Learning how to drive can be a frightening experience, as it requires the acquisition of a whole new set of skills. If you’re still a learner driver and would like some more pointers before your next lesson, here are some excellent recommendations to help you stay motivated and maintain your driving confidence despite any little hiccups during your sessions.
- Consider your driving lessons and how well you did.
How confident you are in your driving skills is influenced by your past experiences with success (and failure) in driving classes. Make a concerted effort to balance out your tendency to focus on the negative and overlook the positive aspects of your experiences.
Take a few minutes at the end of each drive to reflect on what went well. These can be minor triumphs, such as a seamless gear change, or major triumphs, such as navigating a difficult crossroads or roundabout.
Try to repeat those victories in your memory, recalling what you accomplished and how it felt, in order to increase your self-esteem and confidence.
- Establish objectives for each driving lesson.
Your driving teacher will likely ask you what you hope to gain from each lesson – take some time to consider your objectives and how your instructors can assist you.
Some instructors use a reflective record in which they write down what went well and what they want to work on for the following lesson.
Before each lesson, revisit your reflective log and ask yourself the following questions:
– What do you wish to practice in your upcoming lesson?
– How will an improvement appear/feel?
– Is there a way to tell if you’ve met your goal or not?
– How can you prepare before your lesson?
– What information do you require from your instructor that may be beneficial?
It’s possible to move through your classes at a speed that works for you by working with your instructor to set small goals for each lesson and then reflecting on your results.
- Don’t let yourself be controlled by your fears or worries.
Make a list of the things you’re telling yourself if you’re having trouble with anxiety or confidence. Are you your own biggest supporter or your own worst critic? Log your thoughts and see if you can spot any patterns in harmful thinking or restricting ideas by keeping a record of the words, phrases, and tone that you use in them.
If you tell yourself things like, “I don’t, I can’t, I mustn’t, I am not,” or “Others will,” you may be damaging your confidence.
Begin challenging any negative tendencies by asking yourself, “Is this an idea or a fact?” How did you figure that out?
Try to counteract any negative ideas by adding a balancing remark, such as “I’m still learning,” “I’m improving with each lesson,” or “I’m doing the best I can.”
- Learn more about road safety
Being a safe and confident driver involves not just having the necessary driving skills, but also having a thorough grasp of traffic safety and other road users.
Your theory test is meant to ensure that you and fellow road users understand what you should do (and why) in various driving circumstances.
If you’re having trouble feeling confident in your driving lessons, consider which things in particular make you nervous. Do you have any knowledge or understanding gaps when it comes to driving? When in doubt, ask your instructor questions about it and look back to your theory test training and the highway code for further guidance.
The Official DVSA Guide to Driving: The Essential Skills is an excellent starting point for new drivers.
- Acquire practical ways for calming nerves and anxiety when driving.
It is very normal and natural to have some level of anxiousness when learning new skills, and learning to drive is one of those talents. There is nothing wrong with feeling a little bit nervous, as it will help you improve your lesson by allowing you to be more attentive and aware of what you’re doing.
High amounts of nerves, on the other hand, can have a detrimental affect, triggering a fight or flight stress reaction, which can result in jerky movements and impaired decision-making.
While there are numerous stress management approaches available, the good news is that you can learn how to calm your driving nerves and keep them at acceptable levels by utilizing breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, coaching, hypnotherapy, and other methods. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all technique for everyone.
