any advice??

ribena_baby

hi all, I've been learning to drive since mid may and until recently had been getting on well, but recently i've just lost all faith and am getting myself in knots before going out. I know best way to combat is just get on with it, but i just seem to have lost all confidence! Has anyone else been like this and has anyone got any tips? Thanks in advance, ribena.

chin_grin

I hate to be captain obvious here, but the best advice is to get out as much as you can to overcome those fears!

This apprehension beforehand doesn't sound good though. Was there a sudden cause for this? (Such a 'psychiatrist' question! Apologies).

Only because you can be your worst enemy if you have any worries getting in to a car. I know, I had them starting off!

This is going to sound very cliché but can you put on any relaxing music (that won't draw your attention away from driving!). Or even before heading out have a mantra that you'll do well.

Also if you're in any doubts over the control of the car, I'd recommend going to drivingtesttips.ie and having a look at the vids on that site.

Reloc8

Learning anything is a process of crests and troughs. You get a big lift when you start achieving some competence, then something specific may happen which knocks you or you may just realise that you're still a good way away from a standard that you want to be it.

Equally, you may start practicing one aspect of the task and find it more difficult than anything you've done so far, and that can be a knock too.

Basically your nerves are normal and not a bad thing - shows you're taking things seriously, aware of the need to be safe etc. I totally agree that the best way to address them is to accept this, and yes get on with it. Do not let this phase, which will pass, build up into your head into something which it is not. Remember that learning to drive is fun as well.

ADIDriving

Good comments by the other posters. Consider also, this basic logic. You said things had been going well. Which means you can drive well. You just need to get back to that.
There will always be good and bad. Try for more good and foget the bad.

jendafer1

Hi Ribena,

I feel your pain - I had serious ups and downs with my driving confidence. What I found really really helped was to go out with someone who makes you feel calm, a family member, a friend or a qualified driving instructor. I would always get so wound up anytime I went with my OH which would knock my confidence. Explain to the driver that you're feeling nervous and see if you can start in an industrial estate in the evening where there will be no panic of other drivers around.

Good luck with it!

ribena_baby

Hi all, thanks for the advice. I was out at the weekend and did fine. I just have to convince myself that i can drive! Im getting there. Thanks everyone! ribena

Permabear

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Reloc8

ribena_baby wrote: »

Hi all, thanks for the advice. I was out at the weekend and did fine. I just have to convince myself that i can drive! Im getting there. Thanks everyone! ribena

Nice one - hold that thought