Just passed your driving test? 5 Tips to ease new driving nerves

1. Get to know your car

If the car you conducted your driving test in was different to your own, you have to make a point of getting to know your car inside and out. Familiarise yourself with every button, flap, switch and the function of each. Practice turning on the lights, wipers, and know where to open the fuel flap. Walk around the car to get a sense of its dimensions. This will help you gauge narrow parking spaces better and increase spatial awareness.

Minimise other worries by ensuring that you have enough fuel, that your washer fluid is topped up, and that your car's tyres are pumped at the correct pressure. Are all the lights and wipers working? Is the boot lid closed properly? 

 

2. Find your ideal driving position

Most cars will allow you to adjust the driver's seat height as well as the steering wheel, while some cars also have telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel as well. Either way, you need to ensure you're not too close or too far away from the wheel. The seatback should be fairly upright, but not so much that you have to strain your back, and certainly not reclined too far back either like Snoop Dogg!

Ensure that your side- and rearview mirrors are positioned correctly for good visibility all 'round. Also clear visual clutter and rubbish from your car for a more serene environment and less distraction. Don't wear restrictive clothing while you drive, and please, ladies, don't drive with high heels or platform shoes! The same goes for slippery flip-flops, and don't drive with bare feet either. The AA explains why you shouldn't drive in high heels, here.

 

3. Listen to relaxing music or turn off the radio, and put away your phone

Whether it's classical baroque or smooth jazz that makes you relax, ensure that you've downloaded it beforehand so you have a chilled-out playlist at hand for your trip. Sometimes it's best to drive with no music at all, depending on your environment and general stress levels. If the music is too loud, it also interferes with your senses and may impede your ability to react quickly. For example, you won't hear that motorcycle coming past or hear that truck getting too close. Other road users don't want to feel the vibration of your sound system's bass in their own cars either - it's just plain rude.

And, the last thing new drivers should be doing is texting or yakking on the phone while driving. If you're not charging your phone in the USB port, sometimes it's just better to keep your phone in the boot or cubbyhole to keep distractions to a minimum. If your car has Bluetooth, ensure it's paired with your phone before you set off, so you're not tempted to do it while you're driving.

If your car has a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality, you can give your device voice demands for true hands-free motoring.

 

4. Attend an advanced driving course

Whatever your skill level, an advanced driving course is always a good idea. You will learn more about defensive driving, and you will benefit greatly from learning other skills that weren't covered in your K-53 driving lessons. Learning and practising these skills in a controlled environment (such as a skid pan at a race track) with an experienced instructor will go a long way in soothing those new-driver nerves. Usually, these skills are learned in your own vehicle.

Can't afford additional driving courses? Don't worry. Get someone to drive with you as you expose yourself to driving in different environments and weather conditions. Practice makes perfect. 

 

5. Ignore impatient or rude road users

Take a few deep breaths, and pay no attention to the other drivers on the road who stress you out, flash their lights at you, tailgate you, or get impatient in general, especially if you're driving at the right speed. Don't be tempted to slow down on purpose to irritate them or to slam on the brakes, or make rude hand gestures. Road rage is very real, so the best way to deal with these people is just to let them pass and be on their merry way. In the same breath, don't drive in the fast line if your car is slow, or if you feel nervous being there. It's very frustrating for other road users who are in a hurry to get to work or catch a flight, to find a nervous driver doing 90 in a 120 km/h zone in the far right lane! 

Lastly, never take prescription medication to calm your nerves when driving. We can recommend a good vitamin B complex for frazzled nerves, but rather skip the tranquillizers. Stacking a B Vitamin complex with vitamin C may help with stress and increase energy and focus, and you'll have a stronger immune system as well! Get enough sleep and avoid energy drinks and coffee which can make you feel even more nervous.