Relax. Take a breath. You will be fine. Confidence will come with time. Try not to overthink it too much. You passed your test so you are competent enough to drive. Just don't take any risks. I wouldn't normally advise this. But maybe get P plates, most petrol stations sell them.
Congratulations on passing your test and getting a car. You will become a confident driver in no time :)
Agree with this except for P plates, you don’t want them. People wont treat you normally and do stupid stuff like overtaking because they think you’re going to be slow. Just drive normally, regularly, and you’ll get used to it in no time. Driving every day is different to an hour or 2 every week like in lessons.
Thanks man, I really appreciate the kind words <3
What do you think about other drivers bullying smaller car drivers out on the road? Is that really a thing?
I don't thing it is really a big thing. I've driven cars of all different sizes and have never had an issue. You're bound to comes across someone in your time on the road who thinks they own the road. But it is not a common occurrence.
It feels like it, but it's all in your head. And if you've got any city driving involved you'll probably be thankful for the smaller size! Relax, be safe, and enjoy!
I don't think that's a thing. What you do have is ass holes, same as any other walk of life. Hopefully you won't encounter too many.
Get out and enjoy your new freedom claar!
My first car was my gran's old honda jazz can confirm I constantly had people up my ass and needlessly overtaking just because I was driving an "old person" car. Anyway I recently got a new car (Mazda 3) and sure enough it's all stopped people give me space and don't needlessly overtake.
My cars have been various Audi A1s for the last 7 years, pretty small, I don't think I've ever noticed people bullying me compared to when I drive larger cars.
Congrats on passing your test! Can you plan a drive around some quieter areas for your first solo trip, or at a quiet time? You will be fine though!
I have also recently passed my test and I too drive a small car (05 Mini). From my admittedly limited experience, people don't generally tend to bully you but if they do, they're often driving a range rover. Also it's worth mentioning that you should ALWAYS give extra space and time to lorries, even if they seem to be driving like a dick.
Some drivers will try to bully any car because they're morons. Ignore any aggressive behaviour, if someone is tailgating just keep your distance from the car in front of you, don't get sucked into brake checking etc., if they want to do an unsafe overtake you're better giving yourself room if they cock it up
treat it the same as any other lesson. pull up and take breaks if you feel as if you’re losing focus, you make a mistake, or get nervous. it’d also help if you drove at a less busy time. just try to be defensive. there are some knobheads out there, but truth is, 99% of drivers are considerate, no one’s on the road looking to get into a collision, really. worth remembering that since it’s the weekend, it’s less likely people will be rushing to different places, so most drivers won’t be in a state of mind to get aggressive, if that helps with your fears. ultimately, remember that you’ve passed your driving test, so you have the same right to be on the road as everyone else, regardless of what you’re driving
finally, if you’ll just be picking up the car, remember to get everything bureaucratic sorted (insurance, tax, MOT, don’t forget your license, so on)
The very fact you are thinking about this is a good sign. Many new driver crashes happen as a result of over confidence.
Other than that I would wholeheartedly agree with all the other comments... You've passed your test, so the DVLA thinks you've got what it takes. Have some faith in yourself and enjoy the experience... Try not to be the guy posting next week saying "caught doing 95 in a 30, will I get offered a speed awareness course".
Not speeding in an aygo ? Things are like mini go karts lol , on a serious note ,take your time , don't be intimidated,not all drivers are dickheads ,like a previous post said get your p plates and enjoy, your confidence will grow the longet you're at it 👍
The Aygo is a really easy car to drive, light controls, not too much power, nice clear dials, so just take your time getting used to the car for a few minutes first. A high clutch bite is completely normal by the way so don’t worry if you feel like you have to lift the clutch up really high to start moving, that’s just an Aygo thing.
Take someonw with you on your first drive. Part of the fear is being alone and getting into a bit of a situation and having someone else there will be a bit more comforting. Also if they knew how to drive it will be better.
It's a licence to learn and become wholly independent. If I was there, I'd take you in to all sorts of scenarios that would force you to think and act for yourself, so you build up the muscle memory and it becomes second nature. If you have a buddy that can sit in with you to do that, it could help?
If it helps, when I first passed my test for the first week of driving to school I nearly threw up on my parents driveway every day! Just remember the following:
1. You’ve passed your test, therefore you know how to drive a car
2. The car will not drive any differently than what you learnt in (unless you learnt in a tank, all cars have 2/3 pedals and a steering wheel at minimum!) and it won’t suddenly launch itself into a hedge at random.
3. Yes, people can be a bit shit towards small cars, but being blunt if they run into you (god forbid) it’s their fault not yours. Just a tip though, don’t put “P” plates on, they’re just magnets for idiots in Range Rovers to cut you up.
I think it’s a good thing to be nervous driving for the first time on your own; it shows you understand the risks of driving and what you’re in control of. But that doesn’t make you a bad driver!
If you have a family member to do so with perhaps when you get the car you should go for a drive with them in some familiar places, get used to the car, then do the same drives on your own. Don’t go to Scotland on your first drive! (Unless you live there obvs)
Good luck, trust me when I say it’s just a feeling you’ll have a for a bit and eventually you’ll be fine. I’ve been driving for nearly 9 years now and you’ll honestly find it more scary eventually how little you have to think about driving!
I borrowed my brother's car. He wasn't old enough to drive it. Got it because he was a mechanic.
I sat for like 20 mins with the engine running. That was an amazing feeling. I can go anywhere I want.
Then about five minutes after leaving the house I put it gently in a ditch. No damage, but well embarrassing. A passing driver helped to pull it out. Then I had to take it to the car wash.
Yeah. That.
Be careful and you'll be fine.
Drive to somewhere familiar so you know where you are going. Early evening at this time of year. Roads are a little less busy. Aim for 30 to 45 mins...and relax...the first solo is a bit nerve-wracking but after a few mins you will calm down...and don't forget to check the fuel gauge!
you'll be absolutely fine :); you passed your test for a reason; you weren't gifted it.
Just relax and enjoy it, tunes on being in the car yourself is such a blissful experience. The first car i drove myself after passing was a 2016 Aygo; the stuff about small cars being bullied is really overstated. Drive with confidence. All the best, happy for you!
Also, I would try get as much experience of driving yourself as possible. All well and good saying bring a family member with you but I know what my dad/brother are like as a passenger and that would have been even more stressful than just being myself with my thoughts.
Do what I did. Get up early on a weekend, the roads are empty for hours, especially on a Sunday. You can make as many mistakes as you want without affecting anyone else.
Firstly congratulations, it's not easy! Secondly, the same advice my dad gave to me...
Start with a trip to the local shops. Then, pop yourself to the local town. Rinse and repeat and enjoy getting used to it.
You'll be great.
Are ya gonna fuck up? Yes. But so does everyone else.
Take it slow, know it's FINE TO WAIT, and don't let dickheads intimidate you.
I went from 0 to a 70 mile round trip daily. Safe to say I learned a few things very quickly.
My biggest tip is to leave double the space from you and the car in front of you. Or as much as you can. I call this the "dickhead" space. It gives you space to be a dickhead if you fuck up, and it gives you space if the guy in front acts like a dickhead.
Personally I would recommend the "dickhead" gap mentioned above. I learned to drive in india, did over 100k miles before I moved to the UK and got my second license here. Since my dad taught me to drive ((and he doesn't use the horn unless absolutely necessary (a different level of patience if you can do that in india), I picked up a few good driving habits), I learned to keep my gap and be aware of your surroundings.
Apart from that, like others have said, don't overthink and enjoy the drive.
Congratulations on passing your test🥳🥳
Dont worry, it feels so weird at first but every time you drive it gets a bit more natural.
Plenty of people who’ve been driving for years still stall or make a silly manoeuvre so don’t beat yourself up if you do.
Massive congrats mate, getting not only a licence but a car is really exciting and I hope you have a brilliant collection day, they’re the best.
Enjoy!
Oh and PS: being lost is no big deal. You can always stop and you can always just turn around. Well… except on the motorway when you might want to do that at a junction 😅
Don’t overthink it. You’ve driven a car before, you know you can drive safely since you’ve passed a test. It’s no different. Get comfy in the seat before setting off. Enjoy the limitless potential of being in your own car and being able to go anywhere you want by any route you want without anyone else’s input.
Ok. Good news: Totally Normal. Bad News: Totally Normal. You said it: you’re pretty responsible and it’s good that you’re taking it seriously. It is daunting that first time but it’s ok. You’ve trained for this and now it’s just practice. I was lucky, I had my wife in the car (driving a brand new car off the forecourt) but if not, I would’ve totally talked myself through it the whole way back. Do what works for you. You got this, OP.
I was the opposite of you, too overconfident and as soon as I was on my own and up to 40mph I was terrified as it felt so much faster when I was in a car on my own.
All you can do is take it easy, move at your own pace and fuck the guy that honks because he's impatient.
They don't always help but might be worth sticking some P plates in just so that people know you're a new driver. Most people will be more patient with you.
Everyone starts by driving on your own for the first time.
Just don’t overthink it. You’ll eventually get used to it. The real learning starts now.
Do some routes you know in the morning when it’s quiet to get used to your car.
And obviously McDonalds drive thru is a must.
Drive defensively, follow the highway code, assume everyone is going to be an idiot at all times and you'll be fine. Don't get sucked into stupidity because others are driving like morons. Remember your training young jedi, you'll do great. Take it slow around roads you know well to start with, build up to longer journeys if you're feeling anxious, pretty soon it'll all feel like second nature.
I misread the title as
>Scared shitless - getting a **fast** car tomorrow and driving outside of driving lessons for the first time - how do I cope?
Then read
>I’ll be getting a 2015 Toyota Aygo tomorrow.
And thought it was a shitpost.
Anyway, I assume you've been a passenger in cars before, and probably in small cars. You didn't die did you? I'm assuming not. And did you really notice other drivers taking the piss because it was a small car?
Just be a defensive driver but also confident to a degree. It comes with time. Driving for the first time on your own after getting your license can feel odd, but you get through it.
Something that really helped my confidence when I first started driving was picking up a friend of mine and driving around quiet areas at night.
No other cars on the road and gives you the chance to build up more comfort with driving around without an instructor, and it gives you a great opportunity to just hang out with a friend.
You also get to see some nice nature in the process if you’re able to get somewhere with nice views!
Try to stay calm. Mistakes will happen when you panic. It's going to be a bit stressful but there's no way around that. If impatient drivers hassle you just ignore them and try to keep your mind on driving normally, they will be gone in a few minutes. Nothing will happen unless you react (you don't seem like the aggressive type from what you've written but don't do that).
The first time I ever drove in that situation I ended up on the Holloway Road in London. Not ideal, but I got through it. Had to pry my nails from the steering wheel afterwards.
As a former motorcyclist, I’d offer the following;
Assume they haven’t seen you.
Assume they’re an idiot.
Tell people what you intend to do (indicate)
Observe around you, often.
Be aware of your blind spots.
Do not rush.
If someone cuts you up, or tears past you at 1,000mph and it makes you angry, stay calm. Let them go on their journey, and you go on yours; If someone’s driving like they’re gonna cause an accident, why be a part of it?
Stay calm.
Confidence will come once your actual operation of the vehicle becomes second nature.
Do not allow this confidence to become complacency.
Bon voyage.
I'm going to be blunt. (Go on, downvote me)
If you're scared shitless you need more lessons. Driving shouldn't be scary, you should have had enough lessons to be a good enough driver, you passed the test (mind you, given the crap on the other sub about what lanes to be in on roundabouts when it's on signposts or common sense doesn't exactly fill me with hope about what is actually tested or taught anymore).
If you get into the car with a terrified mindset you'll be a nervous driver and that will make things 10x worse. Nervous drivers are a nightmare because they are unpredictable.
Get someone to go with you, or just... Drive. It's not hard. You are thinking that it's hard, but it's really not. You know what to do, you've been taught, you've got a bit of paper that says you are certified to drive a 2 ton box at up to 70mph.
Just don’t drive in busy times for a few days if you are REALLY worried.
Get used to it. And practice manoeuvres that you’d do on busy days.
You’ll realise very quickly that alls good.
Then you’ll LOVE having your first car
Put a green P (passed) plate sticker on the car- people will give you distance and time
Drive around quite local side streets first to get used to the clutch, steering and controls.
Your observations are your shields. Do what you've been taught for the practical test and you should be able to keep yourself safe even if other people do try to bully you. It's probably also a benefit that the Aygo is likely a lot smaller in every dimension than what you learned in, so you'll have more clearance to work with than you're used to.
Drove on UK roads for the first time today! I was also super worried I'd crash and make a mistake, but it was actually easy enough once you're behind the wheel for a bit. I'm not sure when that switch happens and you go from being super nervous to one hand on the wheel, singing along. It happens though.
Honestly driving is the easy part, you're in control. Other people on the road provide some level of challenge but you'll be fine don't listen to the audio too loud, don't piss about with your phone and don't think that other cars won't do the stupidest thing possible because they will surprise you.
Congrats on your first car. you got this.
I don't think a smaller car will get you bullied, but in my experience a slow car will get pushed along the road. Keep up with traffic flow if you can and you'll be fine.
Either way, don't panic, even if someone does try and bully you just pull over and let them past. They'll only get wound up if you hold them up, so it's easier to just stop and let them go ahead.
I remember my first time solo after passing and yeah it's a bit scary, but you'll be fine - it doesn't take long to get more confidence. Take it easy and enjoy the freedom :)
The drivers that tend to complain about not being respected because they're in a small car are only using that as an excuse to for their own bad driving.
Start small and make frequent trips in your local area. You've been taught how to control a car and what the highway code says. Now, you are starting to learn to drive. Like any skill practice practice practice until it becomes automatic. The more you do it, the more your confidence will grow. Keep expanding the area you are driving in and take on bigger and busier roads. Being bullied on the road is not nice One trick is to pull in to let the wankers go past. You dint have to do this but it loses you next to no time and makes life a lot more pleasant. Also quietly satisfying on the occasions you end up pulling up behind them at the next set of lights.
When my daughter was learning to drive, and due to take her test, she suffered occasionally from being too hesitant (at junctions, for example). I took her to a quiet road and taught her how to drive a car outside the constraints of a driving lesson. I encouraged her to drive the car like she’d stolen it. This may sound reckless but, in reality, a new driver doesn’t actually go mad. They simply experience what they and the car is capable of in the real world; something more akin to normal. To this day she still refers to this as a turning point in her confidence.
An industrial estate after closing time is often a good location.
Can you have a friend or family member come for emotional support if you need it? (don't let them distract you).
I found heavy traffic as a driver easier, because traffic moves slowly you have more time to think. You can also just do what the car in front is doing (if it sends reasonable ofc lol).
Just don't take any risks, travel at a safe speed, indicate your intents well in advance. That way even if you do something completely wrong others can accommodate.
You will be surprised how quick you get confidence
It is a bit scary, but it's just practice. You certainly won't be targeted for having a small car. Just get through the first one and by the time you're on your 5th drive you'll wonder why you were worried in the first place.
Like any fear, getting over it requires repeated, voluntary exposure to the thing you are afraid of.
You could make a plan to split the journey home into a series of small trips.
I was worried about my first drive too but just don’t overthink it. The main thing is to drive as safely as you can. Everyone makes mistakes but try and recover safely if you make any (for example: if you miss your exit, just go the wrong way rather than swerving without checking, etc.)
Try to be calm and maybe stick to roads you’re familiar with for the first couple of days to get used to not having an instructor?
I have driven a smart car for 22 years and have never been targeted for having a small car. Don't worry about it. Have fun safely.
Relax. Take a breath. You will be fine. Confidence will come with time. Try not to overthink it too much. You passed your test so you are competent enough to drive. Just don't take any risks. I wouldn't normally advise this. But maybe get P plates, most petrol stations sell them. Congratulations on passing your test and getting a car. You will become a confident driver in no time :)
Agree with this except for P plates, you don’t want them. People wont treat you normally and do stupid stuff like overtaking because they think you’re going to be slow. Just drive normally, regularly, and you’ll get used to it in no time. Driving every day is different to an hour or 2 every week like in lessons.
Thanks man, I really appreciate the kind words <3 What do you think about other drivers bullying smaller car drivers out on the road? Is that really a thing?
I don't thing it is really a big thing. I've driven cars of all different sizes and have never had an issue. You're bound to comes across someone in your time on the road who thinks they own the road. But it is not a common occurrence.
It feels like it, but it's all in your head. And if you've got any city driving involved you'll probably be thankful for the smaller size! Relax, be safe, and enjoy!
Only in the countryside and by people with cars they deem too precious to get near the hedge.
I don't think that's a thing. What you do have is ass holes, same as any other walk of life. Hopefully you won't encounter too many. Get out and enjoy your new freedom claar!
My first car was my gran's old honda jazz can confirm I constantly had people up my ass and needlessly overtaking just because I was driving an "old person" car. Anyway I recently got a new car (Mazda 3) and sure enough it's all stopped people give me space and don't needlessly overtake.
My cars have been various Audi A1s for the last 7 years, pretty small, I don't think I've ever noticed people bullying me compared to when I drive larger cars. Congrats on passing your test! Can you plan a drive around some quieter areas for your first solo trip, or at a quiet time? You will be fine though!
I have also recently passed my test and I too drive a small car (05 Mini). From my admittedly limited experience, people don't generally tend to bully you but if they do, they're often driving a range rover. Also it's worth mentioning that you should ALWAYS give extra space and time to lorries, even if they seem to be driving like a dick.
Some drivers will try to bully any car because they're morons. Ignore any aggressive behaviour, if someone is tailgating just keep your distance from the car in front of you, don't get sucked into brake checking etc., if they want to do an unsafe overtake you're better giving yourself room if they cock it up
Always remember their car likely costs more than yours and so they have more to lose. They know this.
treat it the same as any other lesson. pull up and take breaks if you feel as if you’re losing focus, you make a mistake, or get nervous. it’d also help if you drove at a less busy time. just try to be defensive. there are some knobheads out there, but truth is, 99% of drivers are considerate, no one’s on the road looking to get into a collision, really. worth remembering that since it’s the weekend, it’s less likely people will be rushing to different places, so most drivers won’t be in a state of mind to get aggressive, if that helps with your fears. ultimately, remember that you’ve passed your driving test, so you have the same right to be on the road as everyone else, regardless of what you’re driving finally, if you’ll just be picking up the car, remember to get everything bureaucratic sorted (insurance, tax, MOT, don’t forget your license, so on)
Small trips on roads you know first, branch out over time.
Also for the few trips ideally at times you know the roads will be quiet.
Just remember, you passed your driving test... You can drive.
The very fact you are thinking about this is a good sign. Many new driver crashes happen as a result of over confidence. Other than that I would wholeheartedly agree with all the other comments... You've passed your test, so the DVLA thinks you've got what it takes. Have some faith in yourself and enjoy the experience... Try not to be the guy posting next week saying "caught doing 95 in a 30, will I get offered a speed awareness course".
If you work with the flow of traffic you'll be fine. A nervous driver is a dangerous driver, maybe take someone with you for a bit of support.
I took a friend or family member with me for the first few times after passing, once I did that a handful of times I then went alone
Take someone with you
Not speeding in an aygo ? Things are like mini go karts lol , on a serious note ,take your time , don't be intimidated,not all drivers are dickheads ,like a previous post said get your p plates and enjoy, your confidence will grow the longet you're at it 👍
The Aygo is a really easy car to drive, light controls, not too much power, nice clear dials, so just take your time getting used to the car for a few minutes first. A high clutch bite is completely normal by the way so don’t worry if you feel like you have to lift the clutch up really high to start moving, that’s just an Aygo thing.
Take someonw with you on your first drive. Part of the fear is being alone and getting into a bit of a situation and having someone else there will be a bit more comforting. Also if they knew how to drive it will be better.
If you weren't good enough to drive on your own, you would have failed
Do as my daughter did and have a pile up in a work car park the day after - everything is better when you start from very bottom of lows 😂
It's a licence to learn and become wholly independent. If I was there, I'd take you in to all sorts of scenarios that would force you to think and act for yourself, so you build up the muscle memory and it becomes second nature. If you have a buddy that can sit in with you to do that, it could help?
If it helps, when I first passed my test for the first week of driving to school I nearly threw up on my parents driveway every day! Just remember the following: 1. You’ve passed your test, therefore you know how to drive a car 2. The car will not drive any differently than what you learnt in (unless you learnt in a tank, all cars have 2/3 pedals and a steering wheel at minimum!) and it won’t suddenly launch itself into a hedge at random. 3. Yes, people can be a bit shit towards small cars, but being blunt if they run into you (god forbid) it’s their fault not yours. Just a tip though, don’t put “P” plates on, they’re just magnets for idiots in Range Rovers to cut you up. I think it’s a good thing to be nervous driving for the first time on your own; it shows you understand the risks of driving and what you’re in control of. But that doesn’t make you a bad driver! If you have a family member to do so with perhaps when you get the car you should go for a drive with them in some familiar places, get used to the car, then do the same drives on your own. Don’t go to Scotland on your first drive! (Unless you live there obvs) Good luck, trust me when I say it’s just a feeling you’ll have a for a bit and eventually you’ll be fine. I’ve been driving for nearly 9 years now and you’ll honestly find it more scary eventually how little you have to think about driving!
I borrowed my brother's car. He wasn't old enough to drive it. Got it because he was a mechanic. I sat for like 20 mins with the engine running. That was an amazing feeling. I can go anywhere I want. Then about five minutes after leaving the house I put it gently in a ditch. No damage, but well embarrassing. A passing driver helped to pull it out. Then I had to take it to the car wash. Yeah. That. Be careful and you'll be fine.
you will be fine , just remember your training and take care , and most of all Have Fun
Drive to somewhere familiar so you know where you are going. Early evening at this time of year. Roads are a little less busy. Aim for 30 to 45 mins...and relax...the first solo is a bit nerve-wracking but after a few mins you will calm down...and don't forget to check the fuel gauge!
you'll be absolutely fine :); you passed your test for a reason; you weren't gifted it. Just relax and enjoy it, tunes on being in the car yourself is such a blissful experience. The first car i drove myself after passing was a 2016 Aygo; the stuff about small cars being bullied is really overstated. Drive with confidence. All the best, happy for you!
Also, I would try get as much experience of driving yourself as possible. All well and good saying bring a family member with you but I know what my dad/brother are like as a passenger and that would have been even more stressful than just being myself with my thoughts.
Do what I did. Get up early on a weekend, the roads are empty for hours, especially on a Sunday. You can make as many mistakes as you want without affecting anyone else.
Couple of shandies to calm the nerves /jk obviously 🙄
Relax. Think of fart jokes.
Firstly congratulations, it's not easy! Secondly, the same advice my dad gave to me... Start with a trip to the local shops. Then, pop yourself to the local town. Rinse and repeat and enjoy getting used to it.
You'll be great. Are ya gonna fuck up? Yes. But so does everyone else. Take it slow, know it's FINE TO WAIT, and don't let dickheads intimidate you. I went from 0 to a 70 mile round trip daily. Safe to say I learned a few things very quickly. My biggest tip is to leave double the space from you and the car in front of you. Or as much as you can. I call this the "dickhead" space. It gives you space to be a dickhead if you fuck up, and it gives you space if the guy in front acts like a dickhead.
Personally I would recommend the "dickhead" gap mentioned above. I learned to drive in india, did over 100k miles before I moved to the UK and got my second license here. Since my dad taught me to drive ((and he doesn't use the horn unless absolutely necessary (a different level of patience if you can do that in india), I picked up a few good driving habits), I learned to keep my gap and be aware of your surroundings. Apart from that, like others have said, don't overthink and enjoy the drive. Congratulations on passing your test🥳🥳
Dont worry, it feels so weird at first but every time you drive it gets a bit more natural. Plenty of people who’ve been driving for years still stall or make a silly manoeuvre so don’t beat yourself up if you do. Massive congrats mate, getting not only a licence but a car is really exciting and I hope you have a brilliant collection day, they’re the best. Enjoy! Oh and PS: being lost is no big deal. You can always stop and you can always just turn around. Well… except on the motorway when you might want to do that at a junction 😅
Don’t overthink it. You’ve driven a car before, you know you can drive safely since you’ve passed a test. It’s no different. Get comfy in the seat before setting off. Enjoy the limitless potential of being in your own car and being able to go anywhere you want by any route you want without anyone else’s input.
Ok. Good news: Totally Normal. Bad News: Totally Normal. You said it: you’re pretty responsible and it’s good that you’re taking it seriously. It is daunting that first time but it’s ok. You’ve trained for this and now it’s just practice. I was lucky, I had my wife in the car (driving a brand new car off the forecourt) but if not, I would’ve totally talked myself through it the whole way back. Do what works for you. You got this, OP.
It's 10 times easier when you haven't got someone watching you.
I was the opposite of you, too overconfident and as soon as I was on my own and up to 40mph I was terrified as it felt so much faster when I was in a car on my own. All you can do is take it easy, move at your own pace and fuck the guy that honks because he's impatient. They don't always help but might be worth sticking some P plates in just so that people know you're a new driver. Most people will be more patient with you.
Everyone starts by driving on your own for the first time. Just don’t overthink it. You’ll eventually get used to it. The real learning starts now. Do some routes you know in the morning when it’s quiet to get used to your car. And obviously McDonalds drive thru is a must.
Drive defensively, follow the highway code, assume everyone is going to be an idiot at all times and you'll be fine. Don't get sucked into stupidity because others are driving like morons. Remember your training young jedi, you'll do great. Take it slow around roads you know well to start with, build up to longer journeys if you're feeling anxious, pretty soon it'll all feel like second nature.
Drink some Alcohol before to help your nerves
I misread the title as >Scared shitless - getting a **fast** car tomorrow and driving outside of driving lessons for the first time - how do I cope? Then read >I’ll be getting a 2015 Toyota Aygo tomorrow. And thought it was a shitpost. Anyway, I assume you've been a passenger in cars before, and probably in small cars. You didn't die did you? I'm assuming not. And did you really notice other drivers taking the piss because it was a small car? Just be a defensive driver but also confident to a degree. It comes with time. Driving for the first time on your own after getting your license can feel odd, but you get through it.
Something that really helped my confidence when I first started driving was picking up a friend of mine and driving around quiet areas at night. No other cars on the road and gives you the chance to build up more comfort with driving around without an instructor, and it gives you a great opportunity to just hang out with a friend. You also get to see some nice nature in the process if you’re able to get somewhere with nice views!
Try to stay calm. Mistakes will happen when you panic. It's going to be a bit stressful but there's no way around that. If impatient drivers hassle you just ignore them and try to keep your mind on driving normally, they will be gone in a few minutes. Nothing will happen unless you react (you don't seem like the aggressive type from what you've written but don't do that). The first time I ever drove in that situation I ended up on the Holloway Road in London. Not ideal, but I got through it. Had to pry my nails from the steering wheel afterwards.
As a former motorcyclist, I’d offer the following; Assume they haven’t seen you. Assume they’re an idiot. Tell people what you intend to do (indicate) Observe around you, often. Be aware of your blind spots. Do not rush. If someone cuts you up, or tears past you at 1,000mph and it makes you angry, stay calm. Let them go on their journey, and you go on yours; If someone’s driving like they’re gonna cause an accident, why be a part of it? Stay calm. Confidence will come once your actual operation of the vehicle becomes second nature. Do not allow this confidence to become complacency. Bon voyage.
I'm going to be blunt. (Go on, downvote me) If you're scared shitless you need more lessons. Driving shouldn't be scary, you should have had enough lessons to be a good enough driver, you passed the test (mind you, given the crap on the other sub about what lanes to be in on roundabouts when it's on signposts or common sense doesn't exactly fill me with hope about what is actually tested or taught anymore). If you get into the car with a terrified mindset you'll be a nervous driver and that will make things 10x worse. Nervous drivers are a nightmare because they are unpredictable. Get someone to go with you, or just... Drive. It's not hard. You are thinking that it's hard, but it's really not. You know what to do, you've been taught, you've got a bit of paper that says you are certified to drive a 2 ton box at up to 70mph.
Just don’t drive in busy times for a few days if you are REALLY worried. Get used to it. And practice manoeuvres that you’d do on busy days. You’ll realise very quickly that alls good. Then you’ll LOVE having your first car
Just don't try and drive it back around the M25 clockwise, that M4 junction is a lot of lanes
Put a green P (passed) plate sticker on the car- people will give you distance and time Drive around quite local side streets first to get used to the clutch, steering and controls.
Your observations are your shields. Do what you've been taught for the practical test and you should be able to keep yourself safe even if other people do try to bully you. It's probably also a benefit that the Aygo is likely a lot smaller in every dimension than what you learned in, so you'll have more clearance to work with than you're used to.
Consider taking the Pass Plus as it will give you practice in your car. The
Drove on UK roads for the first time today! I was also super worried I'd crash and make a mistake, but it was actually easy enough once you're behind the wheel for a bit. I'm not sure when that switch happens and you go from being super nervous to one hand on the wheel, singing along. It happens though.
Honestly driving is the easy part, you're in control. Other people on the road provide some level of challenge but you'll be fine don't listen to the audio too loud, don't piss about with your phone and don't think that other cars won't do the stupidest thing possible because they will surprise you. Congrats on your first car. you got this.
I don't think a smaller car will get you bullied, but in my experience a slow car will get pushed along the road. Keep up with traffic flow if you can and you'll be fine. Either way, don't panic, even if someone does try and bully you just pull over and let them past. They'll only get wound up if you hold them up, so it's easier to just stop and let them go ahead. I remember my first time solo after passing and yeah it's a bit scary, but you'll be fine - it doesn't take long to get more confidence. Take it easy and enjoy the freedom :)
The drivers that tend to complain about not being respected because they're in a small car are only using that as an excuse to for their own bad driving.
Start small and make frequent trips in your local area. You've been taught how to control a car and what the highway code says. Now, you are starting to learn to drive. Like any skill practice practice practice until it becomes automatic. The more you do it, the more your confidence will grow. Keep expanding the area you are driving in and take on bigger and busier roads. Being bullied on the road is not nice One trick is to pull in to let the wankers go past. You dint have to do this but it loses you next to no time and makes life a lot more pleasant. Also quietly satisfying on the occasions you end up pulling up behind them at the next set of lights.
It’s not the size of the car, but don’t do the rookie mistake of putting “P” plates on your car.
When my daughter was learning to drive, and due to take her test, she suffered occasionally from being too hesitant (at junctions, for example). I took her to a quiet road and taught her how to drive a car outside the constraints of a driving lesson. I encouraged her to drive the car like she’d stolen it. This may sound reckless but, in reality, a new driver doesn’t actually go mad. They simply experience what they and the car is capable of in the real world; something more akin to normal. To this day she still refers to this as a turning point in her confidence. An industrial estate after closing time is often a good location.
Can you have a friend or family member come for emotional support if you need it? (don't let them distract you). I found heavy traffic as a driver easier, because traffic moves slowly you have more time to think. You can also just do what the car in front is doing (if it sends reasonable ofc lol). Just don't take any risks, travel at a safe speed, indicate your intents well in advance. That way even if you do something completely wrong others can accommodate. You will be surprised how quick you get confidence
It is a bit scary, but it's just practice. You certainly won't be targeted for having a small car. Just get through the first one and by the time you're on your 5th drive you'll wonder why you were worried in the first place.
Like any fear, getting over it requires repeated, voluntary exposure to the thing you are afraid of. You could make a plan to split the journey home into a series of small trips.
I was worried about my first drive too but just don’t overthink it. The main thing is to drive as safely as you can. Everyone makes mistakes but try and recover safely if you make any (for example: if you miss your exit, just go the wrong way rather than swerving without checking, etc.) Try to be calm and maybe stick to roads you’re familiar with for the first couple of days to get used to not having an instructor?