Speaking of being an adult, I recently decided to over come my fear and learn to drive and today was the first day of just that! I have always hesitated and found excuses to avoid learning to drive, whether its that I can't afford to learn or I'm at university to don't need to learn or even that I just simply don't have the time...to be honest...none of these excuses were technically good enough at the time. Starting with ordering a provisional licence and then contacting an instructor through a recommendation I soon found myself sat in the drivers seat of a car. After hearing a whole number of different stories I didn't know what to expect but it was alright in the end I guess, its only been a few hours and I still can't decide how I felt about it but I do feel better for doing it. My instructor was very understanding of my nervous, patient and was happy to go over things multiple times so I thought I would put together some sort of guide for those who share my feelings about learning to drive!
First things first...get a provisional licence! Once you have one then you have 10 years to learn how to drive aka, convince yourself that it is a good idea before you are required to order a new one.
Next step...choose a driver based on someones recommendation, ask around, email a few drivers and be open about how you're nervous to learn - there are drivers out there that specialise in nervous drivers for this very reason. Ask the instructor what happens during your first potential lesson with them to get an idea of their methods and whether being thrown into the deep end is the best way for you or like me going at a much slower pace.
Once you have chosen and booked a lesson with them its a good idea to ask your relatives and friends that drive about driving. Knowing about a car and the basic mechanics and noises surrounding the car can really help a fear because it gives you a greater understanding of something your unsure about. You could even spend some time studying and take your theory test so that you understand the rules of the road however it isn't a must have thing for learning to drive you just can't take your practical exam without taking your theory exam.
The night before your lesson get some sleep! There's nothing worse than making your mental state worse with added tiredness.
On the day...
- Eat a proper breakfast no matter how nauseous your nerves make you
- Choose some flat and comfortable shoes - trainers or converses would be ideal
- If you need glasses then remember to take them
- Take a small bottle of water
- Don't forget your provisional licence as your instructor will want to see this
- Get them to pick you up from your home to avoid what could be a potentially stressful environment
- During the lesson remember to ask any questions that you might have no matter how silly it may seem - one of my first questions included has anyone ever crashed during a lesson.
- Get yourself a treat such as chocolate or sweets that you can eat after the lesson almost like a reward
Your instructor will most likely drive you to a large open space with few or no cars, they will then spend time going over the controls, experiencing a purposeful stall, how to use the mirrors and answering any questions you might have before getting you to try driving. My instructor didn't even let me go much above 5mph or turn any corners my lesson simply consisted of driving in a single direction, changing seats, being turned around and then driving straight again. She also reassured me that we wouldn't be going onto a busy road in the second lesson either.
Try and arrange your next lesson whilst your still sat in the car at the end whilst your still feeling good about your first lesson, this way you will get rid of any time you may have to panic or freak out and essentially avoid booking a second lesson.
0 comments:
Post a Comment