By The Acclaim Team on 01st July 2021 in News
Whether you’re preparing for your first lesson or you are restarting your lessons after a prolonged break due to COVID, you may be feeling a little anxious and nervous to get behind the wheel.
Driving anxiety isn’t anything to be embarrassed about - and it usually affects those that are new to being behind the wheel or are simply putting off beginning their lessons altogether. It’s completely normal and many of our students feel the same way before their very first lesson.
Fortunately, with the right instructor and plenty of practice, you’ll be on your way to becoming a confident and safe driver in no time.
Here are some of our top tips that have managed to see hundreds of anxious students pass their test each year with Acclaim Driving.
Find the Right Instructor for You
At Acclaim Driving, all of our instructors are carefully vetted and have successfully supported hundreds of learners to get on the road and secure a full UK driving licence. Our driving instructors are the best in the business and will do all they can to help you to pass your driving test as quickly as possible.
You should also understand that you won’t be driving independently on the road during your first lesson as this your instructor will be on hand to guide you through getting started.
Talk to Your Instructor
We also recommend talking to your instructor about your nerves as they will be able to support you by adopting a learning style to better suit you.
Your driving instructor will never put you too far out of your comfort zone and will ensure that you feel comfortable during every manoeuvre you take. They will also communicate with you and have regular touchpoints to discuss how you are progressing and which areas you could improve your confidence in.
If your biggest fear is making a mistake and crashing, please do not worry. Your driving instructor has their own set of pedals and has control over the car if you make a mistake.
Our fantastic team of drivers will monitor your progress every step of the way so whatever your age or ability, we can equip you with all the skills you need to pass the DVSA driving test and confidently obtain a full UK driving licence.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
One of our most important tips is to wear comfortable clothing during all lessons and all instances behind the wheel after passing your test.
This means wearing clothes that do not restrict your movement and shoes that are comfortable and will not slip as you are driving. We recommend wearing comfortable trainers that fit securely to your foot with a flat sole. It’s important that your driving footwear allows you to freely apply even pressure on the pedals and pivot your heel from one pedal to another.
You should avoid wearing heeled shoes, flip-flops or sandals, and you also may feel more comfortable avoiding boots.
Drink Plenty of Water
Hydration is key - and water has been shown to have natural calming properties. It’s also proven that those who do not regularly drink water feel less calm and more tense.
This is why we always recommend drinking plenty of water before your lesson and taking a bottle of water with you to drink when it’s safe to do so.
Drinking plenty of water also supports having a good night’s sleep - something that you’ll find extremely useful the night before taking a lesson or test!
Take Your Time
Every learner will learn in their own way and time. So don’t worry if you are not learning as quickly as those around you.
Every lesson you have will contribute towards your confidence behind the wheel. Even if that means spending more time focusing on your driving manoeuvres or clutch control, it will make you a better, safer and more confident driver in the long run. Driving really does get easier the more you practice!
Spend Time in the Car
One tip we find extremely effective is to encourage students to spend more time behind the wheel outside of lessons.
If you are lucky enough to have a friend or family member who has their own car, or even if you have your own car, then we do recommend taking the time to sit behind the wheel and get familiar with the pedals and switches. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have to physically drive, but even taking the time to get familiar with the car will help you during your lessons and practical test - particularly with the show me / tell me questions.
Learn With Acclaim Driving
If you are suffering from first driving lesson nerves or driving anxiety, you are not alone! Many students go through the same when first starting their lessons and eventually go on to become confident and safe drivers.
Pass your driving test with confidence and be on the road in no time with our industry-leading driving instructors. All of our instructors are super friendly and you can either book a driving lesson online or call the office and one of the team will talk you through your options.
Here at Acclaim Driving, we are always here to help with your driving test needs. Be sure to contact us, or reach out on 0800 838 440 if you have any questions about passing your driving test.
