Nervous Drivers Welcome!
There are many, many reasons why a driver could be nervous. It’s my job finding what exactly your challenges are and to help you to ease into driving with an adjusted view to independence on the road.
Sounds like a nice opener to get you all excited just to be let down again by a friend, family member, driving school or driving instructor? Not quite.
In teaching a vast number of people to drive I have found that a number of general challenges out there apply to most new drivers, but it doesn’t mean it’s any less real for you as a person. When someone says: “Everyone’s nervous when they start to drive”, I don’t think they realise how big of a problem it can be for some people. Sometimes it’s even so bad that the driver will totally avoid certain routes, develop an anxiety disorder and sadly, they might give up driving completely.
So much can be done for nervous drivers – they just need to hang in there and find the right person to assist them. Being left alone with their thoughts is normally the worst thing that can happen as negative re-enforcement just strengthens the resistance to driving.
Every person is actually very unique in their learning curve when it comes to driving – their approach, style, attitude and experience is unique to them. I respect that and the most interesting part of what I do is to adapt my coaching to the individual’s needs. Actually, I think it’s a blessing and honour to work with people, see their personal growth and to celebrate their successes.
More often than not there are very small influences that need to be identified and once they are out in the open…the FUN can start. Yes, it does end up to be fun. It is fun when you get the hang of it and feel your confidence grow when you get better and better at driving. You may not be cut out to spend inordinate hours on the road as would be required of a sales rep or such but then again I love to see people in a position where they at least don’t hate driving altogether.
People are susceptible to influence from others and many times just being a mere passenger in a car with a “bad” driver could leave an indelible mark. On the other hand, the same experience could render that same person determined to not EVER be a “bad” driver. Influence from others could be as insignificant as how a person shifts gears, how they hold the steering wheel…and other tell-tale signs. Very, very interesting.
Yes, for some, it may be a case of “face your demons” but it simply is not an all-round solution that will work for all nervous drivers. Patience, understanding, empathy and commitment goes a long way in seeing nervous drivers succeed. Pressure, of whatever kind, normally fuels the fire to just more anxiety, more resistance and ultimately, it leads to the feeling of failure if a driver feels that they have to live up to the expectations of others.
No matter in which category you want to place yourself or not, the ideal thing is to just never give up!
Thank you! You often write very interesting articles. You improved my mood.
Glad I could lift the spirits a bit, Bunker! Chin up!!
It really DOES get better in time. I’ll hold thumbs for you, OK?
Praise your site for your help to drivers.
@Copland,
Thanks, Dude.
I try and cover articles of that which wouldsurely not make part of K53 driving education. The important stuff, you know?
Nerves are everywhere but nowhere as dangerous as behind the wheel of a vehicle and a place where a person should be cool, calm,collected and confident.
Keep a lookout for other articles on basic stuff that forms part of learning to drive and that gets the nerves in a twist.