How to Overcome the Fear of Driving for the First Time
- Get comfortable with the vehicle. Sit in the driver's seat and learn about that particular vehicle. Find all of the basic controls, such as the windshield wiper function, the lights, seatbelts, blinker, and pedals.
- Adjust your seat, seatbelt, and mirrors. First, slide the seat forward or backward so that you can reach all the pedals with the correct feet. Then buckle yourself in, and if the seatbelt is adjustable, make sure it isn't too high on your neck. The mirrors should be adjusted every time you enter the vehicle, beginning with the rearview mirror. Tilt the mirror so you can see clearly out the back windshield, and make sure your night-vision function is off. Both side mirrors should be turned so that you can see your car on the inside of the mirror, and anything behind or beside you should be on the outside of the mirror.
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Pretend you're driving. If you were driving, what would you do? Go over stopping procedure, turning procedure, and shifting if you're in a manual-transmission vehicle. Make sure you're very familiar with all of the basic controls/levers/switches and their locations.
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Eliminate distractions. Make sure you're driving with a person you can trust and rely on, and kick everyone else out of the car. You don't need to have an audience when you're learning. Leave the radio off - or play classical music quietly. Make sure you're well hydrated and that you've used the restroom before you get into the car.
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Remember that driving should be fun, once you get the hang of it. Don't treat the vehicle like an enemy - it will get you wherever you want to go, if you know how.
