While many people are excited about getting their driver’s license, few others are rather anxious about driving alone.
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You could relate to that initial experience as a scary situation, since there’s no longer anyone there to assist you.
Note that driving alone requires confidence, thing that not many people have, even after driving with a supervisor/instructor.
For that reason, here you’ll learn how to easily overcome the fear of driving.
#1 Have a licensed passenger with you
It is very common for fully licensed drivers to feel nervous about hitting the road by themselves.
Don’t feel bad about it. Every new habit comes with some element of fear or anxiety and it takes time to get used to it.
That said, try to drive around your local area with someone else as a passenger. It could make you feel less tense about it.
As you keep getting more confidence, take some short trips by yourself. You’ll notice a change, even within a short period of time.
#2 Take in-car driving lessons
Taking driving lessons is the best remedy for those drivers who are hesitant about driving alone, especially new drivers.
In fact, it’s an easy path for getting more confidence and practice. This choice provides a scheme of learning, which is ideal for people who may need to reinforce some driving areas.
You’ll quickly see positive results after completing the course. It’s all about getting prepared for the unexpected while on the road.
SEE ALSO:Ā 5 Defensive Driving Tips to Keep You Safe On The Road
#3 Avoid driving at night
Driving at night may cause you some anxiety, which is normal but it has nothing to do with fear but simply lack of confidence.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, deadly car accidents are four times higher at night than during the day, which gives you a solid reason why you should start driving during the day.
It’s the best choice since many new drivers need to get familiar with the road and rid of anxiety.
#4 Keep getting more practice
It doesn’t matter how many mistakes you make while on the road. Don’t even pay attention to those hasty drivers who honk the horn to get ahead of you.
Keep your cool, drive safely, focus on what’s going on around you, and keep working on areas that you are not really that confident about.
Even if you get involved in a car accident, keep practicing and never let your fear conquer your will to become a better driver.
#5 Proceed to highway driving
The typical new driver tries to find ways of getting to a destination without having to drive along the highway.
Is it because of fear? Possibly. But many people are also not sure about their ability to drive alone, especially on the highway.
A good way to overcome that anxiety is to drive through quieter highways.
Once you start getting confidence, try to drive along those multi-lane roads until you are fully confident about driving alone.
SEE ALSO:Ā Highway Driving: Top Safety Tips for New and Experienced Drivers
#6 Listen to music while driving
Perhaps you think that listening to music while driving could affect your concentration. That’s not technically true since you are in control.
Music could be a good source of distraction but only if you let it distract you.
Listening to relaxing music, say classical genre, at a moderate volume helps you relax and enhances your concentration while on the road.
Is your vehicle covered by auto insurance?
Driving alone could be challenging for some new drivers, but practice is the key to overcome the fear of driving alone.
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2 comments
This is an issue that we are dealing with in my family. I have a 30 year old brother that refuses to drive due to fear of driving. Does anyone have any tips on how to calm his nerves so he can gain the freedom of not needing rides everywhere?
Hello Eric! A good advice is keep on practicing until he feels confident about it. He should know that he is not alone as many people out there deal with the same anxiety, but practice is the solution. He could always do some deep breathing exercises to relax his body before hitting the road. That helps reduce anxiety and focus on the vehicle. It’s a normal sensation that he will get over it with practice and relaxation. He can do it! š