Passed My Driving Test - Still Nervous

[MrFoley]

I passed my driving test yesterday with only two driving faults, one fault was for hesitation and the other one was for not stopping and pulling in to a safe place and the road did not seem have any where to stop safely...was down an industrial estate road with junctions every where and road crossings but it was a minor and that's it.

I still feel nervous on the road, he was right with the hesitation and I am hoping Pass Plus will help with this but is this feeling natural to new drivers?

[tonyav]

Yes it is but your confidence will gain with experience.Congrats on passing your driving test.

[2sp_]

I remember being petrified after passing my test! My first trip out on my own was nerve racking to say the least.

Try a short journey when you know the roads will be quiet.

I'm sure you'll be fine, and well done!

[Zacs-Master]

Do a search for 'Institute of advance drivers' in your area they will be happy to take you out and give you a bit more confidence. They are a very professional but voluntary body.

[Buenchico]

If you're nervous you might cause very minor inconvenience to other motorists through being over-cautious - but if you were over-confident you could easily kill them and yourself. Being nervous is by far the preferred state of affairs!

[lady-janine]

it might help if you can sometimes take an experienced driver with you.

[MrFoley]

Thank you for all the answers so far! I will search for the 'Institute of advance drivers' and I have just applied for the AA's 'Drive Smart' program.

My instructor said a similar thing Buenchico " better to be cautious than a prat "

[starone]

Yes, it is perfectly normal. Confidence comes with experience.

[Zacs-Master]

Good for you MrF. I'm sure you will become a proficient and courteous driver.

[baza]

well done on passing, if you feel nervous what about getting those P plates on your vehicle for a week or two.

[missprim]

Driving on my own after passing my test was nerve racking and my knees would be literally knocking together as I was driving.
As Tony says, once you really get the hang of it your confidence should grow.
Happy motoring!

[MrFoley]

I'm going to get some P plates but even when I had L plates when in my Uncles car practicing (with learners insurance) other road users were not friendly, they would be over taking me all the time or more or less driving right behind me flashing their lights which dazzled me at night.

(i'm not saying everyone is like that)

[baza]

some drivers forget that they were once learners, try not to let them get to you.

[FredPuli43]

Yes, I can still remember feeling scared and helpless when I passed and that was nearly 50 years ago ! But take it easy, go out on roads you know well while it is quiet, and drive short distances to start with. You'll soon find it gets much easier. Pass Plus was a great help to my daughter when she passed and is recommended.

[boxtops]

Yes, don't worry, I was terrified for months about trying to do more than one thing at a time. It passes with experience!

[MrFoley]

I live in the country side and even though I know the roads I hate going on them as we just get 4x4's bullying you on the road as well as bus's. Why do they think they have right of way all the time. On one lesson I had three of them pull out on me

[Dodger666]

" better to be cautious than a prat "

It's even better to cautious than dead!

[TWR]

I'm sure this is where your problem's starts, "I live in the country side" try a few trips into your local town, get used to the traffic, spend a few hours in & around the town, that will give you more confidence. Good Luck.

[ladybirder]

Whatever you do MrF, keep at it. Don't be like my DiL who after passing her test never drove again for about 10 years she was so nervous.

[dickythecook]

My driving instructor told me, " You will pass your test without a problem, but bear in mind that it takes 10,000 miles to make you a driver!"
Petrol was 5/6d a gallon in those days, goodness I feel old.