What to Do If You Still Don't Dare to Drive After Getting Your Driver's License?
3 Answers
If you have a driver's license but are afraid to drive, you can find someone with extensive driving experience to accompany you. This can provide some psychological comfort, as having an experienced person by your side can make you feel more at ease. Stay calm and don't be nervous: Many people are afraid to drive on the road because of nervousness. In fact, as long as you adjust your mindset and relax, you can drive well, just like when you were practicing in driving school. Keeping a calm mindset is key. Find a quiet, less-traveled road: Alternatively, practice driving at night when there are fewer vehicles. Have someone accompany you and practice slowly for a few days. Once you're comfortable, gradually move to busier roads. Over time, you will become more confident in your driving.
I was also extremely nervous when I first got my driver's license, with my heart racing and palms sweating as soon as I started driving. My advice is to start with the simplest place—find a quiet parking lot to practice, focusing on steering wheel control and the brake pedal. Dedicate 20 minutes each day to driving, beginning with straight-line driving, then gradually adding small turns or reversing exercises. Fear is completely normal; many beginners go through this phase, so don’t blame yourself. Remember to take deep breaths, and listening to soft music can help relieve stress. After sticking with it for a week, you’ll feel much better. It wasn’t until my first month that I dared to drive on neighborhood roads—confidence builds gradually. Safety first: choose low-traffic times to practice, and don’t rush into challenging peak-hour traffic. On a related note, reviewing traffic rules and watching driving videos online can boost your confidence. Eventually, I got used to it, and now I drive as effortlessly as a seasoned driver. The key is more practice and less haste.
If you're afraid of driving, the most practical approach is to create a practice plan. I recommend starting in a safe open area or an empty industrial zone. The first step is mastering basic starting and stopping maneuvers. Commit to practicing for at least 30 minutes daily, with the goal of driving straight on flat surfaces only during the first week. Then progress to driving on residential streets with minimal traffic during early mornings, keeping speed below 30 mph. Document your progress: for example, achieving smooth stops on day one, then attempting turns by day three. Avoid driving in rain or at night during the beginner stage as the risks are too high. When needed, have a reliable friend accompany you as a co-driver who can provide on-the-spot advice. It took me two months to transition from fearful to confident, increasing challenges weekly. With enough practice, driving skills become instinctive, and confidence follows naturally. Don't forget to check vehicle functions like brake responsiveness - these small details ensure safety.
