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: Yesterday 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: Yesterday 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.