Passed my driving test few days ago but don't feel confident about driving alone without an instructor yet?

Bardic

First of all, congratulations! Only 3 minors? Wow! The fact that you did this and that your instructor often had to do or say very little means you are GOOD. Most people feel suddenly lonely when they're on their own to start with, practise will soon overcome it. You could try some short trips out and about and as you gain confidence go a bit further each time.

Our No.1 daughter was much the same, she passed with flying colours and was suddenly afflicted with nerves. She knew it was daft, but couldn't help it. So what she did was, off her own bat, asked if she could drive me into work and then pick me up at the end of the day. That meant she'd have me beside her for half of her trip each time and also would experience different traffic conditions. That did the trick for her, especially when she convinced herself that as I had to do or say nothing about her driving she was doing well!

THEN out of the blue she instructed mother and me to get our coats on, she was taking us to look around the university she was going to in due course - a round trip of some 500 miles! Guess who had to pay for the fuel?

It'll come my friend, it'll come

bette

I so felt like this and I rang my driving instructor. His advice was that I should just pretend that he was there and imagine all the words that he would have said 'mirror, signal mirror maneuvor etc' and that really helped me. Even now if I have a 'tricky' moment, I just pretend that he is there and remember what he would have said to me. Good luck and give it time, oh congratulations too

Rocky Road

Its always daunting driving by yourself for the first time, just remember everything you've learnt and don't get tempted to drive like most idiots on the road, speeding and cutting people up.

Your confidence will grow the more you drive.

Good luck and well done on passing your test xxx

~*sakura*~

You only got 3 minors, that's really really good.

I understand that you'll feel nervous about being by yourself, you've always had someone with you.

The only way you can get more confident is by going out in the car, by yourself at first, and just driving about.

ãƒˆãƒ

Yea first couple of days you get nervous.
but you'll soon get over it feel confident about it.
just drive small distances
i was double nervous cuz i had passed my test with automatic and then my car was a manual.

kinky

first few days will be difficult

It wasn't a problem for me I couldn't wait to get my license. I drove myself to school right after i got it lol.

but for you, I would suggest just driving to familiar places first. Once you get out there and do it on your own, you will become more confident in your ability. Because really all you are lacking is confidence. you passed the test, so you know how to drive. so Just drive. and don't forget to pay attention to what's going on around you.

durulz2000

Why not ask one of your parents to go with you?
I can understand your concern, but it really isn't that big a thing. First time I drove on my own was scary, but within 30mins I was absolutely fine. So go out and do it!
Mind you, first time alone driving in the dark....

dumplin

Everyone experiences this hun, you've got to grit your teeth and do it, if you don't you will end up like my sis in law she was nervous about driving on her own, she left it so long that she now doesn't drive at all, just totally lost her nerve, keep going for little drives in areas you know well,ease yourself into it. you'll soon wonder what you were bothering about, well done on passing your test, great feeling aint it.

James G5

You could try going out early in the morning when the roads are quiet,you will get better with time.I felt exactly the same when i first passed.I've been driving 5 years now,it doesn't bother me any more.

domquin

Eveybody feels like that just after the test, you will get more confident as you go along.
If you are in the UK you can still leave your L plates on, if that makes you more comfortable.

Lovely

I was totally like this!! After I passed my test (over 2 year ago now) I was too nervous to drive, so I went about 4 months without getting in a car. Firstly, I started drving my Mums car at quiet times of the day short distances that I knew. Eventually I graduated and had to get my own car and boy was I nervous! But they say you pass your test and then you learn to drive. You are forced to learn things quickly when you're on your own, and you have to conquer your fear. Now I'm quite happy in the car. I still don't like driving around places I don't know very well, but when you know your car back-to-front, and can drive without thinking about it, then navigating around somewhere you don't know gets easier.

Keep your wits about you, stick to the speed limits, and concentrate and you will be fine. Start small and work your way up. I know hoe you feel, but you will get over it. I will never understand how people can pass their tests and drive around on the same day!

Congratulations!

Friendly Stranger..

Well I must say that this is normal for all young drivers. Its completely fine to feel nervous when you drive by yourself. Now I understand that you don't want anymore driving lessons. Congratulations on passing your test. Now here is a suggestion. You could request that your parent or guardian ride with you a couple of times so that you can build your confidence. The parent would be there only to build confidence, not necessarily to tell you what to do, but to help you relax. Eventually the nervousness will leave if you continue driving long enough. Its completely normal to feel this way at first because its new to you, you haven't driven enough to gain the experience and feel comfortable. Try asking a parent to ride with you and ask them how you did. That also feeds your confidence. You'll be fine, and the nervousness will pass.

maryann

To feel like this is normal
Just take small drives till you get used to being on your own
I still get nervous driving to places I have'nt been to before and I'v been driving 20 years
Take care happy driving :))

saved_by_grace

The more you get out there and drive the more confidant you will be.
That really is the only way to boost your confidence in your ability to drive. Pick a destination that you are uneasy about and drive there several times and select another etc....

cartman

im going thought that too but if u have some one with a lot of driving time such as your mom or dad you will get better

Indrasmagicgherkins

I was exactly the same! I'd spent so much time and money trying to pass my test I wasn't expecting to be scared of driving by myself once I'd done it.

I was fortunate that my family and friends sat with me when they could but had to bite the bullet once in a while.

Don't pressure yourself - I used to get stressed before driving anywhere but I'm fine now and don't think twice about it. I still get worried about driving places I've never been but I'm not alone, lots of my mates are the same. It just takes time to build up your confidence.

Good luck. x

visiondrivingschool

Driving is all about Vision and Motion.

Driving is a science, no guessing game.

If you know your car, if you know pointers on your car, you can easily drive with lots of confidence.

go to www.visiondrivingschool.com and read article related to driving. Very small para in very simple English. Easy to understand.

Also check out their Student Hand out for Road test, which will help you a lot in real life situations also.

Jaxta

Congratulations on passing your driving test. I passed my driving test after 5 failures 26.10.11, I had 6 minors. I've brought myself a car and I am so nervous about driving. I don't even feel I would be any better driving with someone next to me. I think it would be worse......... I know it will get easier, but it doesn't make me feel any better!

sane2

after reading all these comments it really has relaxed me alot i passed my test only a month ago on the 31.3.2011. Bought my car on saturday 30.4.2011 really nervous driving alone today really freaked when drove a further distance on a busy road in london. cried twice with fear of road felt like giving up driving reading these comments made me realise that it is normal to feel this way at the beginning driving alone with the added pressure of getting used to a new car i hope i can master this and get more confident. X

Alana

I feel the same ,i passed two days ago with only two minors..... I haven't been out in my car yet as it is getting its MOT on Monday,I'm just gonna throw myself into the deep end! I've got two young boys and worried about all the noise they are going to make in the back!..Good luck with your driving....

Alana

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