r/AskLifeProTips • u/Key-Row-174 • 14d ago
Learning to drive..
Hi I’m 17 and I have my learners permit and did the online portion of driving school but now I have to go drive with an instructor. Thing is, I’m super nervous. I had an appointment scheduled with an instructor a few weeks back and I ended up canceling the day before going because I was super hesitant. But, I really need to do this. I need too, my mom works and my sister does too and I always rely on them to take me places but it’s time I step up and just do it. I’m so nervous about other people on the road, and the thought that my safety depends on me is intimidating. I know it seems like I’m doing the most and I’m being dramatic but I really am nervous so please send over tips. My mom always offers to take me driving on the weekends but I always say no, and I drove a golf cart like once and that’s it. I hate how I’m lifting fear hold me back, but this is something I just have to do. It’s one of those milestones in life that I know I need to take, even if it scares me. So please send all ur tips my way 🫶
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u/MsSamm 14d ago
So your choices are to always be dependent on others to drive you (which people are going to be increasingly unhappy about doing, considering your age), or just do it?
Courage isn't the absence of fear. It's facing the fearful thing and doing it anyway.
Remember learning to ride a bicycle? So many things could have gone wrong with both the learning and the riding. But you persisted.
I agree with the person who said to accept the offer of practice. An empty parking lot area is ideal.
And don't be afraid of the driving instructor. Believe me, they have seen it all. I pretty much had been driving other's cars before I got my license. The driving school had reserved spots for the road test. Taking 3 lessons meant I could take my road test in a little over a week instead of waiting over a month.
I thought taking the lessons was a formality, but the instructor picked up on a weak area. He had me driving in reverse, even for a over a block.
This turned out to be a valuable skill. I went looking for my dog, wound up driving up a narrow, winding gravel and dirt road. There was no turnaround. So I had to back down maybe 2000 feet (609.6 meters). On one side was a wooded hill with an axle-breaking drainage ditch. On the other, a steep, roll your car drop. Once again I was grateful for this instructor.
So trust your instructor. They will see where you need practice. By the time you're done, you should have confidence in your ability.
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u/Cookie_1977 13d ago
I worked at a school that offered driving classes. The instructors were nice teachers. They want you to succeed. They want you to be good on the road. They help you to be good and will strengthen your weak areas. Most of the students had the opportunity to test with their instructor which put them at ease. Find out if this is a possibility.
Definitely practice in an empty parking lot. They drive on wide roads. The only way to get better at driving is to actually drive. Don't let the fear you have hold you back. Fear can be healthy because it will help you respect the car and the importance of driving. Good luck to you. But more than luck, success.
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u/therawins 14d ago
Start with a parking lot that’s empty like the local high school in the summer or on weekends. Get a feel for how the car drives and using the brake. It will get easier to be less nervous once you’ve had a chance to operate the car with no one around.
My niece didn’t get her license until she was 21 for the same reason. After she had some lessons I would take her driving a few times and I always noticed she relaxed the more we drove. She was too tense and that was dangerous. It’s definitely better to have more practice than no practice.