How do i gain confidence driving on the road?

Britbloke

Ok, what you have is a crisis of confidence - and you don't need 'me' to tell you that! The real question is why and what to do about it.

First, let me assure you that this is very common. You've spent a lot of time learning with someone next to you to help if things go wrong. Now you've passed your test, you feel as if everyone suddenly expects you to know exactly what to do all the time - that includes people inside and outside your car.

Yes, it's a different car to the one you're used to, but it should only take you a few miles to get used to the change.

The really good news is that your concern is born of actually 'caring' about your driving and the safety of others around you - you would be far more dangerous if you were the kind of idiot kid who thinks he/she knows it all as soon as they pass their test. So those feelings you have only go to prove your attitude to driving is a very good one.

What to do about it? Well, first of all you can remove some of the pressure by putting the green 'P' plates on your car. By doing that, you can be comforted by the knowledge that other drivers will appreciate your inexperience and be more forgiving of small errors.

Next, go out on your own somewhere quiet (as someone else suggested). Having a driver sitting next to you can actually add to the pressure - being alone means you don't have that feeling of being watched. Don't go far - just enough to prove to yourself you can do it.

Given time, your experience will expand and your confidence will grow - it always does. I'm glad you care enough to seek help - good luck.

kinky

Keep practising

God's Gift

taje ur car to a car park, like a supermarket one...at a quite time...n literally just find a quiet part and drive around..slow down stop n move off again....ull get use to it

not that ur crap its the car u need to adapt to

every car has a unique biting point...

"/ J()â‚¬

OVER TIME, YOU'LL GET BETTER AND FEEL MORE CONFIDENT! TAKE YOUR TIME!

J G

I've looked at this question & it's answers for about twenty minutes prior to deciding to answer.
I speak from a great deal of experience, please don't be offended by my comments, and take time to read this, or just give it the 'thumbs down' & ignore it. Thanks;

The chances are that you learnt to drive in a newish car, probably a diesel, with far smoother controls, more power, and more sophisticated engine management than your Ka.
Like it or not, the car is a cheap, basic little car, which, regardless of how much you like it as your first car, feel like something out of the ark - it's easier to stall, slower, tinnier, more unstable than the majority of new cars.
Your husband has probably driven many different cars, and his experience means that he'll compensate for different clutches, gearboxes, engine performance, handling, etc, automatically when driving different vehicles.
A lot of driving instructors don't emphasise the massive difference between driving different vehicles. It has obviously come as quite a shock to you, but getting upset & losing your nerve is dangerous & could result in injury & death of you or other road users. Hating people on motorbikes is ridiculous & shows a lack of respect for other road users.
I suggest you have a couple of hours tuition with an instructor in your own car, and if you still feel the same, consider changing it. Women quite often develop a 'love / hate' relationship with certain cars - my wife loves & feels confident in some cars, and is completely reluctant to drive others at all. It's a very big thing, you shouldn't underestimate the importance of confidence on the road, and be honest about whether or not you can live with your car. Something like a Nissan Micra of the same value as your Ford will be quicker, quieter, more economical, easier to drive & more responsive.
The final point is that some people aren't suited to driving at all, regardless of their ability to pass a test. This may sound extreme, but think about your responsibilities as a road user. Your little car is still a murder weapon in the wrong hands.
Good luck, let me know how you get on.

Mipos

Try not to panic and keep practising on quiet roads until you feel more confident and have got over the kangaroo hop bit. You were probably pushing your luck a bit going on busy roads so soon after passing your test if you were so nervous. Also any new car takes getting used to as they all feel different until you get used to them. Good luck.

roger.williams20@btinternet.com

Remember you must have driven well to pass your driving test so just relax and drive regularly within your limits. Initially try to drive around when the roads are quiet and you will find that all of a sudden your confidence will return. Good luck and do not worry.

Ahhhhhhhhh screw it

Assuming you are stalling because you are driving a standard transmission...then just practice and practice some more.

Ben C

i used to have problem with clutches but now 4years on i can jump in any car and im off without even thinking. practice i think, as soon as i was on the road by my self i learnt so much more. just keep practicing

Enald :)

Keep driving!!!

Soon you'll become confident...

I remember when my mom drive. She was going to her office, it was very traffic....
And when she's near in her office, she saw on her left, front, and back!
A full of trucks....
It's very scary because everywhere you look is truck..
And she's the only one with the car......

So the only thing I can say to you is practice driving, because soon you will have confidence in driving......

Sree

Practise, practice and practise in right way, that is the only way to get perfection.

lil_tiger

well i passed my test on the 17 of september last month and i also got o ford ka 1.3..

i got my dad to be in the car with me the first time and then i drove myself and i was better driving myself.. try going a little trip to the shops or something yourself jst think u musta been a good driver if you managed to pass your test..

just do little trips at a time till your used to the car..

althogh i find that with a ford ka i stall it a few times to but with my instructers car i never stalled it u just have to make sur that you put a little more pressure on the accelerator..

hope this helps you a little but if u think i can help u a little moe then feel free to contact me..

xx
x

SugarPlumFairy

You have just passed so your bound to be nervous! give it time and you will grow in confidence! I was nervous when i first drove on my own in the big open road, but i went out at night time on my own and practiced things and gradually my confidence grew!

the sad thing is, there are so many idiots on the roads nowadays even i dont like driving some places and at certain times! Ive been driving two years now and people still scare me!!! i drive a KA too and they are the best cars to drive if you've just passed by the way! i drove an old peugeot 106 for my first year and it didnt help me in the slightest!!! :o)

Champagne 7 SUSPENDED AGAIN

I blame your examiner for passing you....wtf?

MiZz RuBy

don't worry about it love! it happens to all of us! you have to get used to it by driving more! don't worry the more you drive the better you become! my older sister was abit like you! she's fine now!

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