Driving tips

[Advil Lavs]

I'm taking driving lessons, there are two hours left until my exam, unless my instructor decides I'm not ready which is pretty obvious. Somehow I'm getting worse, the last two times were pretty bad, the other two times before that were pretty good which should probabl mean I can do good but there is something stopping me. Now, I am nervous but I don't think it's is the only issue for why I'm doing worse since there hasn't been even one time I've been perfectly calm.
Sometimes, usually on intersections and roundabouts, I just block and either do something stupid or just take too much time to do the right thing and I instantly know I've not done what I have to do but my hands and feet and my brain are just not working together.
I'm sure there is at least one person here that has felt like this so please, tell me if you've found something that works for you.

 

[TheMinuMaster]

Relax your body and clear your mind of useless thoughts. You probably already know this, but knowing isn't enough, you have to do it.

 

[Sumea]

 

[Advil Lavs]

Maybe try driving a non-racecar next time. It won't be that bad

Post automatically merged: Thursday at 8:15 PM

Relax your body and clear your mind of useless thoughts. You probably already know this, but knowing isn't enough, you have to do it.

I'm trying. Also, weirdly enough the last time I drove well was in the middle of my busiest week in a while

 

[bjork]

The whole part of taking lessons is so that you can learn. I wouldn't sweat being nervous about it or about taking too long at first, because everyone has to learn somehow and nobody just sat down and nailed it first go. Just take a deep breath and think about the right things to do, maybe treat it like a checklist in a game with driving in it or something.
You likely won't be fully comfortable until you've done a fair amount of driving, and then it'll be like muscle memory until you drive a different car and you gotta adapt to differences between them. But you can do it, I'm positive.

 

[Graw]

Don't panic. Try not to worry about taking too long when turning or at intersections. It's better to make sure everything's clear than it is to jump out without looking first. Make sure you're comfortable managing your speed and lane position and remember to shoulder check before changing lanes. It all comes with practice though. Theore you drive, the more comfortable you'll get.

 

[moonbits]

Relax, check your mirrors, adjust your seat. If your instructor says to make a turn, flick the turn signal lever; It'll get you on the right mind set.

My best advise is to find a comfortable position for your feet so you can gently accelerate, you don't always have to press it all the time. Understanding how much pressure the pedals need is key for driving and breaking. Don't rush yourself, even on a busy street.

 

[Advil Lavs]

The whole part of taking lessons is so that you can learn. I wouldn't sweat being nervous about it or about taking too long at first, because everyone has to learn somehow and nobody just sat down and nailed it first go. Just take a deep breath and think about the right things to do, maybe treat it like a checklist in a game with driving in it or something.
You likely won't be fully comfortable until you've done a fair amount of driving, and then it'll be like muscle memory until you drive a different car and you gotta adapt to differences between them. But you can do it, I'm positive.

I know nobody has been born able to drive but I've spent at least 25 hours driving already, since I haven't spent every second of my lessons driving, and I still forget to do some basic things or take too long to decide wether I can or can't go after the next car or before the pedestrians have reached the crosswalk. That's why I started to get worried, even if worrying doesn't help anything.

Post automatically merged: Thursday at 9:13 PM

Relax, check your mirrors, adjust your seat. If your instructor says to make a turn, flick the turn signal lever; It'll get you on the right mind set.

My best advise is to find a comfortable position for your feet so you can gently accelerate, you don't always have to press it all the time. Understanding how much pressure the pedals need is key for driving and breaking. Don't rush yourself, even on a busy street.

I have to adjust my seat anyways beforehand. It's always at the furthest position from the wheel and I think I've seen the consequences of what driving with the seat too far or too close are. Also, the pedals have become an issue for me out of nowhere. I've been taking off okay but the last two lessons I started throwing the clutch or pressing it too much or pressing the gas too much and I don't know where that came from. That's mostly why I got so worried and why I made this thread.
Also, happy birthday!

 

[Zerpina]

@Advil Lavs
Since you mentioned roundabouts and your location states "Somewhere in Europe" I can't give you many tips, not being there and not knowing the driving test rules and such, but best of luck to you regardless.

 

[bjork]

I know nobody has been born able to drive but I've spent at least 25 hours driving already, since I haven't spent every second of my lessons driving, and I still forget to do some basic things or take too long to decide wether I can or can't go after the next car or before the pedestrians have reached the crosswalk. That's why I started to get worried, even if worrying doesn't help anything.

25 hours is not a ton of time, especially if you're new. And driving is a thing that requires adaptation, because you might always see a new circumstance. I'd been driving for 25 years before I ever drove on snow, for example. All I'm saying is, don't convince yourself that you can't do it, or you won't. Experience and practice will get you there.

 

[KenaiPhoenix]

Dont crash

After a while it will become a second nature. Like really it becomes so easy and even relaxing at times.

 

[skramz]

as someone who drives recklessly and speeds all the time, don't push your car too much, a transmission/gearbox/engine repair isn't cheap. drive carefully till you get the hang of things, then adjust to actual driving, because a green light not always means you get to pass, and not everyone will yield to you.

 

[Advil Lavs]

25 hours is not a ton of time, especially if you're new. And driving is a thing that requires adaptation, because you might always see a new circumstance. I'd been driving for 25 years before I ever drove on snow, for example. All I'm saying is, don't convince yourself that you can't do it, or you won't. Experience and practice will get you there.

It's not a lot of time but that's not far from the time given to be to learn those things and do well enough to pass the exam. I'm sure I can do better after 25 years of driving but I'll have to do good now so I can learn from experience later.

Post automatically merged: Friday at 6:01 AM

25 hours is not a ton of time, especially if you're new. And driving is a thing that requires adaptation, because you might always see a new circumstance. I'd been driving for 25 years before I ever drove on snow, for example. All I'm saying is, don't convince yourself that you can't do it, or you won't. Experience and practice will get you there.

It's not a lot of time but that's not far from the time given to me to learn those things and do well enough to pass the exam. I'm sure I can do better after 25 years of driving but I'll have to do good now so I can learn from experience later.

 

[bjork]

Dude. I'm trying to encourage you and say you can do it. Nothing more, nothing less. Some people don't pass on their first time or their fifth time, but they get there.

 

[Sfjeov]

Yo I'm also taking driving lessons as well. Idk what to say except that it's better to check your surrounding as well as your mirrors I guess.

 

[Advil Lavs]

Dude. I'm trying to encourage you and say you can do it. Nothing more, nothing less. Some people don't pass on their first time or their fifth time, but they get there.

Yea, even if I don't pass on my first time I shouldn't be ashamed. Even if it's difficult not to feel that way

Post automatically merged: Friday at 10:19 AM

Yo I'm also taking driving lessons as well. Idk what to say except that it's better to check your surrounding as well as your mirrors I guess.

I do that usually, my problem is being slow with decisions usually. I hope your lessons go well too.

 

[Kamako]

How did the exam go?

My number one advice would be: Check your rear view before changing lanes. But also just check it every now and then in general. It always makes me feel much more confident about my surroundings.

 

[Advil Lavs]

How did the exam go?

My number one advice would be: Check your rear view before changing lanes. But also just check it every now and then in general. It always makes me feel much more confident about my surroundings.

I haven't finished all my lessons yet. I might have to take four more before my exam. And checking the rear view is a good tip, thanks.

 

[Cardboardtubeknight Cardboardtubeknight]

Envision that you are walking

 

[medisinn]

If you're unsure, err on the side of caution. If you don't know if there is enough time to turn before a pedestrian crossing the street gets close to you, just wait and let them cross. Same with yielding for a turn. If you go too soon, it can lead to bad things, but if you wait longer than necessary, it merely takes a bit longer. Occasionally you may have an impatient driver behind you honk, but that's their problem and they are likely impatient with every driver they encounter. Listen to your instructor and follow the driving rules in your area and you'll be fine.

 

[Advil Lavs]

Envision that you are walking

Tbh, I'm not that good at walking either

Post automatically merged: Friday at 8:13 PM

If you're unsure, err on the side of caution. If you don't know if there is enough time to turn before a pedestrian crossing the street gets close to you, just wait and let them cross. Same with yielding for a turn. If you go too soon, it can lead to bad things, but if you wait longer than necessary, it merely takes a bit longer. Occasionally you may have an impatient driver behind you honk, but that's their problem and they are likely impatient with every driver they encounter. Listen to your instructor and follow the driving rules in your area and you'll be fine.

Waiting for others to cross whenever I'm unsure is usually a good thing but my instructor gets impatient too. I'll still try to do it whenever I can.