To be more anxious the more I drive?

[worried23xxx]

I passed my test around 4 years ago but have only just got my own car even though I had been insured on another car with someone else and had driven sporadically since then. My driving is fine I'm a safe driver but I have a lack of experience in terms of parking mainly or just new unfamiliar routes. It makes me anxious even though I know I can drive.

I got my car two days ago and have taken lots of opportunity to drive different routes, hill starts, country lanes, motorways etc. so I can get used to the car quicker and take myself out my comfort zone to eventually feel more comfortable. But this seems to just be making me more anxious I drove late at night tonight and I was perfectly safe but I just didn't feel comfortable and keep focusing on any small mistakes I made.

Should I take it slow and steady and build up and only do small routes or should I try and get acclimatised straight away and drive as much as I can?

Maybe book a couple of lessons with a driving instructor? I'm an instructor and it's not uncommon for someone that has passed their test to need a couple of refresher lessons, either to brush up on general skills or practice something specific like parking or motorways.

If not I would suggest little and often at quieter times of day if possible while you build your confidence. Run through the journey on google maps or similar first so you can think in advance about the junctions or roundabouts and what lane you need to be in etc. Good luck

I agree - it would be worth to get some refresher lessons. I’ve not long passed and am still quite anxious but getting there the more I drive.