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Passed my test - Now scared to drive

27 replies

Doyouknowdanieltiger · 07/03/2026 22:49

Hi everyone looking for some advice!
I passed my test a week ago today (at the age of 36!)
Been out for two drives since, one solo and also with DH.
I was terrified the entire time, I felt so awkward, took wrong lane on a roundabout, got too close on a dual carriageway .

I was never this nervous on my lessons! Tried to bring myself to drive to the park today (6 minutes from my house) and I just couldn't do it.

Im car sharing with DH, car is a long one so that knocks my confidence although it will be while until I can afford my own.

I was thinking of getting P plates, has anyone use them, I've heard mixed reviews?

I suffer from anxiety but never this bad I genuinely felt like I was going to pass out at times.

Any advice please, I've wanted this for a really long time and I feel ridiculous.

OP posts:
TheClocksFast · 30/06/2026 19:18

Doyouknowdanieltiger · 11/03/2026 16:42

Thank you everyone for your advice, I did a good drive today, even did some dual carriageway work.
Trying to not be so harsh on myself if my positioning isn't perfect, putting P plates on definitely helped, I found cars gave me just a little extra room and time.

Well done. Keep taking small steps and your confidence will increase.
I was a very nervous driver too when I passed at 29.

Doyouknowdanieltiger · 02/07/2026 17:27

MabelAnderson · 30/06/2026 19:07

But you must have done your test in a manual ? Or you wouldn't be legally allowed to drive it , so you probably just need more time to adjust and get used to the feel of the car by doing lots of short drives at quiet times of the day.

No I learned and did my test in automatic.

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