Learning to drive | Do's & Don'ts

Ah, learning to drive. You either love it or you hate it. When I first started learning, I thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. This was when my instructor was doing the most of the work in terms of giving me directions/instructions and I didn't really venture further than a small residential area. Now? Well, let's just say some days I'd rather be stuck juggling knives whilst walking on hot coals.. for eternity. Yeah, not so fun. But because I've been driving for a while now, I thought's I'd share some of my thoughts when it comes to being a learner driver.

So here's my tips!

  

1. Pick a good instructor

Yes, you really do want an instructor that has a flying car. No but in all seriousness, pick an instructor who you feel 100% comfortable with and who at least seems to vaguely know what they're doing. It doesn't really matter your learning style, whether you need someone strict/firm or someone who's willing to give you a pat on the back every time you have a mini breakdown, but an instructor who is patient with you and makes you feel at least 1% more confident whilst driving is key. 

2. Don't panic

I can safely say, this is something easier said than done. Whilst behind the wheel, you're probably going to end up in panic mode at some point. Whether it's at home or in the car, you'll probably be left questioning the meaning of life itself. Yep, I've had my fair share of these from when I parked up and may or may not have hit a curb, the time I nearly my knocked my left wing mirror off and another cars in the process, or last week when I ended up bursting my instructors tire over a pot hole.. fantastic. But at the end of the day, you don't learn without a few, ahem mishaps, so just roll with it (quite literally) and remember that even the professionals mess up now and again.

3.Concentrate/stay focused

It's pretty hard not to concentrate when you're driving a car to be honest, but when you've got so much to think about it can all get a bit too much. My best advice for this is just to go at your own pace and try not to let your emotions get the better of you. If you can't deal with the passenger talking to you, let them know before hand to keep the journey safer for you and others on the road, just simple things to keep you fully focused. Also whatever you do, please don't start headbanging to Bohemian Rhapsody while in the driving seat.

4. Have fun
When you've stalled one too many times at the same junction for the third time this month, the whole learning to drive process can seem a bit.. horrible. But I can promise you there probably is one element of driving you'll remotely enjoy. For me, I actually quite like doing maneuvers and you feel such a great achievement when you do something really well. If you feel like you're not enjoying any aspects of your lessons, you might need to take some time off and assess how you really feel about the whole driving shabang.

5. Ignore rude drivers/pedestrians

Yeah so you may make mistakes, you're learning who cares?! Well idiots who clearly think they own the road, that's who. If you're someone who is easily embarrassed you probably won't take well to others judging your driving, but if those same people are still being rude after they've seen your L plates then that's there problem and NOT YOURS. I don't think I recommend driving dirty however.

6. Keep focused on your main goal
Lastly, if you feel all is lost, remember why you wanted to learn to drive in the first place. Keep this in mind when ever you feel like you're having a moment and you everything should come into perspective. Just remember, no matter how long it takes you, whether it's months or years, you'll get there in the end and it will be so worth it.

I've got my theory test coming up soon, so if anyone has any advice/tips it would be truly appreciated!

Victoria ♥