Only just passed and nearly caused a crash...talk me down/what next

[LlamaGiles]

I know some errors are to be expected of a new driver but this was really awful and has left me wondering if I should actually be on the road. I've just got home, I'm shaking and crying my eyes out.

I was turning right at a busy junction, stalled, tried again, stalled again (it was a slight hill), panicked, forgot the handbrake, drifted backwards and nearly hit the car behind me. Lots of beeping and shouting from passers by. By the time I sorted myself out and actually managed to start the car the lights had changed again, I was blocking the junction and had to do the turn but stop immediately so people could cross as by that time it was the pedestrians turn to go. Because I'd missed my turn I couldn't tell when it was safe so there was lots of beeping again before I set off. By the time I was going again I was so shaken I could literally feel my foot shaking when I pressed the pedal. I didn't really want to drive another second but I somehow managed to get home. Practically hyperventilating. I honestly feel sick and I'm not sure what to do, I've just said to my DP there's no way I'm getting in the car again but we've bought a car so I have to try! I could have more lessons but I'm not sure if that would help since I've just had loads to pass? What now?

I found if so stressful learning to drive in London, it’s just so busy and the closer into the centre you get the worse it seemed to me! You have my absolute full sympathy . It took me....many....years to pass my test and then when I did pass it I was a very reluctant and nervous driver. However I had to bite the bullet when the kids came along and with experience I am so much more relaxed. My advice, stick to some known routes to get practice and experience, build your confidence with that and remember you didn’t cause an accident, no harm was done xx

This happened to me too - except I did cause a crash and it was a bad one. No one was hurt but both cars written off. I felt awful and terrified of driving and even had a bout of depression. But what worked for me was to get back on the horse. I did deep breathing before starting up and crawled everywhere at snails pace. Took a few months and I was confident. You will be fine.

I have been driving over 25 years and still make the odd error , i'm sure everyone does, still shake's you up for a bit though.
Every journey you take there are risk's , you will see other people making mistake's too.
My tip is don't dwell on it move on, if you dwell it will eat away at your confidence.
When i started driving after my test i would get up very early on a sunday morning and just drive around , it gets you used to the car , the roads etc with a lot less pressure compared to normal daytime driving.