Overcome Fear Driving

By Simon
General
Before you can schedule your Staten Island road test , you’re going to need to have some experience behind the wheel. For many young drivers, getting behind the wheel and being in control of a vehicle is a scary, intimidating experience. That is until you gain some experience and become comfortable navigating in various conditions. Some of the most common fears that new drivers experience the first couple of times they are driving include:
  • Other cars driving too close to them
  • Driving at higher speeds
  • Making the wrong maneuvers and causing an accident
  • Passing other cars in traffic
  • Driving at night
  • Driving with strangers (i.e., driving instructor)
While these are all valid fears, it is important to remember that every driver on the road probably felt this way at one time or another. It is completely normal to experience anxiety when first learning how to drive, what is more important is learning how to overcome your fears and become a better driver. Step 1: Stay Calm Remember that every driver has started out where you are. Chances are, your brain is overthinking everything due to information overload and as a result, you are starting to feel fear and anxiety. Try to take a few deep breaths and remain calm, when first learning to drive you will be accompanied by a licensed driving instructor or a legal parent or guardian who has a valid drivers license. They will be able to help you feel safe and confident behind the wheel. When you are in the driver’s seat, remember to take a deep breath. You’re going to be okay and you’re going to do great! Step 2: Don’t Be Afraid to Try New Things It is scary to go out and try new things, often times it is easier to stay in our comfort zones and only do the things that we know how to do or that we are comfortable doing. When learning how to drive, it is important to try new things even though it might be scary. The best way to learn and grow is to do those things which we are afraid to do. If you are afraid to drive on the freeway, or scared to parallel park, the best thing to do is to try; you’ll have someone with you to guide you through the experience. You’ll gradually work up to being able to do more technical maneuvers, and when you are ready, your driving instructor will be there to push you to try driving on the freeway, increasing your speed over 25 mph, or parallel parking! Trust that you know the basics and you’ll be prepared to try new things! Step 3: Believe in Yourself The first few times that you drive, it will be scary, intimidating, and nerve-racking. The only way to overcome your fears is by actually driving! Be prepared for times when cars will drive too close for comfort, you’ll have to drive in traffic, at higher speeds, change lanes, and eventually you’ll have to drive in inclement weather conditions. When these events happen, trust your training and know that you are prepared to handle whatever situations arise when driving. Being a good driver takes skills, and the only way to develop skills is through patience and practice. The more experience you have with driving, the more confident you will begin to feel. Trust yourself, believe in yourself, you got this! Over time, and with practice, patience and persistence, you will be able overcome your fear of driving and will become a confident driver! Once you feel confident in your driving abilities, you can confidently schedule you Staten Island road test! Drive Rite Academy can help you learn the valuable skills you need to be a safe and confident driver. Schedule your driver’s education with Drive Rite and learn all of the basic skills of driving, and be on your way to further developing your skills and confidence in your driving abilities.  
Back to Top