Last updated: August 8, 2023
If you due to be driving alone for the first time soon, you’re probably a little nervous.
I vividly remember the first time I drove my car on my own. It felt so weird, and I really noticed the absence of another person sitting next to me in the passenger seat.
When you’re learning to drive, you always have a driving instructor next to you who has dual controls. You are never alone in your car until you pass your driving test.
Once you get your driver’s license, you have to face your first solo drive and it can be an extremely daunting task.
Fortunately there are some things you can do when driving alone for the first time to calm your nerves and have a better experience.
Here are my top tips for nervous drivers about to embark on their first journey alone.
Be prepared before you start the engine
Once you get behind the wheel, one of the most important things you can do is to take some time to familiarize yourself with your car.
Even though you’ve probably been using your car already, driving alone for the very first time means you might get a little flustered.
It’s well worth spending time reminding yourself about the basic controls of the car. Check out the dashboard, the interior mirror, and the controls for the radio, air conditioning, and wiper blades.
Double check you know the location of the hazard lights and get your seat positioning and exterior mirrors just right so everything is perfectly set up for you.
Choose a familiar route
When you’re starting out on your first solo drive, it’s a good idea to stick to roads that you know well.
It’s a great way to help you to focus on driving and not get distracted by unfamiliar surroundings.
Driving in an area you know well really does help you to gain confidence behind the wheel. You’ll know the position of stop lights, crossings and intersections so won’t become distracted trying to work out your route.
This will allow you to get comfortable driving alone and become used to being the only person in the car, without worrying about the route you’re taking.
Drive during off-peak times
When driving alone for the first time, start your journey in off-peak hours if you can.
Busy roads and heavy traffic during rush hour can be very stressful, even for a more experienced driver, so stick to quiet roads and times when there’s a good chance of less traffic being on the roads.
This will help you to avoid getting stuck in queues and other distractions, and is the best way to have a more comfortable and stress-free driving experience.
Take a short trip at first
Don’t try to do too much on your first drive alone. Start with a short trip around your neighborhood or to the grocery store.
As you gain confidence, you can gradually start to take longer trips.
Short journeys to places you know well that don’t require you to use GPS are the best thing for newly-licensed drivers. They will allow you to focus on the drive without worrying about directions or getting lost.
Long journeys should be postponed until you’re feeling more confident on your own in the car.
Turn off your phone
This will help you to stay focused on the road.
Even if you’re only taking a short drive on your own, something like your phone ringing can cause you to startle and panic.
Switch it off for your journey to minimize the risk of this distraction.
Listen to calming music
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious about driving, listening to calming music can be a good way to reduce your anxiety and make the drive more enjoyable.
Calming music while driving is a great option. It is usually instrumental, which can help to reduce distractions, and it has a slow tempo that can help to relax the mind and body.
You can also try meditation music or nature sounds to help you relax behind the steering wheel.
Loud music when driving is also not a good idea at any time, as you need to hear sounds outside of your car like approaching sirens.
Take breaks
If you’re feeling tired or stressed, pull over and take a break.
Driving can be a stressful activity, and if you’re feeling anxious, it’s important to take some time to relax and regroup. Taking breaks can help to reduce your anxiety and make you a safer driver.
Here are some tips for taking breaks when you’re a nervous driver:
- Pull over to a safe location. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, pull over to a safe location and take a few minutes to relax. Get out of the car and stretch your legs, or take some deep breaths.
- Listen to calming music. Listening to calming music can help to reduce your anxiety and make you feel more relaxed.
- Talk to a friend or family member. Talking to someone you trust can help you to feel better and more supported.
- Drink some water. Dehydration can make you feel anxious, so it’s important to stay hydrated.
Be patient with yourself
It’s normal to feel nervous when you don’t have a lot of driving experience and are about to start driving alone.
Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. Just take a deep breath and focus on the road.
Driving is a complex skill that takes time and practice to master. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning to drive, so it’s important to be patient with yourself and not get discouraged.
Here are some tips for being patient with yourself when driving:
- Remember that you’re still learning. Don’t expect to be a perfect driver overnight. Everyone makes mistakes when they’re learning, so be patient with yourself and focus on improving your skills.
- Don’t compare yourself to other drivers. Everyone learns at their own pace, so don’t compare yourself to other drivers. Just focus on your own progress and don’t get discouraged if you see other drivers who seem to be better than you.
- Take breaks when you need them. If you’re feeling frustrated or stressed, take a break from driving. This will help you to relax and come back to it with a fresh mind.
- Reward yourself for your progress. When you make progress in your driving skills, reward yourself. This will help you to stay motivated and keep practicing.
It’s all part of the learning process. With time and practice, you’ll be a confident and safe driver.
Know basic car maintenance
Knowing how to do basic car maintenance will make you more self-sufficient and is an extremely important factor when it comes to feeling more confident as a new driver.
If you break down on the side of the road, you will be able to troubleshoot the problem and fix it yourself, if possible. This can save you time and money, and it can also be a great feeling to be able to take care of your own car.
In fact, check out this list of what things to keep in your car as it will help you to be prepared for any situation when driving.
Familiarize yourself with checking oil levels, tire pressure, and brake fluid levels. You should also learn how to change a tire which is really easy to do.
Spending some time learning about your car will help you to feel safer.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member to ride with you. They can offer moral support and help you to stay calm.
Driving alone for the first time is a huge step to take and can be daunting, but it’s also an exciting experience. Just remember to be patient with yourself, stay focused on the road, and ask for help if you need it. With a little practice, you’ll be a confident driver in no time!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it’s completely normal to be nervous if you’re about to drive on your own for the first time. Even the most competent driver will have felt this way on their first solo road trip. There are things you can do to help ease your nerves and make your first drive alone less stressful.
You know you’re ready to drive alone when you feel comfortable and confident in your ability to operate the vehicle, follow traffic rules, make decisions under different driving conditions, and handle unexpected situations that may arise on the road.
Yes, driving typically gets easier with practice and experience. As you become more familiar with the controls, traffic patterns, and various road situations, your confidence and skills will improve. Over time, handling tasks like parking, merging, and navigating complex intersections will become more natural, making driving a more comfortable and less daunting activity.
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