How confident are you when driving? Do you get nervous at the thought of having to drive in busy traffic, or do you dread parallel parking? If so, don’t worry – you’re not alone! Many people feel anxious when driving. But there are ways that you can become a more confident driver. In this article, we will discuss 6 effective hacks that will help you become a more relaxed and confident driver.
Why Do People Get Nervous About Driving?
There are many reasons why people get nervous about driving. For some, it’s the thought of having to drive in a busy city center. Others worry that they won’t be able to park their car safely and will end up with a nasty dent or scratch on their beautiful new vehicle! Some drivers avoid motorways because they don’t feel confident driving at high speeds, while others find the thought of driving in the dark or in bad weather conditions very daunting.
No matter what the reason for you feeling anxious when driving, there are things that you can do to help you become a more confident driver. The first step is to understand why you feel nervous and to identify the areas where you need the most help.
Invest in Good Driving Lessons
One of the best things that you can do to become a more confident driver is to invest in some good driving lessons. If you’re a beginner, it’s important to take some time to learn the basics before hitting the open road. There are many different types of driving lessons available, so it’s important to choose one that is right for you. Some people recommend taking intensive driving lessons in order to get up to speed quickly. These courses typically last around one or two weeks and will help you to develop your driving skills so that you are ready for your test.
If you’ve already taken your test, but have limited experience on the road, it’s also a good idea to take some refresher lessons. These can be especially useful if you haven’t driven regularly for a long time, or if you have had a bad experience while driving recently.
Get to Know Your Car
Before you hit the road, it’s important to get to know your vehicle. If you’re a beginner driver and have just passed your test, this may mean taking some time to sit in your car and getting used to where everything is. This includes things like adjusting the seat and mirrors; finding the controls for headlights, wipers, air conditioning, and the radio; and knowing where to find things like your hazard lights.
If you’re driving a new car for the first time, it can be daunting if you don’t know how everything works. Taking some time to familiarize yourself with your vehicle is a great way of making sure that you are comfortable when driving on the road.
Take into Account Basic Road Safety Precautions
Before you even start your car, it’s important to make sure that everything is set up properly so that you can drive safely. It might sound obvious, but it can really help settle your nerves if you are confident that everything is set up correctly. Make sure to check the following:
• Your seatbelt is fastened correctly.
• Any passengers have their seatbelts on securely too.
• The mirrors are set to the correct position.
• You know how to use your car’s indicators, headlights, and windscreen wipers.
Once you’re on the road, it’s important to take into account some basic road safety precautions:
• Always turn your headlights on when driving at night.
• Keep to the speed limit and be aware of the road signs that indicate changes in the speed limit.
• Always use your indicator when you are turning left or right, and changing lanes on a motorway.
• Keep in the correct lane at all times -- don’t drive too close to the car in front of you.
Practice driving in conditions that make you nervous
If you’re feeling anxious about a particular driving situation, it can be really helpful to practice in that situation. For example, if you’re worried about driving in the dark, try practicing at night time. You could even practice somewhere empty, like a car park, to build your confidence. Or, if you find motorways daunting, drive on one for a short distance so that you get used to the speed and layout of the road. Again, you can always pick a time when the motorway is quieter.
By practicing in conditions that make you nervous, you’ll gradually start to feel more confident and comfortable when driving in those situations.
Keep Calm Using Breathing Exercises
Driving can be stressful, especially when you’re in a rush or stuck in traffic. It’s important to remember that getting angry or stressed won’t make the situation any better. Instead, try some breathing exercises to help you stay calm and focused on your driving.
If you find yourself getting worked up about something on the road -- like someone cutting you up -- take a few deep breaths and try to relax. This will help you to stay calm and in control while driving.
By following these tips, you can become a more confident driver. Remember to take things slowly and practice in conditions that make you nervous. With a bit of patience and practice, you’ll be driving like a pro in no time!
