Most teens can't wait to get their driver's license, but there are others who feel extremely anxious when they get behind the wheel. This article will help you overcome the nervousness (the first steps are for those who have not yet obtained their driver's license).
Steps
Step 1. First time in the car?
If you've never driven a vehicle before, then ask a trusted person to accompany you on test drives in your driveway or neighborhood. Try to familiarize yourself with the car before taking the driving school course; in this way, when you get in the car with the instructor, at least you will already know something and you will not be afraid.
Step 2. Enroll in driving school or study privately
In general it is rather boring, but it is important to learn all the road rules; while not being able to remember them in detail, he still pays attention. Don't be afraid to ask the instructor questions. Sure, you don't know him well, but he's there to help you and teach you.
Step 3. Before taking the written / practical exam
Before taking the written exam, read the text carefully. You don't have to study hard - just read through the different sections and use common sense to understand what you should know. Fill out many quizzes on the test book to get an idea of what you will be asked for. A few days before the practical exam, drive on the roads where you know the test will take place. Get used to speed limits and road signs. While you may not feel confident or satisfied with your abilities, ask one of your parents (or anyone else who can drive) to give you specific advice and help you correct any mistakes you make. Take advantage of his experience.
Step 4. You have already got your driver's license, but you are feeling anxious
Nerves may block you and possibly make you sick the first time you drive alone. Understand that this is normal and you will get over it over time. To feel more comfortable, try to eliminate anything that might be distracting you. Turn off the radio and cell phone. Once you are comfortable on the four wheels, you can turn the radio back on and use the headset to talk on the phone. For now, however, you need to focus on driving.
Step 5. In the first stages it is best to reach the destinations you know
Don't try to travel long distances in unfamiliar places. Above all, drive on roads that you are familiar with. You could go to your school, a restaurant you like, a friend's house, a church, a park or a shopping mall. Don't try to read GPS directions while driving and don't follow a car that is driving you. If being behind the wheel causes you anxiety in general, then there is no need to worry about anything else.
Step 6. When you decide to go to a new place, have someone accompany you for the first time
At least ask for exact directions in advance so you know which roads to avoid.
Step 7. Focus on one thing at a time
Don't insist on going on the freeway when you can barely drive in your neighborhood. Get out of the driveway and focus on your immediate surroundings. As you continue in the direction of your goal, look ahead and be prepared for what might happen. If you have to drive on the freeway access ramp, for example, be prepared to slow down. Even though you've traveled that road a million times, it's different when you drive. Always be on the lookout for stops, warning signs and other drivers.
Step 8. Don't worry about other people
The drivers of the cars in front of you do not know where you are going and are not interested in knowing. Sure, they'd worry if you hit them, but in most cases you're another vehicle reflecting in the rearview mirror. The same goes for the drivers in the cars behind you. They don't judge you and they don't notice every little mistake you make, provided you don't bother them, in which case they will intervene. Other cars are simply vehicles that travel a road, just like you do.
Step 9. Before turning, you must always put the arrow
This allows the drivers behind you to know what your intentions are. You must always warn other motorists when you want to make a maneuver that might interest them. If you put the arrow, you do what you should. If you indicate that you intend to turn left, turn left. Don't confuse other drivers and don't put yourself in danger by changing your mind at the last second. Don't panic if you realize that you are on the wrong run or that you have run where you shouldn't have. If you are in the left lane, but wanted to be on the right, keep going until you have the opportunity to change. Afterwards, get in the right lane and reach the destination you set out for. You will likely consume more gas and stray slightly from the path you set out, but it is the safest move to make.
Step 10. Remember that you have been promoted, that you have a driver's license and that you can drive
If you really have to, repeat it out loud to yourself as you drive so you don't lose focus and don't get nervous. As you drive, repeat phrases such as "I need to turn left here" or "I need to get into the lane on the far left before I get to the traffic lights". Once you have successfully performed a maneuver, say to yourself “I did it! Now I have to go straight, at the end of this road there is a stop”. Repeat what you need to do. You control the car, not the other way around, keep that in mind.
Step 11. Did you cause an accident or nearly so?
The chances of being a victim of a car accident are not high, but regardless of who you are and your driving skills, it can happen. All motorists will sooner or later face dangerous situations on the roadway. Often it is necessary to take risky maneuvers to avoid a collision. However, even the best of drivers do not have the power to prevent every accident. Don't be scared. If you are the victim of an accident, try to stay calm. Stop the car and, if you can, get off the road so as not to get in the way. Don't leave the place where it happened. Do a quick assessment to see if you are okay. Once you think it's safe to do this, look around and try to figure out where you are. Observe where the other vehicle is and check that the other driver is also okay. If you can, get out of the car and carefully approach the other car. In case everything is fine, you can talk to the other driver and decide if it's worth asking for help. Otherwise, you can simply go on to fill in the friendly statement. Usually, if no harm is done to people or property, you can proceed on your own path, provided both drivers and / or the police agree.
Step 12. Reassure yourself by thinking that you are okay and that these things happen
Try to understand what went wrong and do your best to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Don't be scared. Get back to driving early, even if you still feel insecure. In life there will be many times when you will manage by a miracle. Getting into a car accident doesn't mean you're a bad driver. It means that you will have to be more cautious and cautious in the future.
Advice
- Pay attention to horizontal and vertical signs and traffic lights.
- Don't be afraid to look in the rear view mirror for a moment before changing lanes. You need to understand what your blind spots are and remember that mirrors are your friend. If you know what's going on around you, you will feel safer. You don't have to assume that everything will turn out for the worse: prevention is better than cure.
- Before starting the engine, adjust the seat and mirrors. Don't sit too close or too far from the steering wheel.
- Remember that you are never alone; your parents, relatives and friends are just a phone call away.
- Learn to drive in reverse before you feel really ready. Going in reverse is definitely more difficult than driving on the road in front of you, so if you become good at this maneuver, you will certainly have no problems.
- Try to have a precise system before turning; remember that you have to put the arrow, then look in the mirrors and finally turn; signal - mirrors - turn. Put the arrow (left or right) to warn other motorists, check the mirrors and blind spots and then do the maneuver.
- Get familiar with driving before inviting your friends to get in the car with you.
- Keep the driving school book in the car, so if you have any doubts, you can take them off.
Warnings
- Avoid talking on your cell phone while driving. If you have to make a phone call, you should pull over first.
- Make sure all doors are closed securely.
- The brake pedal is one of your best friends in the car, but don't decelerate too much or stop too frequently when you shouldn't.
- Put on your seat belt. A simple "click" can save your life!
- Get used to driving on secondary roads and motorways and find alternative routes to get home. Get to know the area and all the shortcuts.
- Do not be distracted when you see someone you know driving (for example a friend of yours in the car behind you or in front of you or is passing you) and avoid honking the horn: it could confuse other drivers.
- Ask for help if you need it, or stop and call a friend, parent, or relative if you are lost.
