First time driving.

[StephenQueenBooks]

I passed my test yesterday, had already bought my car so was able to drive straight away. Except I've only driven with my mum in the car (23).

It's an older car so not as smooth with the gears as the brand new diesel I was learning in and I've stalled it a couple of times while getting used to the bite.

How did you get over the nerves of going out alone? I think in the back of my mind I'm thinking, well if my mum is there and I'm really bad we can always switch seats!

I wasnt scared of driving on my own but i had a big fear of going on motorways (the joining part especially).

I let this go on too long and it stopped me being able to get to certain places, or take a quicker route. I eventually got over it and now it doesnt bother me at all.

Everything get easier with practice.

Did it guys, you spurred me on. I went to a McDonald's drive thru!

Glad you got out on your own.

I had to drive a different car this afternoon and nearly stalled several times. You just take time to adjust and once you’re used to your car you’ll be absolutely fine!

I was bricking it driving my first car alone. I passed in December so only had it a few months as I couldn't afford one right away. I didn't have a choice though because I had no one free to come with me to pick it up so I just had to drive it home and never stopped from there.

The day after I passed my test OH went out and bought a Triumph Spitfire sportscar, it was a long time ago. Next day we were driving into the middle of a city, I'd yet to drive the new car, we were running late for a solicitor's appointment and he stopped the car, jumped out and said 'Come round and go and park it somewhere, I'll go to the office and make a start' . It was a fast learning curve that day.

@StephenQueenBooks the first time I went through a maccies drive through was about a month after I passed, it splits into 2 lanes and I stopped behind a car in lane 1 completely blocking lane 2 off so the car behind me and the car behind that repeatedly beeped at me

greedy bastards

It took me so long to pass my test (passed on 5th go) that I couldn’t bloody wait to get out on my own.

Congrats OP. It will get easier. Happy motoring!

OP, you will be fine. Pretty much everyone has this fear when they pass their test and start to drive independently. It took me about a year before I became fully confident driving after my test. It’s totally normal! You will get used to the new car very quickly.

I remember my first drive alone about 5 months ago. I got to work sweating my lip was massive from biting it with nerves. I stalled and switched lanes twice on a roundabout. I was so bloody nervous. It's helped I do early shifts so no o es in the car park so I get to practice different moves. People stall it's not the end of the world.

When I passed my test, I just went back home and then drove to work (on the motorway!!)

Believe in yourself, you passed the test...you can do it!

I think it does make sense to get used to your car first - be that in a big space like a car park or industrial estate or just on quiet roads nearby. 'Normal' cars (in particular older ones) are very different from Driving Instructors cars.
Then start off by driving routes you are familiar with, so, at first you are concentrating on the driving, and the other traffic without having to think too much about the route / strange junctions / getting lost / etc.
Essentially though it is practice, practice practice.
Including going out in the rain and in the dark etc so you can automatically use wipers and lights etc without having to fumble around looking for the switches.
Same with things like putting petrol in. Do it before you get to a state of the tank being empty.

My first trip on my own(without an adult in the car was interesting). I went to pick up partner from his brothers about 40 miles away. Virtually straight up the dual carriage done it with him couple times. Anyway as I get about 5 mind from there an accident occurs. I am detoured. Can't find signs for the village but know its either the 2nd or 3rd turn. Land up on motorway. Somehow find my self in Northampton. Find signs to M1 which has a junction by where I want to be. By now the oil warning light and fuel light both on. Get on M1 only to realise lorry in front stopping me seeing signs so move lane to overtake. As I get past I can't get back in and have missed junction. Get offat next turn round to head back. Narrow lanes for road works. Get off at junction to realise came into village from wrong end not sure where to go. Phone dead two grumpy kids in a panic. That 30 minute journey took 2hours. I arrived told other half next time he goes he can bloody walk home. Moral is if I can handle that crap on my first drive alone you got this xx

I just drove everywhere, I'd go out in the evening after rush hour pop over to see a friend for half an hour who lived half an hour away just for the drive (I turned the radio off the first couple of weeks!), Anyone needed an errand I'd do it, a lift needed, is offer. I'd just drive around guessing where roads would take me, I learned a lot of shortcuts that way and got used to the car very quickly. I still like driving and that was fifteen years ago.

It will become second nature before you know it. Remember the driving test examiner thought you were safe to let out on the road on your own.