AD – This is a collaborative post
I’m 28, so it’s officially been 10 years since I learnt how to drive, passed my driving test and bought my first (and still only car to date). I honestly can’t believe it’s been that long but I still remember the process and the ups and downs like it was yesterday.
Photo by kevin laminto on Unsplash
I had a pretty long journey with learning how to drive. A journey that is actually still very much happening right now, 10 years later. Like most kids, I started lessons the second I hit 17. They were my birthday present from my parents. However the first driving school and instructor I had did not work out for me. He was rude and shouted at me whenever I got anything wrong.
So I left him and started lessons again a few months later with another instructor who had been highly recommended by girls from my school. He was much nicer, constructive and took things at your own pace. And definitely didn’t shout when you made a mistake.
In the meantime, I had passed my theory test and was coming up to my practical. It took me 3 times to pass. But I did it, I passed a couple of weeks before I turned 18 and then all in the same week, I turned 18 and bought my first car. That week was like the epitome of independence for me.
But only a few years after that, my anxiety disorder started and hit me hard. If you’ve been reading my blog for long enough then you’ll know some stuff about me and my anxiety (if not, I have a whole book where I tell my whole story that you can purchase here!) and driving was one of the main things that I couldn’t do anymore.
For almost a decade, I couldn’t drive. I was too anxious. Even the thought of sitting behind the wheel was enough to get my heart racing. But in the Summer of 2019 when I started anxiety medication and really knuckled down with getting myself better, I started driving again.
I’m still driving now although I still have a long way to go. But building that confidence back up to start driving again has been so hard. Today I want to share some of my tips for learning how to drive – both the practical and the mental:
Make sure you’re 100% happy with your instructor
Driving a car is no joke. It can be dangerous. So the absolute LAST thing you need when you’re a new driver and undoubtedly nervous, is being stuck with an instructor that makes you worried or stressed out. No teacher should make you feel that way.
Remember it’s okay to be nervous
Nerves are so normal when it comes to learning how to drive. Regardless of what age you are when you decide to take lessons. Driving a car for the first time can be a daunting prospect but with the right guidance and instructor, it’s something you can learn to do safely.
Take things at your own pace
When it comes to driving, everyone learns at a different pace. Some pick it up super quickly, others need more time. And neither is right or wrong. Don’t compare yourself to other people you know who might have passed their test quicker or found it easier. Your pace is the right pace.
Don’t break the law
I don’t mean by speeding or not having your seatbelt on. I think those are pretty cut and dry things you shouldn’t be doing when behind the wheel! When you’ve passed your test, if you need to use someone else’s car to get about somewhere, make sure you get cheap temporary car insurance to cover it.
Study for your theory!
I know some questions in the theory test seem utterly ridiculous and common sense. But when it comes to actually taking the test, it can be very easy for brain farts to happen! So make sure you take your theory test as seriously as you will your practical.
Wear comfy clothes
Probably not something you’d have imagined on this list but sitting in a car for hours can get uncomfortable. And if you’re driving, you want to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible so your attention isn’t elsewhere. And don’t forget how important your choice of shoe is too – you’ll want to wear something comfortable but flat.
Try to drop those expectations
Just because you watch Formula 1 religiously doesn’t mean you’re going to jump in a car for the first time and know what to do. Bit of an extreme example but you know what I mean! Drop any expectations about how you might perform or what might happen. Learn as you go along.
Don’t dwell on your mistakes
And speaking of learning as you go along, make sure you don’t dwell on your mistakes. EVERYONE makes mistakes when they learn how to drive. It’s nothing to be ashamed about. It’s a learning curve. Assess what happened, try again and move on.
[…] think about and they don’t worry about the ramifications of their actions. When you are first learning to drive, you think about every single eventuality because it’s an entirely new part of your […]
Your post inspired me to share my thoughts on driving. Thank you for detailing out your experience so well and providing helpful tips.
These are some really helpful tips. I know I’ll most likely feel nervous when taking the driving lesson. I hope I get to learn how to drive this year and if it doesn’t work out hopefully next year.
Fingers crossed for you!
These are all brilliant tips Jenny! I started learning to drive when I was 17 but eventually gave up on it, just didn’t gel with the instructor and I found myself dreading each lesson! It really knocked my confidence but I’m hoping to start lessons again maybe next year! xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Honestly having a good instructor that you get on with is one of THE most important things! x
Thank you for sharing these useful tips! I’m late to the driving game and was planning to learn this year, but the pandemic put that goal on the backburner. I’ll keep these tips in mind when I eventually learn to drive. Thank you! 😊
Ah that’s a shame! Hopefully you can get learning next year! x
These are really helpful tips! I am starting driving lessons next year and I am absolutely terrified, but definitely want to make sure I find the right instructor for me. I don’t think I could handle someone shouting at me for making mistakes! xx
Oh gosh no. It’s awful. The right instructor is SO important so very best of luck with your lessons! x
These are some great tips! I can’t drive just yet, but will take this on board when I am able to!
Thank you 🙂 x
These are some really helpful tips. As of yet, I haven’t learnt to drive but I will definitely take these tips on board when I do start.
Thank you 🙂
I passed my test three…four years ago this week! I definitely recommend getting learner insurance and practicing outside of lessons x
All extra practice is good!
I haven’t learned to drive yet, but I do want to. These are some really helpful tips Jenny. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you 🙂 x
I hated learned to drive and due to an accident on the lesson before my test, chances are I won’t ever get behind the wheel again, it’s just not for me.
That sounds scary!
This is a great post. I passed my test at 18 then I drove I think twice, then had a crisis of confidence and didn’t drive again till I was 35. I love driving now but I’m still cautious.
At least you got back behind the wheel, well done!
I agree that having someone yelling at you while trying to learn is not helpful. How is added stress supposed to teach you anything? I would have looked for a different instructor too.
Exactly! Awful teacher x
Congratulations with learning to drive again. I am sure that is a huge thing for you. Great job. This is a fantastic post!
Thank you 🙂 It really was a huge thing for me!
Studying for your theory is so important, and having the right instructor too. I had the most amazing instructor and made driving the best!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
That’s amazing to hear!
Comfy clothes and shoes – genius, I would never have thought of that but you’re so right. It took me five attempts to pass my driving test but I like to think that makes me a better driver now. Completely agree that having the right instructor is crucial – I changed mine 3 times! xx
When it’s not right, it’s not right! And sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the difference, like wearing comfy shoes!
I don’t drive so will need to take these on board for when I eventually do! xx
Absolutely! 🙂
Really great tips! I definitely think wearing something comfy is important – I hate driving in uncomfortable clothes now let alone on a test!
Oh same! I can’t drive if I’m uncomfortable!
These tips are brilliant! I’d definitely advise the changing instructors if you’re not happy, I my first 2 shouted at me and made me so nervous I was shaking before the lessons. My 3rd was a woman and so brilliant and patient too.
And bless you, I’m glad you’ve got back to giving it a go again. I understand the anxiety side of things, my medication has helped so much so I get what you’re feeling. Thanks for sharing this stuff!
Yes! You know when an instructor isn’t right for you and so glad you found one that you worked so well with!
These are great tips for learning how to drive. I’m 18. I’m planning to start learning how to drive and this came across super helpful! 💖
Hope these help!
These are such helpful tips for learning how to drive, I love how you said about doing things at your own pace, you definitely need to do that when learning to drive, it should never be a rushed process! I took things at my own pace when driving and I don’t regret that x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Totally agree. It’s not a competition with anyone!
Great advice. I tried at 18 and then again at 19 with a terrible instructor. Then I started just before I turned 32, having written it off really. Within a few lessons I was ready for my test.
I honestly think once you’re ready, it just clicks in to place x
Wow that’s amazing. Really shows how important timing and the right instructor is!
My driving instructor was ace!
Great post! You’ve provided so many great tips and encouragement for those learning to drive. My biggest tip would be not to drive with others your age for the first year (it’s a requirement here in Canada). I’ve seen the result of accidents where high school students take a group of friends out on a fast food run on their school lunch break. Thanks for sharing!
Oh wow really? I didn’t know that was a requirement! I drove with my friends pretty early on and had no problems but I totally understand what you mean!
Love this! Especially your tip about the instructor. I had a horrible instructor that I stayed with way to long and it cost me so much money! However, after I switched, I suddenly had my license within a month.
Amazing what a decent instructor can do!
I got in such a state on my final driving test that I’m very surprised I passed – I actually had a meltdown mid manoeuvre 😂 I think a lot of my problem was that I kept comparing myself to my friends who were passing first/second time and I just ended up putting myself down and feeling like a failure. These were all friends who were practicing in between lessons whenever they could whereas I was having one hour a week so realistically of course they’d pass before me! These are great tips – thanks for sharing! X
Oh no! There really is no need to compare it’s not a competition 🙂
I’ve been driving for 10 years and I can say with my hands up that I would HATE to have to take the test again. I was so nervous and when the tester told me I’d passed I almost hugged her I was so shocked. But since then, and since getting into recovery/wellness I find it much easier to manage my anxiety on the road. What stopped me driving for years was a lack of faith in myself opposed to other drivers. x
You know what, that’s EXACTLY the same as me. I just didn’t trust myself to keep myself (or others) safe x
These are all some super helpful tips. I still don’t know how to drive a car but I will keep these in mind whenever I learn to drive. My partner says the right instructor made a difference
Your partner is right!
I remember learning how to drive and how absolutely terrified I was to drive! I was excited for the freedom that it gave but but I was nervous because of how many wreaks there are and crazy people that don’t know how to drive or don’t drive responsibly. At the end of the day though, I’m so glad that I stuck with it and the don’t dwell on your mistakes is in my opinion one of the most important!
Yes totally agree! We all make mistakes and as long as we learn from them, that’s all that matters!
I think getting the right instructor is the absolute key x
It sure is x