Driving (best, actor, GPS, places)

[LauraPetrie]

I've just started to drive and everytime I go out on the roads, I'm a nervous wreck . I lose my mind, and I get so confused, I dont know what to do.
I need to learn desperately ! Waiting for my husband to take me out is not possible anymore and my 3 yr old has started going to preschool, with all the activities and stuff I need to take him out often . I drive from home to school , but that's because it's just a mile and I'm familiar with the road. I'm horrible on new roads. I dont know whether to concentrate on the road, on the street signs , on the traffic in front or on the signals .I seem to miss out on one thing or the other I'm so scared , I dread going out and listening to people honk at me . I know I'm bad, but I really dont know what to do. I try my best .I dont even put on the music or talk to anyone when I'm driving . I cannot ! Is it just me or does this happen to everyone when they start learning ? I'm beginning to feel I'll never be able to drive confidently and I've almost given up. . My husband tries his best to teach me , but looks like we havent succeeded so far If anyone has any tips , please tell me, I could most certainly use em

[da jammer]

just imagine everyone else on the road.....is in their underwear Oh wait, that is public speaking

Honestly someone who is not confident behind the wheel is a hazard on the road so it's important that you get this dialed in asap. The only thing that will really help is what me and the guys like to call...ahem cough cough ummmm "azz time" Your butt in the driver's seat hopefully with a professional guiding you in a calm helpful manner. Having driven for a living for nearly the last 30 years I do take this pretty seriously and I hope you turn to a pro to help you feel confident and competent behind the wheel. Losta lives depend on it.


p.s. Hubby as a teacher prolly not a great idea ...and that's jammer's whoppin' 2 cents worth

[citybythebay]

Have you considered a driving school? It would help with the confidence factor and you're driving with someone else, at the same time learning tips.

For the longest time when I first started driving I was freaked by the highways!...I finally mustered up the courage and just did it...and here it is about 20 yrs later and I've trekked by car across the US twice. Citation free.

Reading the signs, watching the oncoming traffic and everything that goes with that, will come with time and experience and with that experience will also bolster your confidence.

Try to ignore the road ragers that are rude and honk their horn.
And don't give up....you can do it!

[SunnyKayak]

You should also get a GPS unit to help you navigate on unfamilar streets.
I know I have seen on the Black Friday ads that several places have units like tom tom and Magellan on sale for 124 bucks that is a very good deal.

This way you know what lane to merge into without hunting down the street names.
As above posters have stated a Driving School would be a good investment.

[LauraPetrie]

Thanks for the kind words City. I did consider going to a driving school. But I am not certain if they will be able to help me with my nervousness ? I mean I know all the rules and everything, but it all goes for a toss when I'm out on the roads.

Da Jammer , I think you have a point there . My husband is the most patient man in the world, but when it comes to teaching me to drive, he's lost his cool more than a couple of times Though I must say he tries his best
But again my question is, will the driving school help me deal with my anxiety when I'm on the drivers seat ? I thought all they did was teach us rules of the road .. I'm sorry, I dont know much about all this..
Sunny, we had a GPS . It got stolen last month , but sure planning to get another one this Thanksgiving You're right, I was a little more confident when I had that for support..lol

[lionking]

goodness the ammo for the roast just comes in abundance doesn't it?


click:turning my computer off....for real now.....I swear,....I promise.....well let me go back and look at nurse good body just one more time before I do,thanks for that scranton.


edit;Happygirl,seriously,it will all work out.practice on back roads first.

[MB2]

Hey there, girly girl.....what's cooking?
The above mentioned suggestions are right on the button...driving school, and GPS is a BIG help.
However...it does Not remedy the "knot in your stomach" when heading out.
You need to be in your "own little world" while driving, concentrating on the road, and NOT getting spuked or panicked of what other people do, or might do!
Use common sense..........because most other drivers are not worth taking as an example.
Most important thing....TAKE YOUR TIME!
If they ride your bumper.....have that "I don't give a sh$$$ attitude"...they can pass, if they want to!
Don't let them engage you in a dangerous cat and mouse game!
Stay safe, my friend!

[MonaLisaVito]

Originally Posted by HappyGal

I've just started to drive and everytime I go out on the roads, I'm a nervous wreck . I lose my mind, and I get so confused, I dont know what to do.
I need to learn desperately ! Waiting for my husband to take me out is not possible anymore and my 3 yr old has started going to preschool, with all the activities and stuff I need to take him out often . I drive from home to school , but that's because it's just a mile and I'm familiar with the road. I'm horrible on new roads. I dont know whether to concentrate on the road, on the street signs , on the traffic in front or on the signals .I seem to miss out on one thing or the other I'm so scared , I dread going out and listening to people honk at me . I know I'm bad, but I really dont know what to do. I try my best .I dont even put on the music or talk to anyone when I'm driving . I cannot ! Is it just me or does this happen to everyone when they start learning ? I'm beginning to feel I'll never be able to drive confidently and I've almost given up. . My husband tries his best to teach me , but looks like we havent succeeded so far If anyone has any tips , please tell me, I could most certainly use em

Oh Happygirl, don't be scared ~ just take it one day at a time, don't let the husband teach you either, please, use a professional.








Oh and by the way, if you see me coming on the road...

GET OUTTA MY WAY MISSY!!!

[Ronzou]

I still get nervous when I drive! Because I run into drivers from everywhere... Well not run INTO, but you know what I mean!

All I can say is, on the weekends when there is nothing going on, just go out early and do some driving.

[rosie50]

Driving school souonds good but take your time. If you are not comfortable with the instructor, ask for another. Not all instructors teach the same way. They should not be hurt by this request. The same happens when you ask a friend/family member to help you. The most important is to be able to go at your own pace, not someone else's. Speed will come with practice and personal comfort.