What to Do If You're Afraid to Drive for the First Time?
4 Answers
There are several methods to address the fear of driving for the first time: 1. Familiarize yourself with the vehicle: Since you're going on the road, it's essential to be familiar with the car you'll be driving. Get to know all the buttons and controls thoroughly, as unfamiliarity can lead to panic during driving, potentially causing incorrect operations for beginners. 2. Choose familiar routes: Beginners should always select routes they are familiar with for their first drive. This not only helps reduce nervousness but also allows them to get accustomed to the road conditions, avoiding many unnecessary troubles. 3. Adjust mirrors and seat: Due to differences in height and weight, everyone's position in the car varies. It's crucial to adjust your seat properly to ensure comfort and the ability to fully depress the brake pedal. Additionally, adjust the rearview mirrors to guarantee clear visibility behind you.
It's completely normal to feel shaky when driving for the first time—that's how I started too. Find a quiet time to practice, like early morning on roads with little traffic. I used to drive around residential areas at 7 a.m. on Sundays. Have a friend sit in the passenger seat to guide you, don’t drive too fast, and start by moving slowly in first gear. Practice steering and braking repeatedly until you feel steady. The key is not to rush—mistakes are part of learning. I almost ran a red light once but managed to brake in time. Playing some music can help you relax. After a few tries, you’ll naturally gain confidence. Looking back now, it’s not that hard—just practice more in safe areas as a beginner.
After driving for so many years, the most effective method I've seen for nervous beginners is to start simple. Choose a familiar route, like a small road near home, avoid peak hours, and have a trusted person accompany you—I'll be in the passenger seat keeping an eye out. Take a deep breath before starting, keep the speed under 50 km/h, and always signal and check before turning. Don’t rush, pay extra attention to mirrors and blind spots, and you’ll get used to it in a few days. Safety is key—bring your license and practice short drives a few times to gradually build confidence. Most people adapt within a week.
When I feel nervous, I tell myself to calm down and find a quiet place like a parking lot to start. Sit in the car and adjust the seat to a comfortable position. First, try operating the gear shift and light switches without starting the engine. Mentally visualize successful scenarios and practice basic operations step by step, such as gently pressing the accelerator and brake. Prepare some traffic rule knowledge to enhance the sense of control, and repeat the process a few times until you feel comfortable. A stable mindset is key, and the fear of being a beginner will fade over time.
