don't stress about it, just take your time and you'll get it.

workplace psychopath

You sound very sensible.

Most people forget the risks.

In NSW you do 150 hours supervised driving before getting a licence. Someone woke up and realised that's a minimum necessary.

Buslady

It's okay, the worst thing you can do is have a family member teach you. Your best bet is to hire a professional because they're experienced, they wont freak out, they know what to do and often they have special cars for you to learn in where there are two steering wheels & set of pedals incase you freak and they can take over. Take it slow. Keep a good following distance, at least 5 seconds to g ive you plenty of reaction time; brake early, break before the curve not into it; anticipate a stale green to turn yellow.(that is a green that's been on for a long time); I don't know what a "head check" is but if you are changing lanes, use your mirrors, don't look over you shoulder-that takes your eyes away from what's in front of you- learn how to use your mirrors, that is very important, not enough folks learn how to adjust and use them! In bus driving, it works for autos too -check you left, right and then rear view if you are going left, then opposite for right lane change. Signal your intent first of course!
Anyways...take it easy.

I didnt get my license til I was 17(1988), and it took me 2x-it's funny cos i cried when i failed, and i cried when i passed!!! HAHA!! And today I'm a school bus driver and driving is fun.

PaRs433

i was like that my very first car ride, but by the 2-3 ones i got really relaxed. I just remember how when im in the passenger seat, how easy and open it all looks, and think of that when im driving. otherwise, steering isnt that hard and take it slow, let people know your a rookie. tell your dad he'll probably be the reason you have an accident if he keeps making you nervous...

and also think about how almost everbody drives comfortably when they get older, so you will too eventually

tony b

You need to go to a driving school... practce off road . on one of there course. Learing to drive with dad means you wil pick up his bad habits... also leads to tension....
You are not a bad driver.... you think you are becasue your dad thinks you are gonna smash his beloved car.
Hes always going to be nervous.... so get outta there and go to driving school....... it costs but in the long run you get breaks on your insurance too.....
I am 42 and i would never teach anyone to drive.... not even my kid..... He goes to driving school..... like it or not..
Good luck and remember this... your dad had to learn when he was 15 .. he wasnt born a driver.......

roy40371

Yes i have a suggestion, never drive with a nervous instructor. You dad sounds like he is doing more damage than good. You need a quiet laid back instructor and pretty soon you will be doing OK . Wish i could train you for just a half of a day. i have a large field and i would let you drive all over it and you would not hit anything, then we would hit the open road. If you're close to Crossville, Tn e-mail me at roy40371@yahoo and i'll have you driving like a pro in no time at all.

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