What to Do If You Have a Driver's License but Are Afraid to Drive on the Road?
2 Answers
If you have a driver's license but are afraid to drive on the road, here are some solutions: 1. In the initial stage of driving on the road, you can choose to have an experienced driver accompany you, which will act as a reassurance and make you feel more at ease. 2. Choose places with fewer cars. If you are really afraid of driving on the road, try to choose areas with less traffic, providing a good practice environment for new drivers. Once you become more familiar with driving, you can then move to areas with heavier traffic. 3. Familiar roads and cars. Start by driving on roads you are familiar with, as you will have better control over the surrounding traffic conditions. You can also prepare in advance for when to slow down or when traffic might get congested. Using a car you are familiar with will further enhance your sense of security. 4. Maintain a good mindset. Every experienced driver was once a beginner. If you never drive, you will always remain a novice. If you feel particularly nervous, you can slow down a bit—safety is the most important thing.
I was also afraid to drive on the road when I first got my license—the nervousness felt so real, like I couldn’t even grip the steering wheel steadily. Fear often stems from lack of experience. I recommend starting in a safe place, like an empty parking lot or quiet neighborhood roads in the early morning, to practice basic maneuvers—turning, braking, and parking—repeating them until they feel familiar. Then, invite a trusted friend to ride along in the passenger seat; their real-time feedback can ease the loneliness, while choosing short, familiar routes, such as a simple path from home to the supermarket, rather than rushing onto highways or busy downtown areas. Over time, this gradual adaptation will naturally build confidence. Before each drive, do some prep work: check tire pressure and light functions to ensure the car has no hidden issues, avoiding unnecessary anxiety. Mistakes are part of the learning process—looking back, I had my share of minor bumps, but none were a big deal. Stick to regular weekly practice and slowly expand your challenges, and you’ll find the fear fading away unnoticed.
