It’s perfectly normal to feel a little nervous after you’ve passed, especially when driving without the reassurance of an instructor by your side. However, with practice, patience, and the right approach, you can build your confidence and become a more capable and self-assured driver.

At Surrey Driving Force, we’re committed to helping drivers of all experience levels improve their skills and confidence on the road. In this blog, we’ll offer practical advice on how to build your driving confidence and refine your skills, whether you’re a new driver or looking to improve after some time away from the wheel.

1. Start Small and Build Gradually

When you first start driving on your own, it’s natural to feel a little unsure. To ease into independent driving, start with short journeys on familiar routes and build up gradually as your confidence grows. By taking things one step at a time, you’ll become more comfortable behind the wheel without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Drive familiar routes: Stick to routes you know well, such as trips to work, the supermarket, or a friend’s house. These familiar routes will help you focus on refining your driving skills without the added pressure of navigating new or challenging roads.
  • Increase your journey length: Once you’re comfortable with short trips, start increasing the length of your journeys. Gradually venturing further from home will help you gain confidence in handling a wider variety of road conditions and situations.
  • Drive at quieter times: Try driving at off-peak times when there’s less traffic on the roads. This will allow you to practise without feeling rushed or stressed by heavy traffic, particularly if you’re navigating junctions or roundabouts.

By taking things slowly and building up your experience in a controlled way, you’ll feel more confident with each new journey.

2. Practice in Different Conditions

While you might have completed your driving lessons in fairly straightforward conditions, it’s essential to gain experience in all types of weather and on different types of roads. By practising in a variety of conditions, you’ll become a more versatile and confident driver.

  • Drive in poor weather: The UK’s weather can be unpredictable, and driving in rain, fog, snow, or ice presents its own set of challenges. To build your confidence, practise driving in different weather conditions at times when you can take it slow. Adjust your driving style by slowing down, increasing your stopping distances, and using your headlights or fog lights when necessary.
  • Night driving: If you haven’t done much driving in the dark, it can feel daunting at first. Start by driving at night in well-lit areas, such as towns or cities, and then progress to darker, rural roads as your confidence grows.
  • Motorway driving: Many new drivers feel nervous about driving on motorways due to the higher speeds and multiple lanes. Motorways are actually some of the safest roads in the UK, but they require practice. Consider taking motorway driving lessons, such as those offered in the Pass Plus course, to gain confidence in handling higher-speed driving.

The more experience you gain in different conditions, the more confident you’ll feel, making it easier to adapt to any situation you encounter on the road.

3. Consider the Pass Plus Course

If you’ve recently passed your driving test, you may not have had the opportunity to gain experience in certain driving situations, such as motorway driving or driving at night. The Pass Plus course is an excellent option for newly qualified drivers looking to build confidence and learn new skills.

Pass Plus is a government-backed course designed to help new drivers improve their driving in more advanced or challenging conditions. It covers six modules:

  1. Motorway driving: Learn how to drive confidently and safely on motorways, with guidance on lane discipline, merging, and overtaking.
  2. Night driving: Get experience driving in the dark, adjusting to reduced visibility and the use of headlights.
  3. Driving in bad weather: Practise driving in rain, fog, snow, and ice, and learn how to adjust your driving style to stay safe.
  4. Town driving: Navigate busy urban areas, with a focus on dealing with congestion, pedestrians, and complex junctions.
  5. Rural driving: Improve your skills on narrow country roads, dealing with sharp bends, uneven surfaces, and potential hazards like farm vehicles.
  6. Dual carriageways: Learn how to handle higher speeds and the specific challenges of dual carriageways.

Taking the Pass Plus course can not only boost your confidence but may also help lower your car insurance premiums, as many insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete the course.

4. Improve Your Parking Skills

Parking is an area where many new drivers feel nervous, especially in busy car parks or on narrow streets. By practising your parking manoeuvres, you’ll soon feel more comfortable and confident, whether you’re parallel parking, reverse parking, or parking in a bay.

  • Use quiet car parks: Practising in an empty or quiet car park is a great way to hone your skills without the pressure of other cars around. Set aside time to practise reverse parking into bays, and make use of your mirrors and reference points.
  • Master parallel parking: Parallel parking can be tricky for new drivers, particularly on busy streets. Start by practising on quieter roads with plenty of space, then gradually challenge yourself with tighter spaces as you improve.
  • Take your time: There’s no need to rush when parking. Take your time, make use of your mirrors, and don’t be afraid to adjust your position if necessary. It’s better to take longer and park correctly than to rush and make mistakes.

With regular practice, parking will become second nature, and you’ll feel much more confident in busy or tight parking spaces.

5. Set Yourself New Challenges

Once you’ve gained confidence with the basics, it’s time to set yourself new challenges. This will help you build on your existing skills and continue to grow as a driver. Some challenges you could set yourself include:

  • Drive a new route: Challenge yourself to drive to a new location, whether it’s a nearby town or a scenic spot you’ve always wanted to visit. This will help you navigate unfamiliar roads and improve your sense of direction.
  • Drive in rush hour: Once you’re comfortable driving in quieter conditions, try driving during rush hour. While this can be more stressful due to the heavier traffic, it will help you improve your ability to stay calm and focused under pressure.
  • Take a longer road trip: If you’re feeling more confident, why not plan a longer road trip? Whether it’s a trip to the countryside or a visit to a new city, a longer drive will help you improve your stamina and ability to handle a variety of roads.

By gradually pushing yourself to try new things, you’ll continue to develop your skills and become a more confident driver.

6. Stay Calm and Avoid Stress

One of the most important aspects of building driving confidence is staying calm and avoiding stress, particularly when you encounter unexpected situations on the road. While driving can sometimes be challenging, it’s important to remember that you’ve passed your test because you’re capable of driving safely.

  • Breathe and relax: If you feel nervous or anxious while driving, take a few deep breaths to help calm your nerves. Remember that it’s okay to take your time and drive at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
  • Don’t be afraid to pull over: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, whether it’s due to heavy traffic or unfamiliar roads, don’t hesitate to pull over somewhere safe. Taking a short break can help you collect your thoughts and reduce stress before continuing your journey.
  • Stay focused: Avoid distractions such as mobile phones or loud music while driving, especially if you’re still building your confidence. Staying focused on the road will help you stay in control and make better decisions behind the wheel.

By maintaining a calm and positive mindset, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and build your driving confidence over time.

7. Ask for Extra Help if Needed

If you’re struggling with a particular aspect of driving, or if you’ve been off the road for a while and feel rusty, don’t be afraid to ask for extra help. Many driving schools, including Surrey Driving Force, offer refresher lessons for drivers who want to improve their skills or regain confidence after time away from driving.

  • Refresher lessons: Refresher lessons are tailored to your needs, whether you want to practise specific manoeuvres, build confidence on motorways, or simply refresh your general driving skills.
  • Motorway lessons: If motorway driving is an area where you feel unsure, taking dedicated motorway lessons can make a huge difference. With the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll learn how to navigate motorways safely and confidently.
  • Defensive driving: If you want to take your driving skills to the next level, consider taking a defensive driving course. This will teach you advanced driving techniques and how to anticipate and respond to potential hazards on the road.

Getting extra help when needed is a positive step towards becoming a more confident and capable driver.

In Conclusion

Building your driving confidence takes time, practice, and patience, but with the right approach, you can become a more skilled and self-assured driver. By gradually increasing your driving challenges, practising in different conditions, and seeking extra help when needed, you’ll continue to improve and feel more at ease behind the wheel.

At Surrey Driving Force, we’re here to support you at every stage of your driving journey, whether you’ve just passed your test or are looking to refresh your skills. With our expert guidance and tailored lessons, you can build your confidence and enjoy the freedom that comes with being a skilled and capable driver.