It's okay to be afraid of driving at least a little bit. It is the deadliest thing we do every day, after all. As a matter of fact, it's the leading cause of death of people one to 54 in the United States.
That doesn't mean your fear should keep you from learning how to drive. It can be a very safe activity, as long as you take it seriously and focus while you're behind the wheel.
The question is, how exactly do you get over your initial fear to get behind the wheel for the first time? Here are some tips to help you overcome your fear of driving so you can get your license and enjoy your time on the road.
Drive With Someone You Feel Comfortable With
It is always important to drive with someone you feel comfortable with, but it is especially important if you feel a bit scared behind the wheel. If you drive with someone you feel even a little bit nervous around, you are more likely to make mistakes, and making mistakes is the last thing you want to do when you're trying to overcome your fear of driving.
Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and ask if you can drive with someone or say no if someone else offers. You don't have to get behind the wheel just because your uncle asks you to drive him somewhere, and if you feel more comfortable with mom than dad, just say so. You can always drive others when you have built a little bit more confidence.
Drive the Right Car
Eventually, you want to have enough confidence to be able to drive nearly any vehicle, but that doesn't have to be the case right away. While you're learning, drive a car you feel comfortable in.
A few of the best cars for teens to drive include:
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Honda Fit
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Toyota Corolla
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Ford Escape
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Kia Optima
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Hyundai Sonata
Cars are the best to drive when learning, and SUVs can be great to drive too. Don't feel bad if you aren't ready to learn how to drive a manual or your dad's truck is too intimidating. You can always practice driving other types of vehicles later.
Study the Rules of the Road
There is a lot that can overwhelm you about driving. Figuring out how to operate a vehicle can be nerve racking, but knowing the rules of the road can make you nervous too. There's a lot to learn!
It's important to spend plenty of time studying before you take the written driving test, but studying can help you feel more confident behind the wheel.
Read driving manuals, have a friend or family member test you, and take quizzes online. The more you are exposed to different kinds of signs and who has the right of way and when, the more likely you are to remember those rules when you're driving.
Start Small
Scared to hop on the highway? Worried about learning how to parallel park? These are important skills to learn, but they are among the most stressful. There's no need to jump into learning these skills if you aren't ready for them.
Instead, start small. Practice starting and stopping in an empty parking lot and get used to turning by driving around in your neighborhood. Once you have gotten plenty of practice building simpler skills, you'll be a lot more prepared to tackle more complex driving skills.
Practice Makes Perfect
Remember that practice makes perfect. Although it may sound like a cheesy saying, it's true that you'll only get better at driving if you keep practicing.
That means you can't let setbacks frustrate you. For example, if you're learning how to parallel park, but you just can't seem to get it right, try not to get too discouraged. Try parallel parking into a larger spot, as smaller spots are hard to master. You can also create your own parallel parking spot in a parking lot by using cones or even your shoes. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel with your new skill.
It's normal to feel a fear of driving, even if the rest of your friends seem to be excited to get their license. Don't feel like you have to rush behind the wheel. Take things slow and follow the tips on this list. When you do, you'll be able to overcome your fear, get your license, and ultimately feel comfortable and confident on the road.
