Driving nightmare!!

[Dmum]

Just wanted to know if anyone else out there is like me? I passed my driving test 3 weeks ago (2nd attempt). I started learning in August 2002 and was due to sit my test in April 2003, 3 weeks before my ds was born. He came early and the test had to be cancelled (didn't fancy sitting it the day after I had given birth!!) It took me a while to restart my lessons and I was finally ready for my 1st test in November.

The problem is my lack of confidence. I'm still making loads of mistakes and need someone beside me reassuring me. I've only been out a few times completely alone and I've been a wreck! Parking is a complete nightmare - I get myself into such a flap and my mind goes blank. My ds is due his 8 month old check on Wednesday and I'll have to drive him. I feel sick even thinking about it. Does anyone identify with this?

Dmum, i took my test 8 months pregnant and i was very confident then but lost ALL confidence when dd was born! I was scared of parking, roundabouts..........the lot.
I am still a wimp going places i don't know but i am very confident otherwise. I just decided to STOP being nervous and if i am not sure i just shout at other drivers like everyone else does!
Also about parking, just try to stay calm and don't worry if it takes you ten manouvers, you will do it in the end. Honest i was just like you and i'm a proper Schumaker now
(as long as i don't encouter a motorway)
Good luck+

I know exactly how you feel. I passed in 2002 having started having lessons in 2000, been through 3 driving instructors and 5 tests! So i had no confidence at all and had to keep getting the examiner to reiterate the fact that I'd passed! You do get used to being out on your own without an instructor but it takes a good year or so. The best thing I did was to go out for lots of little drives during non-busy times especially without the kids in the car! Parking has got slightly easier but I try and always take the easy options and I still haven';t tried a motorway! I do worry a lot about accidentally speeding and things like that but on a day to day level on journeys I do often I feel loads better than I did to begin with. My dh passed 2 years before me and is so much more confident now - just shows what a difference time makes! I think you also have tp push yourself a little bit and set small challenges like tackling dual carriageways and roundabouts (not at rush hour of course!) and then eventually you find you're able to go a bit further and panic about it less. Good luck and remember the dsa thinks your safe to be on the roads!

I passed my test at 17, and never worried about driving. That is until I had my first child after driving for 11 years! I worried what I'd do if she cried or screamed, what if we broke down...
All very natural fears I think but probably worse if you are a relatively new driver. It will get easier with practise. Now 6 years later with another baby, I actually drive even if dh is there. He's always been a far more confident driver but he can't concentrate properly if ds is screaming, which he normally does in the car. He sits in the back with him and I ignore them!
As for parking, just find a big space even if you have to walk a little further. I never bother struggling into parking spaces - can't be bothered with all the effort.
After a while it'll all become 2nd nature and you'll be glad you persevered.

I can understand your worries too - I drove home for the first time in 7 years on New Years Eve (passed my test back in 1990) because I'm 23 weeks gone and didn't fancy waking up with a room full of strange smelling P*heads in the next town the next morning - I favour my comforts too much right now!

It actually went well and surprised myself - I woke up the next mornimg, not only un-hungover but feeling smug and very pleased with myself. not a bad way to start a new year! DP also liked being spoilt with a nice brekkie (because of my good mood?!).

I think you will surprise yourself so go for it! As Posey said, don't let things like parking spaces bother you until you feel a little bolder.

Lots of luck and wishes to you
xxx

I passed back in June on my second attempt (first attempt whilst 8 months pg, too!) after 4 years (on and off) and 5 instructors!

I hated learning - I used to dread every lesson. But I love driving now. I was initially quite panicky driving on my own (especially with the kids in the car) but I really enjoy it now. I started by panicking about parking, but it really does get easier - I parked miles away from anything initially and gradually it gets easier and you gain confidence. I did my first motorway back in September.

I have had a couple of hairy moments recently - yesterday I was run off the road (by a smart car, of all things...) and there was a woman just a few feet ahead of me. It brought home to me just how much power I have at my fingertips and that I have to respect it. I think it's healthy in some ways. So many people are so complacent about driving. An awareness of the dangers is important

Thanks, everyone for all your advice. I decided today to just get out there in the car with ds. I chose a time when I knew it wouldn't be too busy and stuck to roads I knew really well. I surprised myself!! In fact, I went quite a bit further than I had planned and ended up out for around 30 minutes. Didn't do any reversing or parking though - I'll save that for another day in a deserted car park!!