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Original poster

Nervous about driving new car!

18 replies

AutisticMumOf2 · 07/08/2026 08:07

I am autistic (obviously by name choice lol). I hate change with a passion.
I am exchanging my trusty old car Ive had for 12 years for a new citreon aircross c3 manual today except I am nervous about driving it home.
Mainly because it’s new breaks and new buttons in different places. Garage have said they will go through all the buttons with me so I know where everything is and how to do it all but I am worried I am going to stall it a few times and it’s a 40 minute drive home.
How do I get over the nervousness please? I am a very good driver but it’s always that first drive isn’t it?

OP posts:
bgi · 07/08/2026 08:09

Oh you sound like me! I got a new car 2 weeks ago and have avoided driving it as much as possible!

Shouldbedoing · 07/08/2026 08:10

Calming deep breaths, lots of clutch practice on the forecourt and don't set off in rush hour. By the time you are home you will be an expert. Then, I would probably make a cup of tea and sit in the car looking at the manual and switches!

Bridgertonisbest · 07/08/2026 08:10

I once picked up a hire car, bigger than the car I normally drive. Took it straight to the multi-storey and took ages to manage to park it.

If you stall it, what will happen? Other drivers might get impatient? So? You’ll never see them again anyway. People are dicks!

you can’t get used to driving it, without driving it and soon you’ll love your new car.

If it was me, id definitely stall it, at almost every junction, I’m crap at gears now 🤣

Thebaldprimadonna · 07/08/2026 08:13

How about watching some YouTube videos on operating that model of car? Most car brands have them online.

I did that before I picked up my first EV and it really helped. The garage still had to talk me through it, but the videos were what helped my confidence.

CocoPlum · 07/08/2026 08:13

I had to borrow a family member's car last week and I drove terribly! But after 24 hours I was already improved and after 48 it was like I'd been driving it years. Then I got my car back and was a bit bumpy with that for a bit!

Don't drive when busy and enjoy the new car! You will be fine.

Original poster
AutisticMumOf2 · 07/08/2026 08:14

Shouldbedoing · 07/08/2026 08:10

Calming deep breaths, lots of clutch practice on the forecourt and don't set off in rush hour. By the time you are home you will be an expert. Then, I would probably make a cup of tea and sit in the car looking at the manual and switches!

That’s a good idea the garage said I could take as long as I like in their car park so will practice the clutch for a while. I am worried as it’s a few 60 roads home and I don’t want to stall mid way! Picking up later so no rush hour thankfully the roads are usually quiet.

OP posts:
Original poster
AutisticMumOf2 · 07/08/2026 08:15

Thebaldprimadonna · 07/08/2026 08:13

How about watching some YouTube videos on operating that model of car? Most car brands have them online.

I did that before I picked up my first EV and it really helped. The garage still had to talk me through it, but the videos were what helped my confidence.

Watched loads of youtube videos of people driving it, but they make it look easy. My fear is also it’s a bigger car, higher up and longer & wider what if I scratch someone’s car misjudging the distance. It only has rear sensors!

OP posts:
TerfOnATrain · 07/08/2026 08:16

It will be fine OP, I had a hire car recently due to a no fault accident, it was much flasher than my own and I was terrified of bumping it, but I soon got used to it.

next week I get my new car, I’ve got from my trusty manual I’ve had for six years to an all electric automatic. I’m a wee bit nervous too.

RamenEdge · 07/08/2026 08:18

We just got a new car and I was nervous initially but actually it was fine. You don't need to know most of the buttons from the start, just the basic wipers and indicators. The 60 roads will be fine as you won't be able to stall while driving. It is one of those things where you just grit your teeth and do it and it won't be as bad you think.

Do double check where your reverse is. I remember being caught out by that when I switched cars just having learned and the car had a different move to get into reverse.

minou123 · 07/08/2026 08:19

I feel you. I also get super nervous in new cars.

What I do is find one of those industrial parks or big estates with offices.
Then I drive round and round and practice breaking and parking.

LauritaEvita · 07/08/2026 08:19

Thebaldprimadonna · 07/08/2026 08:13

How about watching some YouTube videos on operating that model of car? Most car brands have them online.

I did that before I picked up my first EV and it really helped. The garage still had to talk me through it, but the videos were what helped my confidence.

That’s a great idea. This would really help me and I feel similar to the OP about adjusting to new cars.

Original poster
AutisticMumOf2 · 07/08/2026 08:37

RamenEdge · 07/08/2026 08:18

We just got a new car and I was nervous initially but actually it was fine. You don't need to know most of the buttons from the start, just the basic wipers and indicators. The 60 roads will be fine as you won't be able to stall while driving. It is one of those things where you just grit your teeth and do it and it won't be as bad you think.

Do double check where your reverse is. I remember being caught out by that when I switched cars just having learned and the car had a different move to get into reverse.

Yes that’s a good point my reverse is currently a lift up, so I will do it a few times to get stuck in my head! I’m sure it’s just the thought of it and I will be fine once I’m actually in it. Luckily the blind spots are just when reversing but it’s got a reversing camera so that should be fine and it’s got petrol in so I don’t need to worry about filling the tank up for a few weeks and bumping the petrol station 🤣
Going to go get my little car ready and have a coffee and some deep breaths!

OP posts:
Original poster
AutisticMumOf2 · 07/08/2026 18:18

Well I worried for no reason. Went out with the garage guy so he could show me where the buttons was and drove it home with no issues! Fabulous car 😄 thanks for helping me feel less nervous

OP posts:
RamenEdge · 07/08/2026 19:07

Brilliant news!

Moversnotshakers · 07/08/2026 19:11

I picked up my new automatic last week in rush hour traffic after 30 plus yrs of driving.manual cars. I was a bit scared but now a week later i love it. It just takes time to adjust.

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 07/08/2026 19:17

Drive to a big car park or industrial estate near the garage. Drive it, manoeuvre it.

I helped DS pick up a car, five years after he passed his test, and he’d only had a week in my car as preparation. We drove round the garage area until he felt confident to drive home.

Can you take someone with you for moral support?

PrizedPickledPopcorn · 07/08/2026 19:17

Too slow! Well done, OP!

MittensTheKittens · 07/08/2026 19:26

AutisticMumOf2 · 07/08/2026 18:18

Well I worried for no reason. Went out with the garage guy so he could show me where the buttons was and drove it home with no issues! Fabulous car 😄 thanks for helping me feel less nervous

Yay! Well done!

Sometimes just fucking do it, is the best approach for things like this.

Realistically what is the worse that could happen without you knowing all the buttons for the drive home... You have to listen to Radio 1?
The windscreen wipers and indicators are the same on all cars.

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