Tips for Nervous Learner Drivers

Our advice for learner drivers provides essential tips to reduce anxiety for young and mature adults learning to drive.

Hundreds of people in Ireland pass their driving test every day. It might be hard to believe it, but, most  drivers  feel nervous and anxious at some stage or another. From the first driving lesson, to practicing with an accompanied driver to the final stage of your driving test and getting on the road as a novice driver, it can be a challenging journey. So, we’ve put together tips for nervous learner drivers to hopefully help ease your anxiety.

Tips to Help You Feel Less Nervous When Learning to Drive

It's natural to feel nervous when taking on a task like this. There's a lot of information to take in, other drivers and hazards to be aware of, and you're responsible for a heavy, moving machine. 

 Here are proven ways to help ease anxiety: 

Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

An effective method for calming your nerves is practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques. Deep breathing helps to oxygenate your blood, reduce heart rate, and induce a state of calm.

Start by inhaling deeply through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat this process several times before your driving lessons to help maintain a calm and focused mind. 

Visualisation and Positive Thinking

Picturing the reward at each stage of a process can be very helpful. This can be done with long and short term goals.  Picturing having your full driving licence can help ease anxiety and give you something to look forward to. Visualise the lessons and the accompanied drives getting easier. Every hour spent behind the wheel makes you a better, more confident driver.

Gradual Exposure to Driving Situations

The longest journey begins with a single step. A step-by-step approach to more complicated driving situations will help calm nerves. Start in an area of no or low traffic (such as a car park) and build your way up. As you become more confident, you can practice in busier areas, in adverse weather conditions, and on unfamiliar roads.

Preparing for driving lessons

The first driving lesson can be nerve wracking, but knowing what to expect can help.

“Your Driving Instructor will keep you safe by selecting appropriate training routes in their dual controlled car. They will also help to build your confidence by reframing any mistakes as ‘learning opportunities’ that you can build on”.  Mike Kavanagh, Aviva Driving School Manager.

1. What to expect from your first driving lesson

The most important thing to know about your first driving lesson is that you won't be expected to drive straight away! Your first driving lesson will aim to both assess your current skill levels, and to introduce you to the basic skills you'll need.

Your instructor will provide you with your Essential Driver Training (EDT) logbook, which will be used to log your EDT lessons.  Then, your instructor will drive the car to a quiet location where you will swap seats, go through 'cockpit drills', to ensure the mirrors and seatbelt are correctly positioned. Next, your instructor will cover the car controls and show you how to carry out basic vehicle safety checks. In many cases, you will get an opportunity to practice moving off and stopping the car. This will all be done in complete safety.

First lessons might differ according to instructor and student, but generally, they would follow variations of what is outlined above. The instructor is trained and experienced in bringing learner drivers safely through the steps to become licensed drivers. 

2. Effective ways to practice driving skills 

Legally, learner drivers in Ireland have to be accompanied by a full licenced driver every time they get behind the wheel. It's highly recommended to practice driving in different conditions, such as adverse weather, during the day and night time, and at different times of the day. The more practice you have in adverse and diverse conditions, the more prepared you will feel on test day. 

3. Tips for reducing pre-lesson anxiety

The breathing techniques outlined above should help you stay calm  before  a driving lesson. Also, try to get a good night's sleep the night before a lesson. Ensure you book the lesson in time for you to have breakfast and to make any last-minute preparations. Try to ensure that your time before your lesson is calm and not rushed.  

Anxiety About Your Driving Test

Let’s take a look at anxiety about the big day, and how to address it. 

1. Common Feelings of Nervousness Before a Test

It is completely normal to feel anxious and nervous before any major exam, especially a driving test. There are advantages to this, as your awareness and attention will be heightened. Feelings of nervousness might manifest in sweaty palms, an upset stomach and anxiety. Try to remember that nerves for first-time testers are common and try to visualise that  fantastic feeling of passing your test.

2. How to Beat Driving Test Anxiety

There are several ways you can address feelings of anxiety. Most importantly, talk to your instructor about what specifically you're nervous about before your test. Another tip, once you have completed your EDT lessons, you should consider doing pre-test lessons well before the driving test itself. This will give you an opportunity to address any training issues. On the day of the test itself, many students do a lesson before the test as this gives them an opportunity to settle down and get rid of any last minute nerves. Try to treat the driving test like a lesson, and remember that they are very similar experiences. And try not to talk to too many people on the day about your nerves - this will only increase apprehension! 

From Learner to Driver

Learning to drive is a challenge, but passing your test is one of life's great milestones. With practice, study and lessons, you can build the confidence and knowledge needed to pass that test. 

Looking for driving lessons? All Aviva Driving School instructors are approved by the RSA (Road Safety Authority). With Aviva’s Driving School Level One - Educate programme, learner drivers get a 12-lesson pack in addition to six months’ accompanied driver cover* on a parent’s or guardian’s existing Aviva private car insurance policy. See terms and conditions for more information, including how to activate your accompanied driver cover.