Driving Frustrations

Hey.. I would like to ask. I just started driving. I'm not doing too badly, but after I finish my couple of hours driving at a time with my instructor, I can't help but keep all the things I have done wrong in my head for the next few days. In which then does not compell me to be mentally prepared for the next time that I drive. I woudl like to ask if anyone could get me some help on how I can overcome this as best I can.I just want to live another normal day of life again.

 

Remembering what you did wrong isn't too much of a bad thing, because it helps you remember what you are supposed to be doing on the road. Then the next time you drive with the instructor, you'll know what not to do this time.

I went through the same thing four years ago with my instructor, and I always felt like I would never learn how to drive. I ended up doing extra hours with him just to make sure I felt confident enough to be out on the road, because I sure didn't think I was.

Instead of thinking about what you did wrong, reflect on what you did right and praise yourself for that. Did you do something that you didn't think you could do, and did it well? Pat yourself on the back. Think more about the positives, and if negatives start popping up instead, review your driver's manual to see why it was wrong and how to avoid doing it again. You can usually pick one up for free (or for a small price; mine was free) at the RMV nearest you, or the website for your state's DMV may have it available for download. That way, you can prepare yourself for the next driving day.

 

As Nashida suggested, one thing to do is read through the driving manual which you can pick up at any DMV for free. Relax with it and get familiar with it by going through it a few times. There are little questions in the driving manual here and if they are in your manual, you can quiz yourself.

To calm yourself, you may want to also, as funny as it sounds, try imagining yourself in the car driving and going over things that are the -right- things to do rather than focusing on the wrong things you may have done. Listen to your instructor's criticisms and just try to remove those errors by thinking on the actual correct things to do. When you are driven around with your parents, imagine yourself at the wheel doing the proper turns, blinkers on, hand over hand turns, etc, and the other things like proper breaking etc. Feel the motion of the car as it speeds up and slows down. Acclimate yourself with it. If someone in your family will help you out to get some extra time, that is a great thing too. If nothing else, go sit in the car and do techniques with it not on, putting yourself imaginarily in situations where you may have to act.

Focusing on the right things to do will help you pass the driver's test and also get through the course just fine. Note the mistakes so you don't repeat them but try to not focus on those. If you are having troubles in any certain areas, go ahead and post here as to what they are and we can perhaps give you some tips on how to do the thing you need to easier. Good luck and hope this helps.