Sorry to raise the stakes so early, but they say that when you get given your driving licence, you’re granted responsible for a lethal weapon. That’s a whole lot of Jame Bonds out there, with licences to kill.
Indeed, for this reason and for many people, driving is a cause of great stress and anxiety, but in many ways a timid, anxious driver is as dangerous as one trying to emulate Lewis Hamilton. Even if you yourself are an excellent driver, there are unpredictable hazards on the roads, completely out of your hands. So, keep them on the wheel and throw your self doubt out of the window (and into a bin; we’ve all seen those viral videos) with these; our 5 IDEAL tips for increasing your driving confidence.
NEVER STOP LEARNING
You might find it helpful to continue to have lessons even after you have passed your test; pass plus courses are available which cover motorways and more advanced manoeuvres amongst other things, and are definitely worth your while if driving confidence is short. Sure, passing your test means that you’re competent at the wheel, but there is still more that you can do to develop your skills. This is also a particularly helpful tip if you have not driven for a long time and are feeling a bit rusty; a refresh can work wonders on the road.
SET GOALS
Much like any other task, setting yourself goals is a great way to develop your abilities and confidence. Gradually work your way up, and you’ll soon start to feel much more confident behind the wheel. But what targets are appropriate, we hear you ask. A few goals worth aiming for include driving to a new destination by yourself, driving at night, or in bad weather conditions, or driving during rush hour. Of course, only undertake such challenges safely, with the assistance of an instructor or family member, and never do so competitively, but rather in the spirit of self-improvement.
BID ADIEU TO BACKSEAT DRIVERS
Yep, we realise that we just mentioned the guidance of a passenger, but it’s important to realise that who you have in the car with you will have a direct impact on how stressed you are, sometimes negatively, particularly if you’re a young, inexperienced driver. Make sure that you’re honing your skills with someone that you feel relaxed and confident with and try to avoid taking large groups of people with you until you feel more confident. You may also find it helpful to reduce distractions by turning the radio and your mobile phone off while driving. Though a little soothing music may help, we’d certainly not have LBC debates on Brexit raging.
INVEST
If you’re worried about safety on the roads, then you might want to think about buying a new car; an investment in safety, we think. Car technology has evolved at an impressive rate in recent times, and there are now many amazing features which can make your car safer and help you to be a better driver, such as automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist and blind-spot detection. Consider these as confidence boosters, and see where the road takes you.
PLACE YOUR FAITH IN A RECOVERY SERVICE
Many motorists worry about their car breaking down and being stranded in the middle of nowhere, which is an understandable concern. It’s also one easily assuaged. Indeed, you can alleviate this anxiety by having the number of a recognised and experienced car recovery service in your phone, such as Motors Recovery. Then, all you need to focus on is the road in front of you, remembering to check those rearview mirrors when necessary, of course!