While there are so many people out there who just can’t wait to get their driver’s license, for some, it’s a bit of a scary idea. The concept where you control a metal device weighing hundreds of pounds, developing speeds that humans were never designed to travel is a bit of a scary notion. Still, with so many people doing it successfully, this fear might not be as rational as you think. Here are the top 10 tips to help you overcome your fear of driving.
1. Think about everything that you’ll gain
The first thing you need to keep in mind is that you don’t have to focus on the risk but on the gain instead. You’ll have a more efficient commute to school/work. Your grocery runs will be more efficient. There’s so much that you stand to gain and freedom (in this case freedom to travel wherever and whenever you want) comes at a price.
2. Remember who else is driving
While this might not be the most positive of attitudes, sometimes comparing yourself to others may have a positive effect. For instance, everyone has that one coworker, a neighbor, or a cousin that they simply can’t imagine doing anything right. Still, even these people (more often than not) have somehow mastered driving. If that’s the case, what’s there to stop you from doing the same? Absolutely nothing.
3. Get as many driving lessons as you need
There’s usually a government-mandated number of driving hours before you get to do the test, however, you can get as many driving lessons as you need. This way, you’re behind the wheel with an instructor in a controlled environment. Now, there are some who are ashamed to admit that they need extra lessons. However, there’s nothing wrong with admitting that you need to prolong your learning process a bit. This is really the best way to ensure that you’ve gotten everything right.
4. You have as much time as you need
The majority of non-drivers believe that being able to steer properly involves great reflexes and the ability to think fast, however, this is not always the case. The truth is that you can keep your vehicle as slow-moving as you want and you can keep as much of a distance as you feel you need. How fast you’ll have to react depends on the situation that you put yourself in. Speeding is never mandatory. Do, you have to get somewhere in time? Depart on time!
5. Make sure your car is fully functional
For some people, the fear of driving comes from the idea that the car is not in the best shape. They might be afraid that the vehicle will malfunction somewhere along the road and that there’s nothing that they’ll be able to do about it. However, if you take proper care of your vehicle and take it for a service on a regular basis, you can cross this fear off the list. The key issue here is that it’s a technical matter that you can resolve in the simplest manner possible. One other thing that can ease your mind is getting good car insurance.
6. Take it easy
When just starting out as a driver, you don’t really have to put yourself in situations where you depend on your car commute. For instance, you don’t have to take your car to work on the first day (thus putting yourself at risk of getting there late if there’s a delay in the traffic due to your own mistake). You can just go to the nearby store. You also get the privilege of getting to choose the time of the day of this driving session. Pick the time of the day with less traffic.
7. Don’t do it alone
When first starting out, it might be beneficial to have someone else in the vehicle (to help you out). This person doesn’t have to be a seasoned driver (although it would be quite great if they were). Instead, they might be there just to provide support. Still, keep in mind that, at one point, you’ll have to do it alone. Remember, the whole point of driving lies in achieving a higher level of autonomy and freedom.
8. Listen to relaxing music
There are some tunes that can just help get you in the mood. Keep in mind that you get to choose your own playlist, so why not pick something that you’ll be comfortable with. Now, while there are a lot of road trip classics, the thing is that this is just too subjective. So, pick something suitable and personal. Something that mentally takes you to a happier place.
9. Prepare for anxiety
When they say fear, what the majority of people are referring to is anxiety. This is a crippling state of mind, which could cause quite a bit of trouble on the road. Fortunately, unlike panic attacks, anxiety doesn’t happen out of the blue. So, you can learn how to recognize anxiety early on and stop aside until it blows over.
10. Learn how to calm yourself down
Just recognizing anxiety is not enough, you also need to learn how to calm yourself down and there are several ways you can do this. For instance, you can try some breathing exercises or try using affirmative language. The idea that you can just pull over at any time is also something that will help keep you calm.
In conclusion
In the end, you need to start with yourself. Why do you fear driving? Is it the vehicle, the traffic, or your own competence that worries you? Once you know the cause of the problem, resolving the matter will become a lot easier.
