What to Do If You're Afraid to Drive After Getting a License?

[DelRebecca]

Here are some solutions for those who are afraid to drive after getting a license: 1. Familiarize yourself with the operations: New drivers face three unfamiliar aspects: the car, the road, and traffic rules. To get familiar with the car, find a quiet road and practice with an experienced driver. Learn how much force to apply when turning the steering wheel and the angle of the vehicle's turn. Besides steering, practice braking—how much force to apply and the stopping distance, as well as how to reduce jerks when stopping. Also, practice applying the right amount of pressure on the accelerator. 2. Get to know the road: Driving isn't just about getting the car on the road. Road conditions change rapidly, such as following other cars, overtaking, stopping at red lights, turning, making U-turns, etc. These are common situations on the road. The best solution is to have an experienced driver guide you from the passenger seat. 3. Pay attention to road signs in daily life. The more you drive, the more naturally you'll understand.

[JuliannaLynn]

I was also super nervous when I first got my driver's license, feeling like the steering wheel was a hot potato. Don't worry, start with the easiest things first—try driving around an empty parking lot or taking a short, leisurely drive around your neighborhood. The key is to familiarize yourself with basic operations, like turning and braking. Take it slow and don't put too much pressure on yourself. Reward yourself with a little joy after each practice session, like having a cup of coffee. Fear comes from the unknown—after driving a few more times, you'll find it's not so scary. You can also track your progress, like driving 10 kilometers today without any mistakes and challenging yourself to go further tomorrow. Remember, safety first—it's okay to drive slowly. Build up your confidence before merging into traffic.

[OSabrina]

I remember my hands trembling right after getting my driver's license—now it seems pretty silly looking back. My advice is to practice some basic skills first, like parallel parking or simple turns in your neighborhood. Follow along with a video tutorial on your phone, taking it step by step without rushing. Vehicle condition matters too—check things like tires and brakes beforehand, as car trouble can heighten anxiety. Make sure everything's in order before hitting the road. With time, the fear naturally fades. Start with 15-minute short drives and schedule weekly practice sessions to build consistency. Oh, and playing light music or rolling down windows for fresh air helps ease tension. Never force yourself—driving's a skill that improves with practice, after all.

[MargaretRose]

I've been through this phase too, always afraid of hitting something after getting my license. The simple solution is to find a friend or family member to accompany you for practice in a safe area—they can offer guidance, which is much better than guessing alone. Choose a weekend afternoon when there’s less traffic to drive on open roads, gradually increasing time and distance. Don’t be too hard on yourself mentally; making mistakes is normal—the key is learning from them, like why you braked too hard, and then adjusting your habits. Stick with it for two or three weeks, and you’ll notice your confidence growing, with the fear naturally fading away.