Driving advice please!

[DharmaBums]

I've just passed my driving test, but now am absolutely petrified to get into the car! Went out with DH at the weekend and made a few mistakes (not massive, but a bit scary) and now am shitting myself about driving solo. Can anyone give me some pointers or what they have done to get over their fears? I really want to drive and need to in October as I'm starting a new job, but as soon as I can get in the car I just freeze and go to pieces!

Try and drive just a little bit every single day, or twice a day. Just start with round the block and build up from that when you feel comfortable.

Short reply coz I'm at work, sorry.

You have my sympathy. I was the same when I passed in june. Oddly I made more mistakes with DH in the car than in my own. I startee driving to work in the city centre by myself one week after passing and it was nervewracking and I did make mistakes. I tried to pull off from lights in 3rd and thought I'd broke the car. Afterthe first time tthough it's easier every time and I'm fine now. Go for a drive. Now. Today. All by yourself. Take your time and remember you CAN drive. You have a opiece of paper that says so. Once youve done it you'll be proud of yourself and it won't be scary anymore.
And congratulations! I know how hard it is to get to this point.

Go out on your own. It's more stressful if there's someone with you. Go out early on a Sunday morning when the roads are quieter.

Thanks all! Managed to do a short run around the block today which was bad enough! Parking is the next challenge which I'm dreading!

Everyone makes mistakes driving, passing your test is the first hurdle, you really learn now, just try and do a little drive each day. Vary it, but, include a bit of what you've done previously.

With parking just keep practising

Dharma, i was a really nervous driver to start with, you just need to take it slow and calm, do something calming before hand, just to take the edge of the anxiety, it does get better.

Can you do your work run a few times with DP and once on your own before you start? I'm a learner too and find that the more I know the road and (within reason) what to expect, I gain more confidence.
Well done.

If you're really nervous how about a pads plus type course or a motorway lesson. I think that these can sometimes make insurance cheaper too. But keep on with the short journeys - it will get easier. Why not try regular routes at times when they will be quiet so you can get to know them?

Don't be afraid to get some post-test training. Either with your previous instructor or someone else. Focus on just one or two of our biggest issues and get them nailed and you'll feel much more confident with everything else.

I'm a biker and it's quite normal to have post-test training or feedback from others, it's not seen as being useless, quite the opposite, it's seen as skill development.

Supermarket car parks on a Sunday evening once everyone has gone home are a great place to practice parking
Just keep building up short drives round the block etc and your confidence will soon increase.

Well done for passing your test x

Oooh yes... supermarket carparks on Sunday evenings are fab for practising stuff.

Thanks all for the great advice! Been taking it very easy and doing small trips to build up confidence as you suggest. Have yet to do the Sunday supermarket parking, but that's such a great idea! I will get there