How to Deal with the Pressures of Learning to Drive

Learning to drive can be one of the most stressful times in a person’s life. Most young people (and older people!) who learn to drive are very keen to start driving and gain their own independence, but this desire to be able to drive can also cause a great deal of stress and pressure for the learner. Wanting to be independent of parents, keep up with friends who have cars already, or be able to make their own way to work and back are just a few of the pressures people feel when it comes to learning to drive.

Finding the right driving instructor

The first problem may learner drivers can encounter is finding an instructor. Of course, there are many driving instructors up and down the country, but it is crucial for the learner to get on with their instructor well and feel safe and comfortable, as well as feeling like they are learning what they need to learn!

A good way to find a good local driving instructor is a recommendation from a friend as they will have got to know an instructor well and will be able to advise if they are suitable. Many people may have two or three different instructors as they learn to drive, it is not uncommon to change instructors if the learner does not feel that they are right for them.

Learning with a parent or experienced driver

Another good way to learn is to have a parent or experienced driver act as an instructor. You must get insurance to do this and one place you could go to get insured is insurance brokers Bristol  Mark Richard.   Many people find learning with a parent or experienced driver is a good addition to having lessons as it gives them more time behind the wheel which can only be a good thing!

When it comes to the day of the driving test, many learners find that nerves can get the better of them. It is important to remember that there are many things you can do to help with the anxious feelings. Get a good night’s sleep the night before, eat a good breakfast such as porridge for a slow release of energy, and have a lesson with your instructor just before the test.

Coping with test-day nerves

It is normal to take the test in the instructors’ car but if you prefer to take it in another car you can as long as it meets the criteria.

Even though it can feel like a huge amount of pressure at the time remember there is no limit to the amount of tests that you can take in the UK and there are many people who do not pass first time, so try to enjoy it, learn from it and if you do fail put it down to experience and get another test booked in.

Summary

This article looks at the pressure many learners feel when learning to drive, from wanting independence to keeping up with friends who already have cars. It suggests finding an instructor through recommendation, considering lessons with an insured parent or experienced driver alongside professional tuition, and coping strategies for test-day nerves such as a good night’s sleep and a lesson beforehand.

Questions this article raises

• How can a recommendation help when choosing a driving instructor?
• What insurance is needed to practise driving with a parent?
• What can learners do to manage nerves on the day of their test?