How to overcome the fear of driving a car to a beginner: useful tips

Even those who strongly want to learn to drive a car, there can be a fear of getting behind the wheel. There are fears of not seeing an obstacle, forgetting how to change gear or confusing the brake and gas. Whatever the fears of driving, it is possible to deal with them. Consider a few helpful tips.

Recognize your driving fears and work with them

If we understand exactly what we are afraid of, we can identify what the risks are. Then it's clearer how to back up and prevent scary trouble. For example, it's scary to mix up the brake and gas. You can act like this:

• Recognize when this can happen. When you have to drive on a narrow, busy street, you have to keep track of your surroundings and remember how to drive. Because of this strain, it is possible to mix up the pedals. Also, confuse the gas and brake when passengers distract the driver by talking.
• Decide how to prevent the mistake. Driving a car on a busy street you can at first say out loud what you need to do. Another option is to ask an experienced driver to sit next to you and give you a hint. You will have to agree with the passengers so that they do not distract you.
• It is important to position your feet so that you do not move them near the pedals. Keep the heel of the right foot on the floor and press the pedal with the toe and the middle part of the foot. Then the foot will not move toward the left pedal.

With other fears you can work in a similar way. When you know how to minimize the risk of error, it is not so scary to take on the job.

Know the rules of the road well

Having a great grasp of the theory and rules of the road will help keep distractions at bay. You won't have to remember how to act correctly in this or that situation. Otherwise, you can get confused and make a mistake: confuse the gas and brake or do not fit into a corner.

Practice driving skills to automaticity

During driving courses, pupils have access to obstacle courses for practicing. If you do not skip classes and take the opportunity to practice skills, the movement on the car will be given much easier. Driving with an instructor around the city is very helpful to practice in real conditions on the streets.

Being not behind the wheel, but in public transportation or in the car of friends, you can imagine how to manage the vehicle and monitor the environment. This will be a rehearsal for driving.

Provide the right conditions

When you have to get behind the wheel, it is important to feel physically comfortable as much as possible. Then there will be fewer distractions and the brain can be more focused on the driving process. For this, it is important to consider factors such as:

• The car is well ventilated before traveling.
• If a scented suspension is used, it is important to use natural essential oils. Artificial flavorings when inhaled can get into the brain and have a toxic effect, worsening its work.
• It is better not to drive hungry or immediately after a meal. Hunger creates background irritation. After a large meal, a person falls asleep.
• Loud music distracts. A favorite music track at a comfortable volume is invigorating and uplifting.
• Car windows and mirrors should be clean so that you can see clearly.

You can talk to a few experienced drivers and ask them about how they overcame their fear of driving. Their experience and advice will come in handy to deal with your worries. Such conversations will show that all novices have anxiety to some extent. This will give the novice driver confidence.