Dealing With Driving Nerves

A Step-by-Step Guide for Learner Drivers

Understanding Driving Anxiety

It's completely normal to feel nervous when learning to drive. About 40% of learners experience some form of driving anxiety, which typically decreases with experience.

Preparation is Key

Thorough preparation through theory study and regular practice can significantly reduce nervousness by building confidence in your abilities.

Professional Support

Our ADI-certified instructors are trained to help nervous learners progress at their own comfortable pace.

Practical Steps to Overcome Driving Nerves

  1. Start Small: Begin in quiet areas with little traffic to build basic skills without pressure.
  2. Set Achievable Goals: Focus on mastering one skill at a time rather than everything at once.
  3. Practice Breathing Techniques: Use calming exercises before and during driving sessions.
  4. Visualise Success: Mentally rehearse smooth driving scenarios to build positive expectations.
  5. Communicate With Your Instructor: Be open about what makes you nervous so they can adapt lessons.
  6. Establish a Pre-Drive Routine: Follow the same preparation steps each time to create familiarity.
  7. Focus on Progress: Celebrate small improvements rather than dwelling on mistakes.
  8. Gradual Exposure: Slowly introduce more challenging driving situations as confidence grows.

Calming Breathing Exercise

1
Find a comfortable seated position in your parked car
2
Breathe in deeply through your nose for 4 seconds
3
Hold your breath for 4 seconds
4
Exhale slowly through your mouth for 6 seconds
5
Repeat 3-5 times before starting to drive

Common Concerns and Solutions

Fear of Stalling

Practice clutch control in a quiet car park until you can reliably find the biting point. Remember stalling happens to all learners.

Nervous at Junctions

Start with very quiet junctions and use the MSM (Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre) routine methodically each time.

Test Anxiety

Take mock tests with your instructor to familiarise yourself with the process. Remember examiners expect to see minor faults.

Personalised Help With Driving Nerves