[fluffykitten123]

Hey guys

I passed my test 2 weeks ago and my parents got me a car everythings all up and running.
Pretty much everyday when I drive it I make atleast one mistake for example today I went round a corner too fast, misjudged speed of traffic on a roundabout, meaning I go when I should really wait. which has happened twice now, one when my brother was with me and today when my dad was with me. I'm starting to think they think I'm a rubbish driver and every time I make a mistake I feel really upset and when I get home I cry n stuff over it.

Also I was taught on a diesel and drive a petrol so I stall A LOT, any tips on how I can stop this? And a lot of drivers over take me when I do this which pretty much makes me feel worthless

How can I stop feeling like this and stop making petty mistakes?

[twoforjoy]

You only passed 2 weeks ago, it's okay! Trust me, loads of drivers are nervous even after they've passed their test, I was! That's why you can buy 'P' plates, because people understand that new drivers are going to make some mistakes. It all comes down to experience, keep driving regularly and you'll become more confident. The same goes for diesel and petrol transitions, it will get easier as you drive it more.
I find being more attentive to the clutch helps when driving a petrol car, I had the same issue when my driving instructor switched 2 weeks before my test!
I wouldn't get too hung up on what other drivers think about you on the road. It will only make you more insecure about your driving abilities, just think, the driving authorities have deemed you able to drive unaccompanied on the roads, so you must be good enough.
The only thing to do now is drive more. Get the experience and the driving skills will fill in themselves.
Good luck!

[vertichalle]

(Original post by twoforjoy)
You only passed 2 weeks ago, it's okay! Trust me, loads of drivers are nervous even after they've passed their test, I was! That's why you can buy 'P' plates, because people understand that new drivers are going to make some mistakes. It all comes down to experience, keep driving regularly and you'll become more confident. The same goes for diesel and petrol transitions, it will get easier as you drive it more.
I find being more attentive to the clutch helps when driving a petrol car, I had the same issue when my driving instructor switched 2 weeks before my test!
I wouldn't get too hung up on what other drivers think about you on the road. It will only make you more insecure about your driving abilities, just think, the driving authorities have deemed you able to drive unaccompanied on the roads, so you must be good enough.
The only thing to do now is drive more. Get the experience and the driving skills will fill in themselves.
Good luck!

This!!!!! I was really depressed about my driving when I started out, always making mistakes and getting really embarrassed around passengers! One thing my bf said to me was that before getting your licence, you learn to pass your test, you only actually learn to 'drive' when you're on the road after passing!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[Mockery]

General lack of confidence when driving should be a major on the test..

Cue the hate.

[GStevens]

(Original post by fluffykitten123)
Hey guys

I passed my test 2 weeks ago and my parents got me a car everythings all up and running.
Pretty much everyday when I drive it I make atleast one mistake for example today I went round a corner too fast, misjudged speed of traffic on a roundabout, meaning I go when I should really wait. which has happened twice now, one when my brother was with me and today when my dad was with me. I'm starting to think they think I'm a rubbish driver and every time I make a mistake I feel really upset and when I get home I cry n stuff over it.

All this just shows that making the theory test harder has done nothing to improve driving skills. How can you pass your test and still be so inept at the actual driving? Don't go out alone, take you dad and get some miles under your belt under supervision.

Also I was taught on a diesel and drive a petrol so I stall A LOT, any tips on how I can stop this? And a lot of drivers over take me when I do this which pretty much makes me feel worthless
[/quote]

Lame excuse. Same system, balance clutch against throttle, works for all manual cars regardless of power, engine size, torque etc . Diesel might have marginally more torque at lower revs but the stalling is purely poor skills.

How can I stop feeling like this and stop making petty mistakes?

You can learn to drive, rather than just learn to pass your test. Not your fault entirely but it's up to you to sort it out before you kill yourself or someone else.

[xoxAngel_Kxox]

(Original post by Mockery)
General lack of confidence when driving should be a major on the test..

Cue the hate.

I agree that very nervous drivers can be dangerous, but it's hard to know what's test nerves and what's driving nerves. Also, driving with an instructor and then driving on your own are VERY different, and the test situation is different to both anyway.

Being nervous when first starting is easy. The lack of dual control can be worrying, because you always knew before that even if you did something wrong nothing would happen. Now you have to be responsible for everything that you do, every little thing, you get no help.

Even experienced drivers make mistakes. My Dad's an instructor, and even HE stalls from time to time! But don't worry about it, dust yourself off and don't let it put you off driving because it's a great thing to be able to do.

[fluffykitten123]

(Original post by vertichalle)
This!!!!! I was really depressed about my driving when I started out, always making mistakes and getting really embarrassed around passengers! One thing my bf said to me was that before getting your licence, you learn to pass your test, you only actually learn to 'drive' when you're on the road after passing!


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

My best friend said the EXACT same thing to me too!

[fluffykitten123]

(Original post by twoforjoy)
You only passed 2 weeks ago, it's okay! Trust me, loads of drivers are nervous even after they've passed their test, I was! That's why you can buy 'P' plates, because people understand that new drivers are going to make some mistakes. It all comes down to experience, keep driving regularly and you'll become more confident. The same goes for diesel and petrol transitions, it will get easier as you drive it more.
I find being more attentive to the clutch helps when driving a petrol car, I had the same issue when my driving instructor switched 2 weeks before my test!
I wouldn't get too hung up on what other drivers think about you on the road. It will only make you more insecure about your driving abilities, just think, the driving authorities have deemed you able to drive unaccompanied on the roads, so you must be good enough.
The only thing to do now is drive more. Get the experience and the driving skills will fill in themselves.
Good luck!

thanks for the support, I just feel absolutely worthless about like I even want to sell my car and never drive again
I get a lot of people tailgating me too

[GStevens]

(Original post by twoforjoy)
the driving authorities have deemed you able to drive unaccompanied on the roads, so you must be good enough.
Good luck!

What total rubbish. Quite obviously this is not the case, the op is regularly stalling and making other basic car control errors. Passing a test only shows that you can pass a test and says little about your real life competence in the subject tested, just a brief look at the number of complete buffoons clutching a sheaf of A levels demonstrates that.

[GStevens]

(Original post by fluffykitten123)
thanks for the support, I just feel absolutely worthless about like I even want to sell my car and never drive again
I get a lot of people tailgating me too

At the very least get some P plates, show them there is a reason for your slow and erratic driving and it may encourage them to give you more space.

[LaurenPhilippa]

(Original post by fluffykitten123)
How can I stop feeling like this and stop making petty mistakes?

Don't worry about it!

Tbh, I think actual, proper driving begins after you've passed your test. Idk why, but learning to drive seems far more comfortable - I assume because of the helping hand of your instructor!

The fact you passed shows you are competent though, even if not entirely confident.

I'm sure you'll already do this, but put "P" plates on your car so other drivers give you a slightly wider berth and know that you may make a few mistakes.

Also, if you don't feel any better after a while, try a "pass plus" course. (:
they go over things like driving in bad weather conditions and motorway driving, to further build your skills and confidence. You also, as far as I know, don't need to sit an exam at the end of it.

Hope this helps, just relax, and good luck!

[Mockery]

(Original post by xoxAngel_Kxox)
I agree that very nervous drivers can be dangerous, but it's hard to know what's test nerves and what's driving nerves. Also, driving with an instructor and then driving on your own are VERY different, and the test situation is different to both anyway.

Being nervous when first starting is easy. The lack of dual control can be worrying, because you always knew before that even if you did something wrong nothing would happen. Now you have to be responsible for everything that you do, every little thing, you get no help.

Even experienced drivers make mistakes. My Dad's an instructor, and even HE stalls from time to time! But don't worry about it, dust yourself off and don't let it put you off driving because it's a great thing to be able to do.

I've never once thought that, didn't even realise there was a brake pedal in the passenger side until one of my later lessons. I was completely content and even happy thinking that I was the only one in control of that car throughout.

[vertichalle]

It's perfectly normal to be nervous about your driving, what reassured me was knowing that in passing my test, somebody thought me competent enough to be on the road! Fit in as much practice as you can and soon it will become second nature to you Good luck x


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[littlemissmidget123]

take someone with you so you do not have to drive alone - i found it useful taking my 16 yr old brother with me as he couldnt tell me if i was driving properly, which can be really annoying at times, and you will lack confidence, but would look out at junctions for me giving me reassurance - but dont do this if the person will just sit back, turn up the music and be a general nuisance. if you prefer go out with someone who can drive to give you a few tips, but i suspect you need to develop your independent driving more, so this may not really help. i wouldnt recommend taking friends out just yet.

dont worry about making small mistakes, however next time you drive round that corner, or any other corner reflect on your mistake and slow down more beforehand.. eventually it will become second nature.

ease into driving.. don't go on long trips straight out, but do short runs, like just down to the shop and back. the most important thing is to take it at your own pace and not get forced into anything.

with regards to driving petrol compared to diesel.. its all about the clutch control, and practice makes perfect.. you need to really use the gas and clutch at the same time, going somewhere empty and doing start stop start stop may help.. or just do a simple drive on quiet roads.. i.e. not in a busy town

as the above poster said.. you really do only learn to drive once you pass your test, but remember to focus, that may mean no music/radio or even talking.. talking to yourself explaining your actions, and observations such as "theres a zebra crossing ahead" can help however!

[Sean94]

Please don't take this the wrong way, but maybe you should try practicing at a quiet time of day or in out of traffic areas as then you will not feel rushed by other people. Driving around aimlessly on a lesson isn't something people do unless learning. Most people are driving to get somewhere, ie I drive to get to work/college etc so someone stalling/getting in the way/driving badly can be really annoying to many people, so try and stay out of the way until you feel confident. The most important thing is not to give up, but stay safe. If you feel really bad, get in touch with your instructor. They may offer to go out in your car with you and help. Keep trying, and let us know how you get on

[twoforjoy]

(Original post by GStevens)
What total rubbish. Quite obviously this is not the case, the op is regularly stalling and making other basic car control errors. Passing a test only shows that you can pass a test and says little about your real life competence in the subject tested, just a brief look at the number of complete buffoons clutching a sheaf of A levels demonstrates that.

I think obviously the reason she is stalling is because of the transition into a petrol car, and the control errors are because of nerves. She passed the driving test, meaning she can perform car control, parking manoeuvres and emergency stops. She obviously proved that she can drive and control a car without posing a considerable risk to other road users.

A-level passes aren't comparable to driving test passes. If the driving test weren't adequate to create safe drivers, then they would be made to be more vigorous. A-level exams aren't needed in the same way that driving tests are needed. Teaching yourself to pass a driving test is learning to drive. The only bit missing is the experience, which is what I have told OP she needs to become a confident driver.

Don't worry OP, keep driving!!

[smart girl]

You shouldnt worry too much, i felt the same way when i passed too. You should try driving a little everyday, even if its down the road to the shop. Practice makes perfect.

And if you still feel you need help, then you should try doing pass pluss, which is a total of approx six lessons.

Good luck


This was posted from The Student Room's iPhone/iPad App

[charlottemay93]

I'm exactly the same! Passed my test almost three weeks ago and I hate driving! I have a car yet still struggle, I'm nervous and have made some small mistakes (nothing too major though) I also stall alot! Going from a brand new car to an old one has thrown me. I try and go out every day to practice and really need to work on my parking! nice to know other people feel the same way!

[ROG.]

2 weeks since test pass ..... you are making a few errors .... nobody or anything has been damaged ....

If you are learning from those errors then dont worry ..... we all make errors

Those who do not learn from those errors are the worst drivers

Remember that you do not want to have an incident with others and others do not want to have an incident with you

If you have a friend etc who can remain calm and give you guidance then take them out a few times

[Ferncs]

Wow! Some people are being so harsh!

I haven't passed yet but my instructor has a diesel and I have a petrol. When I first went out in my car with my dad we drove around an estate for over an hour until I could actually start the car without stalling.

What really helped me is to go somewhere quiet (i.e. a car park) and really figure out exactly where the bite is on your car, practise a lot of peep and creep really focusing on the bite, just actually knowing in your head where it is helps so much. Also in diesel cars you can get away SO MUCH with not being on the gas, a lot of time when I do peep and creep I'm not even on the gas in my instructors car but you cannot do this in petrol.
If you are even thinking about getting that clutch close to the bite in a petrol car you have to be on the gas!

I hope that helped a little bit.