Fear of driving: how confident were you before driving DC around?

[Unsureaboutitall]

I am a nervous driver and jot very experienced (learnt overseas a long time ago then spent many years in London where I didn’t need a car, also had an accident once).
I am taking some refresher lessons as I have decided I don’t want to waste my driving licence and it is a very important life skill imo. However I feel very nervous at the thought pf driving my family, especially DC.
How confident were you when you started driving your children around? Howlong should I wait before doing so?

As you are having refresher lessons, I would ask your instructor whether he/she thinks you are ready to drive alone. If the answer is yes, go for it! For your first drives with your DC, I would aim to pick journeys where you are very familiar with the route. Might be best to avoid rush hour for your first few drives with your DC.

Yes maybe although get the feeling I will feel nervous even if instructor says it’s ok

I had been driving for about 10 years, fairly confidently so, before having kids. My sister didn't drive for many years after passing her test so took some refresher lessons which she found really helpful.

How old are your children? Depending on how your kids are in the car, they can be very distracting. What with bickering, demanding snacks, pointing at random things. You get the idea.

Think about where you might drive your children most. School/after school activities /swimming pool/beach/supermarket etc. I'd try driving those routes by yourself initially, quite a few times, until you feel a bit more confident, then try the journey with your kids in the car. Start with short trips then build up time/distance.

Good luck!