For a lot of new drivers, passing your test is exciting but worrying at the same time. The fear of driving by yourself and facing situations not covered in your driving lessons can ruin your confidence. Here are 4 common driving fears and how to combat them:
Motorway Driving
Possibly the most popular fear among young and new drivers. The lack of motorway driving experience during driving lessons can force new drivers into a state of purposely ignoring these roads altogether when passing their test.
If this is you, consider taking an advanced driving course (which in turn may help reduce the cost of your insurance premium!). This will allow you to gather additional motorway experience and tips from your instructor. If you are still learning, ask your instructor about these advanced / post lessons before taking your test.
From the 4th of June 2018, learner drivers will be able to take motorway driving lessons with an approved instructor. Instructors will decide when a learner is competent enough to have a lesson on a motorway, and drivers will get a say too, in case they don’t feel confident enough at the time!
Overtaking Lorries / Trucks:
Whether you have a lack of motorway experience or encounter this situation on a dual carriageway, it can be daunting for a lot of new drivers needing to overtake a large vehicle or Lorry.
If you find yourself needing to overtake a large Lorry, make sure you do it with a level of haste (not exceeding your speed limit), and be patient if you don’t feel it is necessary.
Be careful when overtaking left-hand-drive (European) lorries on UK roads. They will have very limited visibility of you to their right hand side (fast lane). Their blind spot can be much larger so again, don’t hang around!
Driving at night
Driving in the dark can be difficult, especially if you have limited eye sight or again aren’t used to it after passing your test. One of the biggest tips is to ensure your car has clean windows to avoid glare and a build of condensation.
If you feel an area is too dark for your normal headlights, use your full beam with caution and don’t forget to turn them off straight away after!
If you do have any issues with your eyesight, have your eyes checked regularly.
Driving Anxiety (In General)
It is extremely common to have driving anxiety in general. It can triggered naturally for new drivers recently passing their test, or an accident may have bought the fear on.
Like any fear, facing it head on is the best way, and every effort should be made not to dismiss it altogether which will only intensify your anxiety. Slowly build up your confidence by asking a friend or relative to be a passenger for small trips (where possible) and slowly build up the length of your journey’s.
Positive affirmation is also essential to overcoming your fear. Tell yourself you will be safe and don’t feel like you need to rush to get to your destination!
