I’m a rubbish driver help :(

5

I learnt to drive at uni and came back to my hometown with my license, since then I’ve made countless mistakes whilst driving. I’ve taken the wrong exits and ALWAYS miss my exit. I once stalled so much at traffic lights people just started over taking me. I understand how the road works - it took me under a year to pass and I had lessons like every week but had lots on so didn’t get my test done for a while, I did pass 1st time with 3 minors but I’ve started driving alone now and I’m so awful.
I need some advice on driving. I want to know how to get better but I get so flustered and stressed when driving that’s when the mistakes happen.
How do I stay calm? How long until I actually become a good driver? Can you tell me about ur experience?
It’s so disheartening because my parents expect me to be perfect instantly and I’m just awful they keep shouting at me about it too.

Reply 1

username7708060

4

Original post

by Lotto63936

I learnt to drive at uni and came back to my hometown with my license, since then I’ve made countless mistakes whilst driving. I’ve taken the wrong exits and ALWAYS miss my exit. I once stalled so much at traffic lights people just started over taking me. I understand how the road works - it took me under a year to pass and I had lessons like every week but had lots on so didn’t get my test done for a while, I did pass 1st time with 3 minors but I’ve started driving alone now and I’m so awful.
I need some advice on driving. I want to know how to get better but I get so flustered and stressed when driving that’s when the mistakes happen.
How do I stay calm? How long until I actually become a good driver? Can you tell me about ur experience?
It’s so disheartening because my parents expect me to be perfect instantly and I’m just awful they keep shouting at me about it too.

You can still get extra lessons after you have passed your test. That is not uncommon. Do you find it difficult to concentrate? People with adhd might find it hard - I appear to have traits of adhd and I cannot drive long distances on motorways unless they are quiet because I get so bored, distracted and restless sitting for so long. I hate driving on motorways and I have to hyper focus. Driving isn't for everyone. When you start talking to other drivers they all have moans about driving. Perhaps you are just not enjoying it. Every driver will tell you, it's about practice. You are not alone - lots of people do hours of driving after their test until they get used to it. You could pick a journey that you really want to do to see if that makes a difference. Why do your parents keep shouting at you? You need to go grey rock on that one and keep calm. (I'm a parent btw - born in the 60s) I didn't pass my test til I was in my mid 20s and hated driving and I love going on trains anywhere instead but with two kids I have to drive. I used to smoke and I'd cope with driving by lighting up every ten minutes until I calmed down. I don't smoke any more and I don't advise that but chewing gum reduces stress. Try that when you set off to see if it calms your nerves and don't be afraid to get 'refresher' lessons and suggest that to your parents because you say you really want to be a good driver. Or if they would pay, get them to send you on an advanced drivers course - that should sort it out. It's about confidence. Deep breaths and take it steady.

Reply 2

Dunnig Kruger

20

You've not crashed your car yet. You've not been convicted of a motoring offence.
You're on target to get your first year's no claims bonus.

So far you've been a good enough driver.

It's much better that you're an alert safe driver than an over-confident / inattentive driver.

I find it easy to stall low torque manual petrol cars. Stalling is no big deal. It's just a case of adjusting your muscle memory to reduce the stalling. And, of course, reacting in a safe way to a stall.
Some people over-rev low torque manual petrols to avoid stalling. The trouble with that is the clutch wear.

The extra lessons suggestion from Georginadoll is a great one. Many instructors teach their pupils how to pass their test. Find an instructor that will finish off teaching you how to drive well.

Apart from that, carry on. You'll be gaining more and more experience as you drive.
Please don't get like certain friends of mine that refuse to drive on the motorway. Or are very reluctant to drive at night.

When your insurance premiums come down, you could look to swap your car for an automatic or a diesel (higher torque engines and therefore easier to avoid stalling).

Your parents have unreasonable expectations. I bet they weren't so brilliant when they first passed. Ask them about their accident and convictions history.

Reply 3

DUOMI CNC

1

Why not choose an automatic car or a new energy electric vehicle? It's very simple.

Reply 4

AmiVibes

15

Original post

by Lotto63936

I learnt to drive at uni and came back to my hometown with my license, since then I’ve made countless mistakes whilst driving. I’ve taken the wrong exits and ALWAYS miss my exit. I once stalled so much at traffic lights people just started over taking me. I understand how the road works - it took me under a year to pass and I had lessons like every week but had lots on so didn’t get my test done for a while, I did pass 1st time with 3 minors but I’ve started driving alone now and I’m so awful.
I need some advice on driving. I want to know how to get better but I get so flustered and stressed when driving that’s when the mistakes happen.
How do I stay calm? How long until I actually become a good driver? Can you tell me about ur experience?
It’s so disheartening because my parents expect me to be perfect instantly and I’m just awful they keep shouting at me about it too.

Honestly, you’re not a rubbish driver — you’re just a new one. Everyone sucks at the start, even if they passed their test. Driving alone feels totally different from lessons, so it’s normal to panic and mess up. Missing exits, stalling, taking wrong turns… everyone goes through that phase. The more you drive, the less your brain freaks out. Try taking smaller, familiar routes for a bit until you get your confidence up. And don’t beat yourself up when you make a mistake — literally every driver on the road has done the exact same things. Staying calm just comes with practice, not perfection. Your parents might mean well, but their expectations aren’t realistic. You’ll get better just by doing it regularly. Give yourself time — that’s genuinely all it takes.

I’m a rubbish driver help :(

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated