Fear!!!!!

[SSquirrel]

At last I have passed my driving test and bought a car. It's a wee bit bigger than i intended buying but, hey, I'm stuck with it now. how long will it take before I stop feeling physically sick everytime I even think about going out for a drive??? Please????

[blue toon]

i think most people feel this way to begin with,the more you drive it the more comfortable you will feel.then before you know it you will have no fear at all,it all boils down to confidence .so be brave and get on the road you will be surprised how quick you lose the fear

[etype]

My advice is get in the car ON YOUR OWN at first and just drive , that feeling will quickly pass - if it helps I used to be an instructor and adviced allof my pupils the same. The worst thing is to not drive - Good luck!!!

[Panic Button]

The wierd sensation at first is being alone in a moving car for the first time ever.

Then you get this feeling the blue lights are going to come on, and they will say it is all a terrible mistake.

[katangel26]

I agree with etype, the worst thing for you would be to not drive. My mum passed her test over 10 years ago but has still only ever driven 4 or 5 times because when she passed her test she was so afraid that she put it off and she never started straight away. I passed my test in 97 and you couldn't stop me driving once I'd passed, it all depends on the individual.

The examiner had faith in your ability thats why he/she passed you so it's only your confidence that's lacking. I suggest for starters taking several either early morning or late night drives, the roads aren't that busy then and you can practice whatever it is thats making you nervous, if it's other drivers try less peak times like between 10 & 11 or 2 &3. Good luck x

[boink]

I took a while, i always liked a friend to come with me, and i avoided my local town centre as its very hilly and i was afraid of stalling! if you drive on emptier roads though you'll soon become confident

[boink]

well done by the way

[BreenM]

Hi sorry I am going to be the first to contest all the other posts. It's a bit worrying to hear that you feel physically sick when thinking about going out for a drive. I class these people as every bit a danger on the road as the cocky boy racers and the likes. I am not having a dig at you personally but moreso the system of passing people in tests. Just because anyone mangages to pass a test, and probably as much by luck just as I reckon I did, doesn't mean you are ready to drive. It doesn't sound to me as if you are quite ready.

What did you mean by at last? How many tests did you sit before you passed if you don't mind me ask?

I do totally accept that you have passed what is required of you so in that respect I wish you good luck.

Does anyone else share my view on this?

[Panic Button]

BreenM it is true you only really learn to drive after passing your test, and we were all desparately inexperienced when we were first released alone, but can you think of a better way that would't price everyone out of learning?

[LostStar]

Surely being a bit over-weary at first is better that being arrogant and over-confident...?! Afterall we can only get better at things when we practice! Lets face it when we're all starting out, the last thing you need is someone up your bumper... people are more likely to make mistakes under pressure... i am sure you'll be a pro in no time ssquirel! safe driving everyone!

[Natalie_123]

hay! well ive been driving for ages but still havn't passed my test so at least you must be able to drive if youv'e actually passed. I was so scared of driving and dreaded driving lessons! but i figured, i can drive and that it's me that has control of the car, it hasn't got a mind of it's own so there really isn't anything to be scared of! practice on your own for a while out of the city to gain your confidence first! i also found that practice on dual carriage ways really helped, i think it was getting used to going pretty fast that helped with travelling on slower moving roads

[chadad]

SSquirrel, I respect you for not thinking you know it all just because you have passed the test.
Passing the test just means that you are competent to carry on learning without being accompanied by a qualified driver.
"A good driver never stops learning".
So here's wishing you many happy years of learning.
chadad.

[SSquirrel]

After much deliberation I decided to have a driving lesson in my new car and hey presto I've discovered I can drive and am a good driver!! I'd highly recommend this to all new drivers. It just gives you that extra bit of confidence and reassures you that yes you can do this!

Thanks everyone!

[Panic Button]

Excellent. I wish everyone was so sensible. Good luck in your driving 'career'