Whether you’re a learner driver or have been driving for years, there are lots of people who are keen to feel more confident behind the wheel.
Here’s our tips and tricks to feel more in control on the road.
Nervous drivers
Driving a car is a big responsibility, so it’s understandable that some people feel nervous about it.
There are people who may have been driving for 30 years who still feel uncertain about it, so don’t worry – you're not alone!
There are plenty of ways you can build your confidence when driving.
Learner and new driver nerves
It’s very normal to be nervous getting behind the wheel for the first time, whether you’re learning fresh at 17 years old or you’re slightly older.
It might take you a little while to feel confident and calm behind the wheel – and that’s ok!
Read our in-depth guide on learning to drive for some more info on getting started.
Also, if you’re feeling especially anxious, there are driving instructors who specialise in nervous drivers. Do some research and you may be able to find one for you!
How to overcome your nerves
Lots of people get nervous about driving, for lots of different reasons. It’s completely normal, and there are many ways to stay on top of it.
We’ve shared a few tips on how to build your confidence below.
Practise
It’s a cliché, but practice makes perfect.
The more you practise, the safer you’ll become as a driver – and hopefully that’ll start to make you feel more confident.
Get out onto the roads as often as you can to practise.
Plan your routes
One thing that can be helpful is to plan your routes ahead of time.
Have a look at the way your sat-nav or phone is taking you, just to get a feel for the route.
Look out for any big roundabouts or busy junctions so you can be prepared.
Use P plates if you’re a new driver
If you’d like to, you can choose to use ‘P’ plates if you’ve just passed your test.
These aren’t a legal requirement, but they let other road users know you’re a new driver and to be patient with you.
Read our guide on L and P plates or download our printable P plate.
Know your weaknesses
If you know that you particularly get very stressed with roundabouts or on motorways, make sure you plan your journey with them in mind.
Either you can amend your journey slightly, or sometimes just knowing they’re coming up can help reduce the nerves as you can prepare yourself.
Some people also get nervous about driving at night, or in bad weather conditions. Check out our guides for some extra tips and peace of mind:
Get rid of any distractions
It’s harder to stay focused if you’ve got lots of distractions in the car, so take some steps to maintain a calm environment:
- Don’t listen to music or podcasts, or keep them on at a low volume
- Drive by yourself or with a trusted person who will respect when you need a bit of silence to concentrate!
- Make sure any pets are properly restrained in a harness or crate
Refresher lessons
If you’ve been driving for a while and have lost some of your confidence, don’t be afraid to get some refresher lessons.
You can use these to top up your skills and gain some confidence back.
Getting in the right mindset before your drive
Make sure you’re in the right mindset before you drive off.
Go through your route again, run through some practical reminders, and just make sure you’re feeling calm and ready.
How to calm down
If you feel yourself getting extremely stressed or even close to a panic attack while driving, the best thing to do is to find somewhere safe to stop.
Once you’ve pulled over in a safe spot, take a minute to regroup. You might want to:
- do some breathing exercises
- call a friend or family member to have a quick chat
- get out of the car for some fresh air
Do whatever works best for you.
Don’t start driving again until you’ve had a minute to calm yourself.
Choosing the right insurance for you
You have a few options when it comes to getting the right car insurance for you.
Learner drivers
If you’re a learner driver, lots of insurers offer learner driver insurance. This is specialised car insurance, which is designed for people before they’ve passed their test.
You can choose how long you need it for, depending on how long it takes you to pass your test.
New drivers
If you’re a new driver, a good option could be black box insurance.
Black box insurance is a type of car insurance. It’s when a small device is fitted in your car to measure how safely you drive.
If you’re a safe driver, it could mean you get a discounted price when it’s time to renew.
Premiums can be more expensive for new drivers who don’t have very much experience, so this could be a good option. It also lets you prove how safe of a driver you are.
All drivers
It’s a legal requirement to have at least Third party only car insurance, but if you’re an especially nervous driver, it can be a good idea to have comprehensive cover in place.
‘Third party only’ cover means if you have an accident, your insurer will pay out to the other person involved but you won’t be able to make a claim for damage to your car.
‘Third party, fire and theft’ is roughly the same, but includes cover for fire damage and theft too, as the name suggests!
On the other hand, comprehensive cover means you and your car are protected too, plus it’ll usually include cover for a range of other incidents too, like theft, personal injury and more.
This just gives you a safety net knowing you’re fully protected if something does go wrong on the road.
Find out more on our car insurance page.
