Learning to Drive

I’ve started driving lessons again at 25 after trying when I was 17 for a year and reaching a level of competency on the road but not being the best driver- struggled with multi tasking and gauging space. My family unintentionally has made me quite anxious about being a ‘bad’ driver except my dad who is supportive and thinks that with enough lessons I will become more comfortable with driving again. This anxiousness has really affected my confidence in the car and after my first lesson I worry that I’ll struggle more this time round. Does anybody have any tips or suggestions for what I should watch out for or what I can do to improve? Please help

  • find the best instructor you can and take regular weekly lessons try and do 2hrs or at least 1 1/2hrs as taking 1hr isn't enough remember you pay for what you get try and avoid lessons with family it often causes more problems than not and if you really struggle with gears consider automatic

  • My family were very doubtful that I would learn to drive and pass my driving test. To be fair I wasn't a great cyclist - I used to get off at roundabouts because they bewildered me. I started driving lessons at 24 years old. The thing that probably helped me most was having a very calm and patient instructor. Unfortunately he got arrested for drink driving part way through my series of lessons so I had to change instructor! My sister and dad offered to give me some informal driving practice but this was a disaster! They were clearly terrified which made me nervous (and there were no dual controls). Another thing that helped a lot was needing a driving licence for a new job I was about to start. This probably made me stick at it when it got difficult. Once I passed my test (amazingly first time) I really grew to love driving, and all these years later I still do. My ability to gauge space is still not great so I'm cautious about parking and getting through gaps. I take regular breaks when I do long journeys and try to minimise distractions. I am sure you have the capability to be a good driver. It's wonderful being able to go anywhere at any time and well worth all the effort! Good luck and best wishes.