Top 8 Fears Beginners Have When Learning to Drive (and How to Overcome Them)

Learning to drive is a thrilling milestone, but many beginners find it daunting. It’s completely normal to have concerns when you’re just starting out—whether it’s about stalling at a junction or handling icy roads. At Orkney Driving Academy and Drive Pro Academy, we understand these worries, and we’re here to help. Let’s explore the 8 most common fears shared by new drivers in a recent Q&A session and provide practical tips for overcoming each one.

Top 8 Fears Beginner Drivers Face (and How to Tackle Them)

Fear #1: What if a Child Runs Out from Behind a Parked Car?

Driving in residential areas can be nerve-wracking, especially when you worry about children unexpectedly stepping into the road.

• Stay Alert and Anticipate Hazards:
  Your instructor will teach you to scan the road ahead and read the environment carefully. Look for clues like parked cars or toys on the pavement that might indicate children nearby.
• Practise Emergency Stops:
  Practising emergency stops will help you react quickly and confidently. Stay calm and focus on bringing the car to a safe stop without panicking.

Fear #2: I’m Terrified of Driving in Snow and Ice

Driving in winter conditions can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t had much practice on icy roads.

• Increase Your Stopping Distance:
  According to the Highway Code, your stopping distance should be up to ten times greater in icy conditions. Practise driving slowly and braking gently on quiet, icy roads to understand how your car reacts.
• Build Your Confidence in Winter Weather:
  If possible, schedule lessons during the winter months. Experiencing snowy or icy conditions with your instructor will help you feel better prepared and more confident.

Fear #3: What if I Bump the Car?

It’s normal to worry about minor accidents, but remember that even experienced drivers sometimes have small mishaps.

• Stay Calm and Assess the Situation:
  If you do bump the car, take a deep breath. Your instructor will guide you on what to do next and how to handle the situation safely.
• Learn from Mistakes:
  Each small bump is an opportunity to learn. Reflect on what happened and use it as a chance to improve your skills.

Fear #4: I’m Worried About Nerves on Test Day

Feeling anxious before your driving test is entirely normal, but with the right preparation, you can manage these nerves effectively.

• Eat a Banana for Nerves:
  It might sound odd, but bananas contain natural beta-blockers that can help reduce anxiety. They’re a great snack to have before your test.
• Focus on Safe Driving, Not Perfection:
  The examiner isn’t expecting perfection—they want to see that you can drive safely and make sensible decisions. Keep your focus on demonstrating these skills rather than worrying about minor errors.

Fear #5: What if I Struggle with Parking?

Parking is a common challenge for many new drivers, but it’s a skill that improves with practice.

• Master the Key Parking Techniques:
  Your instructor will teach you parallel parking, forward bay parking, and reverse bay parking. Practise these manoeuvres until you feel confident, and remember to move slowly—it gives you more time to adjust and reduces the risk of mistakes.
• Visualise the Process:
  Before starting your parking manoeuvre, take a moment to visualise each step. This can help you feel more in control and reduce anxiety.

Fear #6: I’m Scared of Driving Alone After Passing My Test

It’s natural to feel nervous about driving solo for the first time. It may feel strange not having your instructor or a friend in the passenger seat, but this fear will pass with time.

• Start with Familiar Routes:
  Begin by driving on short, familiar routes that you practised during your lessons. Gradually increase the distance as your confidence grows.
• Take It Step by Step:
  If you feel anxious, pull over safely and take a moment to breathe. Remember, you’ve already proven your skills by passing the test—you’ve got this!

Fear #7: How Do I Fill Up with Fuel? It Seems Intimidating

Filling up the tank can seem daunting at first, especially if you’ve never done it before.

• Practise During Lessons:
  Most instructors include a practice session at a petrol station, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re unsure. The pumps are designed to be straightforward, and after a few tries, it will become second nature.
• Read the Instructions Carefully:
  Petrol pumps usually have clear instructions. Take your time, follow the steps, and remember that you can always ask a staff member for assistance if needed.

Fear #8: What If I Lose Control of the Car?

Many new drivers worry about losing control, especially on wet or icy roads.

• Drive at a Comfortable Speed:
  Stick to speeds that you’re comfortable with, and avoid pushing beyond your limits, especially in challenging conditions. Slow, smooth braking and steering are key to maintaining control.
• Practise Smooth Braking and Steering:
  The more you practise these skills with your instructor, the more natural they will feel. With time, you’ll build the muscle memory and confidence needed to handle different road conditions.

Final Thoughts: Overcoming Your Driving Fears

Overcoming these common fears takes patience, practice, and the right support. Each challenge is a learning opportunity on your journey to becoming a confident, independent driver. Remember, every experienced driver was once a beginner too. With these tips and guidance from your instructor, you’re already on your way to driving with assurance.

You might be interested in:

• Want to learn to drive in Orkney? Add yourself to the waiting list here 
• Get familiar with the 'Show me, Tell me', questions you will be asked in your driving test
• Support your learning to drive journey by joining our online learning portal here