We’ve all been there. You pass your driving test, and then a parent or partner reminds you that real learning begins after you’ve passed the test when becoming a confident driver is the name of the game.
Driving confidently can take many years, but it is fun and rewarding when carried out safely. The biggest issue to get past is not feeling entirely in control when your instructor is no longer in the car with you to get you out of sticky situations. But by following a few tips from Carvine, you will wonder why you ever worried in the first place.
Becoming a confident driver: Make the best use of lessons
Lessons are there to help you for life, not just to enable you to pass the test. You can ask your instructor anything. They are a professional, and you are paying for their time, so don’t be nervous about getting more detail on anything of which you are uncertain.
‘No stupid questions’ is the best policy for driving lessons because it might save you when you are out on the roads in the future.
Everyone learns and remembers information differently. It’s a good idea to write down questions you think of before the next lesson and write down the answers for your reference. If it works better for you and your instructor is happy to do so, you can record questions and answers on your phone. Or draw pictures on flash cards.
And never be afraid to ask a second, third, or hundredth time about the same skill or rule that’s causing you to struggle.
The main thing is that if you have a question, ask today or regret it tomorrow!
Be familiar with the rules
One of the new drivers’ most common anxieties is about not following the rules. Unwittingly breaking road laws can make people feel more anxious and more likely to make mistakes. The best way of becoming a confident driver is to ensure you’re familiar with road safety advice and laws before you set off.
Taking another look at the driving theory book you may have used to help you pass the exam is a great way to remember rules. This action lets you be sure you are doing everything ‘by the book’ so you can focus on improving your skills.
It can also be helpful to separate rules into theory and practical skills. Road signs and signals is a theory skill category you can focus on to learn one of the theory skills. Road positioning is a practical skill that you can learn rules for one chunk at a time.
Reminding yourself of these in manageable amounts daily can help your brain link driving practice and theory. You’ll know all the rules and feel safer and more confident on the road.
Step out of your comfort zone
The most significant factor influencing people’s confidence is the fear of the unknown. Moving outside of your comfort zone is the best way or becoming a confident driver by embracing the fact that certain things will always be hard to control.
If something scares you, like navigating around a tightly-spaced IKEA spiral ramp, or driving at night, give it a go! You will have to do these things at some point, so try them out on your terms to conquer them in advance. But if you are driving at night, it’s good to first stick to areas you know.
Always make sure you do things safely and never push yourself too hard. Take someone with you if they know an area that you find unfamiliar. Use a sat nav. Play your favourite music. Take regular breaks. There are many ways you can push yourself safely to get that hit of reward when you realise you have accomplished something new.
Limit anxiety about other drivers
Here’s the thing about becoming a confident driver: everyone has to start somewhere. Many drivers will be sympathetic to this fact, but others won’t. And that’s okay. As long as you follow the rules, other drivers should have no quarrels with your driving. And if they do, try not to react and become jaded to the experience too soon.
The best rule of thumb is to be aware of dangerous drivers but not take them too seriously. You know you are a safe driver and can only be responsible for your driving.
Take advanced lessons
Once you have passed the theory and practical tests, your learning does not need to end there. There are many extra driving courses designed to give new drivers or returning drivers the skills and confidence boost they need to get back out onto the roads. Two of the most popular advanced driving courses are:
- Pass Plus – This is currently the most popular course for less experienced drivers. The course helps drivers to develop and build on existing skills. It is six hours long and covers driving at night, in rural areas, on motorways, and in many different weather types.
- BSM Refresher Lessons – The BSM booster course is ideal for anyone feeling a bit unsure of their skills or those who haven’t been out on the roads alone in a while.
And, breath…
However much we might try, we can’t control every aspect of driving. The weather, the driving test examiner you get, risky drivers, and many other factors affect us as drivers but are outside our control. You can only control your driving. Accepting this is one of the best ways to increase confidence, as you will have realistic expectations.
Staying in control can be difficult when everyone around you seems so chaotic. Becoming a confident driver is about creating positive habits from the start. Take breaks, practice breathing exercises, and try not to give in to road rage, as impossible as that often feels.
The most effective way of becoming a confident driver is to practice. Doing this to make you feel safe and comfortable is the most important thing. But don’t forget to push yourself into the unfamiliar from time to time.
Little tips like pretending you’re alone while you park and making notes on specific driving experiences can go a long way. Soon you will become the most confident driver you can be.
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