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Are you the holder of shiny new driving licence? Are you on the verge of clambering back into the front seat of your car after several years car-free? Are you about to take to the wheel for the first time since being involved in an accident?
If youve answered yes to any of the above, theres a good chance youll be lacking a bit of confidence about driving again. Listed here are 6 top tips that you can take advantage of to help you restore your self-assurance when youre behind the wheel. Take them on board, and youll be driving with poise and composure again in no time.
Go For A Spin With An Experienced Driver
When it comes to driving without an instructor sat next to you, or getting back on the road after a long absence, it can be tempting to recruit the services of a family member to help you. Truth be told, this isnt always such a good idea. As experienced as your mum or dad might be when it comes to operating a vehicle, theyre likely to be less concerned with your ability to drive than they are of your overall safety. Subsequently, theres a good chance youll get plenty of stern lectures and/or panicked shouts whenever youre on the verge of making a mistake.
A much better course of action is to ask an experienced friend to come along for the ride with you instead. Theyre much less likely to give you a telling off, and far more likely to be relaxed in the passenger seat. Whats more, theres probably a greater chance of them being blunt and giving you the real kind of advice that you need to improve your driving skills again.
When you head back out on the road, you need someone whos cool, calm and collected alongside you not someone whos going to panic at the first sign of trouble, and try to use a car which is suited to you, in that it makes you feel confortable and at ease. Get a feel for the market at a local car dealer for example.
Educate Yourself On Your Car
Nobody reads car manuals, right?
Well, if youre getting back into the drivers seat, it makes perfect sense for you to buck this trend and learn everything about your vehicle that you possibly can.
With education comes knowledge, and with knowledge comes confidence. If youre aware of all the warning signs and understand the specific ways in which your car functions, youll be much better equipped to deal with an issue if one ever arises.
Knowing your car inside-out is a great way for you to restore your sense of self-assurance when you get back on the road.
Take Lessons
Taking driving lessons isnt like doing your GCSEs. Just because youve already passed the test once, doesnt mean you cant do the preparation all over again.
If youve just passed your test and are still lacking a bit of confidence, hunt around on the web for some advanced driving lessons. These are widely available and often cater to the drivers specific concerns. For example, if youve got anxiety issues with regards to driving in poor conditions, your instructor will call you up when the snow starts falling to book a lesson and help you learn how to operate your car in problematic weather.
If youre just eager to learn the basics again after an extended absence from driving, book a normal lesson and explain your situation to the instructor. As weve already established, having a composed, experienced driver beside you in the passenger seat can make all the difference when it comes gaining back your confidence.
One Step At A Time
This is an obvious one. Some driving instructors like to throw their students into the deep end from the very first lesson, and whilst this can be an effective tactic for tuition, its not such a good idea when youre driving alone for the first time in ages (or ever).
Take baby steps to begin with and get used to the dimensions of your car. Drive slowly around the block, practice a few turns in the road, and get used to stopping and starting at junctions. Youre bound to find itll all come back to you quicker than you could have ever imagined.
Take Regular Breaks
If youre beginning to get into the swing of things and decide to venture out into more adventurous driving territory such as the motorway or country lanes be sure to stop on a regular basis and take quick breaks. This will allow you to maintain your composure, stretch your legs, and keep a clear mind.
A good driver is a relaxed one, and stopping at the side of the road from time to time on your first few outings will help you to remain unruffled which will go a long way to restoring your overall confidence.
Practice In Quiet Spaces
Practicing driving in quiet areas without any traffic or bystanders lurking on the pavement is a great way to improve your skills as a driver.
Head out early in the morning or late at night and find some well-lit spaces in to re-train yourself when it comes to parking up your car. Also, look for some quiet residential streets on an incline to practice hill starts and parallel parking. When you start to get a bit of confidence back, head out to the bypass when theres a chance of little traffic.
Other road users can put you under immense pressure whilst youre easing yourself back in to driving, so taking the time to seek out quieter spots will help you get your skills back at a faster pace without the unnecessary strain and stress that traffic can impose upon you.
