Passing your driving test is a significant achievement, marking the beginning of a new chapter in your life as an independent driver. However, for many newly qualified drivers, the thought of being behind the wheel without the reassuring presence of an instructor can be a little daunting. It’s perfectly normal to feel unsure of yourself at first, but with time, practice, and the right approach, you’ll soon build up your confidence and become a competent and self-assured driver.
At Surrey Driving Force, we understand that passing your test is just the start of your driving journey. In this blog, we’ll provide practical tips and advice on how to gain confidence on the road, so you can fully embrace the freedom and independence that comes with having a full driving licence.
1. Take Things Slowly at First
One of the best ways to build confidence after passing your driving test is to take things slowly. Driving on your own for the first time can feel overwhelming, but by gradually increasing the complexity of your journeys, you’ll ease into solo driving without feeling too pressured.
- Start with short trips: Begin by driving familiar routes, such as to work, the shops, or a friend’s house. These are routes you’re likely comfortable with from your lessons, so they’re a great way to get used to driving alone.
- Drive during quieter times: Try to avoid peak traffic hours at first. Driving during quieter times of the day, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, will help you focus on your driving without the added stress of heavy traffic.
- Build up gradually: Once you’re comfortable with shorter, local journeys, start to venture further afield. Gradually increase the distance and complexity of your trips as your confidence grows.
Taking things one step at a time is key to developing your confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Practice in Different Driving Conditions
During your lessons, you may not have had the chance to experience all types of driving conditions. Now that you’ve passed your test, it’s important to gain experience in different weather conditions, at various times of the day, and on different types of roads.
- Night driving: Driving at night presents its own set of challenges, from reduced visibility to dealing with headlights from other vehicles. Start by driving in well-lit areas and gradually build up your confidence to drive in more rural or poorly lit roads.
- Rain and wet roads: The UK is no stranger to rain, and wet roads can be more slippery and require longer stopping distances. Take extra care in wet conditions and practise using your windscreen wipers, fog lights, and demisters to ensure you’re prepared.
- Motorway driving: If you didn’t cover motorway driving in your lessons, it’s a good idea to gain experience on motorways as soon as possible. Motorways can feel intimidating for new drivers, but they’re often the quickest and safest way to travel long distances. You might want to consider additional lessons or the Pass Plus scheme to build your motorway driving confidence (more on that below).
The more experience you gain in different conditions, the more confident and capable you’ll become as a driver.
3. Consider the Pass Plus Scheme
While your driving lessons and test have equipped you with the basic skills you need to drive safely, there’s always room for improvement. The Pass Plus scheme is designed to help new drivers gain additional experience and confidence in areas that may not have been covered in detail during standard driving lessons.
Pass Plus is a government-backed course that includes modules on:
- Motorway driving: Learn how to confidently handle high-speed driving and lane changes on motorways.
- Driving in rural areas: Get experience with narrow country roads, sharp bends, and potential hazards such as animals or farm vehicles.
- Driving in bad weather: Gain confidence driving in rain, fog, ice, and snow, learning how to adjust your driving style to suit different weather conditions.
- Driving at night: Improve your skills for driving in the dark, managing reduced visibility, and dealing with bright headlights from oncoming traffic.
Taking the Pass Plus course can not only help boost your confidence but may also reduce your car insurance premiums, as some insurers offer discounts for drivers who complete the course.
4. Keep Practising Your Manoeuvres
Even though you’ve passed your test, some driving manoeuvres can still feel a bit tricky, particularly when you’re doing them without an instructor’s guidance. Parallel parking, reversing into a bay, and three-point turns are all skills that benefit from regular practice.
- Use quiet car parks: Practising your parking manoeuvres in a quiet car park is a great way to build up your confidence without the pressure of other cars around.
- Take your time: Don’t rush your manoeuvres. Even experienced drivers take their time when parking or reversing, so don’t feel pressured to do it quickly.
- Use your mirrors: Remember to use your mirrors and take note of your surroundings when performing any manoeuvre. It’s better to take an extra few seconds to check everything is clear than to make a mistake.
The more you practise, the more natural these manoeuvres will feel, helping you to become a more confident driver overall.
5. Stay Calm and Focused
It’s normal to feel nervous when you first start driving on your own, but it’s important to stay calm and focused behind the wheel. Over time, your nerves will naturally decrease as you become more comfortable with driving independently.
- Breathe and relax: If you feel yourself becoming anxious while driving, take a few deep breaths to help calm your nerves. Remember that you’ve passed your test because you’re a capable driver, and there’s no need to rush or put yourself under unnecessary pressure.
- Keep distractions to a minimum: Avoid playing loud music or using your phone while driving, as these can be distracting, particularly when you’re still gaining confidence. Focus fully on the road and the task at hand.
- Don’t be afraid to pull over: If you ever feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to pull over somewhere safe and take a moment to collect yourself. This is especially useful in heavy traffic or on unfamiliar roads.
Staying calm and focused will help you navigate new and challenging driving situations with greater ease.
6. Know Your Car Inside and Out
Getting to know your car is an essential part of gaining confidence as a driver. Whether you’re driving your first car or a family vehicle, being familiar with the controls and how your car handles is key to feeling more at ease on the road.
- Adjust your seat and mirrors: Make sure your seat and mirrors are adjusted correctly before every journey. This ensures you’re comfortable and have the best possible view of the road.
- Familiarise yourself with the controls: Know where all the important controls are in your car, such as the indicators, lights, windscreen wipers, and demisters. Practise using them while the car is stationary so you’re confident in operating them while driving.
- Understand your car’s handling: Every car handles slightly differently. Take some time to get used to the steering, acceleration, and braking in your car, especially if it’s different from the vehicle you learned to drive in.
The more familiar you are with your car, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel when driving it.
7. Set Yourself Goals
A great way to build your confidence as a driver is to set yourself small goals. These could be things like driving to a new town, practising parking in a busy area, or taking a trip on the motorway. By gradually working towards these goals, you’ll challenge yourself in manageable steps and build your skills over time.
- Start with simple goals: Your initial goals might be something as simple as driving to a nearby town or tackling a route you haven’t driven before.
- Build up to more challenging goals: As your confidence grows, you can take on more challenging goals, such as driving in busy city centres or on rural roads.
Each time you accomplish a goal, you’ll feel more confident in your driving abilities, helping you to tackle more complex journeys in the future.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If there’s a particular aspect of driving that you’re struggling with, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Whether it’s motorway driving, parking, or night driving, additional lessons with a professional instructor can make all the difference.
At Surrey Driving Force, we offer refresher lessons for new drivers who want to improve their skills and confidence. These lessons can be tailored to focus on the areas where you feel you need the most support, helping you to become a more confident and capable driver.
In Conclusion
Gaining confidence on the road after passing your test is a process that takes time, practice, and patience. By taking things slowly, practising in different conditions, and seeking additional support when needed, you’ll soon feel more comfortable and in control behind the wheel.
At Surrey Driving Force, we’re here to support you on your driving journey. Whether you’re interested in Pass Plus, motorway lessons, or simply need a confidence boost, our experienced instructors are here to help. Get in touch today to find out how we can help you continue to grow as a confident, safe, and capable driver.