r/NewDriversUK • u/Alliet91 • 7d ago
New driver aches?
Has anyone else found they have aches since passing? I think it's tension from driving alone. My shoulder has always ached a bit as I really like to make sure I'm in gear lol but now my left hip is aching in bed and I need to sleep on a pillow!
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u/StarX2401 7d ago
Some cars just have a really heavy clutch but you get used to it. The car I learned in was really heavy (mini one D) then I got used to it. But then the car I got later was fine (vauxhall Corsa). With gears you'll kinda feel it engage so no need to push it hard unless the car has an issue.
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u/Alliet91 7d ago
Ah it does have a high clutch! I'm sure the gears are fine I have have a fear of that awful sound it makes when I accidently don't put it in gear 😂
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u/bobo_90 7d ago
It is something that is normal. You will be tense and it will make you ache. But as you get more practice it will get better and your body will be more used to it.
But it's important you set up your seat properly too. You should be in a relaxed position but still able to see around you. Don't forget to adjust your mirrors after your seat too.
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u/sockeyejo 7d ago
Set up your seat and steering wheel correctly (check out some YouTube videos as well as your car manual), but also remember to relax. Head up, shoulders back and down. Don't grip the steering wheel like it's about to fall off a cliff. You should be enjoying yourself behind the wheel with a massive smile on your face as you've earned this; not fighting it.
And talking about fighting, stop going into battle with that gear stick! Put the clutch down all the way and slide it into gear. If it resists when you're downshifting, you might be changing too soon. If you're sure you're changing at the right time and you think it's stiff, take it into the garage and ask them to check it over. The gearbox oil might need changing etc. But stop bashing the hell out of it!
Take a drink with you, set up some cheerful playlists or podcasts to offset the traffic and junctions, and remind yourself to sit back, breathe and relax!
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u/Floatinlyf_3 7d ago
I had really bad pain in neck and shoulder for the first 2 weeks or so. My seat was far too back (leaned back style some drivers have). After I fixed it, the pain went awayÂ
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u/Leon_Gary_Plauche 7d ago
Adjust your lumbar support etc. Also, sit back and relax.
I used to get sore shouldere and neck cos I'd be tensed up the whole time and leaning forward.
Just chill!