Jump to content

First time driving after passing your test


Recommended Posts

Hiya,

 

I passed my test on Friday and I've bought a car which is coming to my house shortly (second hand off of ebay)

 

I'm a bit worried about my first journey alone. Is it normal to stall a lot with your first few trips out? it's a different car so you'd expect an inexperienced driver to do this (I would have thought)

 

Should I put the green 'P' plates on would this help?

 

I've never put fuel in a car either which is a bit daunting lol

Whenever I drive a different car to my normal one, it always takes me a few minutes to get used to the clutch etc.. so I wouldn't worry about that.

 

It might be an idea to put your P plates on just for a week or two - if other drivers can see that your a new driver, they may well show you a bit more consideration if you do stall etc..

 

As for putting in petrol - check with the current owner what fuel the car takes (unleaded or diesel), remember which side the opening is (left or right) and the rest is easy.

 

Once the tank is full, the petrol 'gun' will cut off - thats your signal that its full.

 

Sometimes, if theres a bit of splashback from the pump, it will cut off, but just wiggle the 'gun' around and its OK. (thats happened to me before, when I KNOW the tank isn't full - I've probablhy just had gun thing in at the wrong angle etc..)

 

Can you not ask a friend to go with you that first time just for some reassurance?

 

Good luck!

Yes, put on P plates and if you can take a friend with you until you feel confident enough to venture out alone.

Well done by the way :)

 

They say you only learn to drive when you have passed your test. I think this is true. My son was admitted to hospital with meningitis, the day after i passed my test, so I was literally thrown in at the deep end! I had green L plates on, and I felt a little more confident, knowing that if I did stall, then hopefully other motorists would be a little more patient. I think I had been driving back and forth to the hospital for about a week, when I noticed the Ls were missing. My hubby had taken them off, a few days before, without my knowledge. Didn't affect my driving though. I also think if your confident to go it alone for the first few times, then you won't care whether some one is sat at the side of you or not!

 

 

Jayne

Everyone, even experienced drivers, stalls or takes time to get used to a new car, so that's nothing to be worried about. Just make sure that your first trip out is not at a busy time or on busy route and also leave your little one with someone else. 'Driving' and 'driving your little ones' are two separate things and whatever nerves you have about driving are going to be much worse if you've got a child in the back.

Well done on passing your test Annie!

 

I passed mine at the end of March and have so far refused to take my 'P' plates off, much to the annoyance of my boyfriend since it's his car.

 

I still feel nervous going out by myself and have only done so a handful of times since passing. I worry about stalling and getting flustered in traffic. I get anxious about stop-start, uphill traffic in particular which is unfortunate living in Sheffield!

 

The only advice I can offer is keep at it, even if you feel scared. As with most things, the more you expose yourself to uncomfortable situations the less they will bother you.

 

I found that although I feel more comfortable having my boyfriend with me, I can be a better driver without him. He has 10 year's experience and can't help commenting on my driving. Knowing he has this experience I automatically defer to him, meaning I'm not making my own decisions. Often this means I get into a flap. If I'm by myself, or with a non-driver, I have to trust my own judgement. I think this is one of the most difficult aspects of post-test driving.

 

Oh, and I have only one pair of shoes I'm prepared to drive in, despite the fact they're knackered and stinky! I'd advise against shoes with thicker soles for a while; that always makes me stall as I can't 'feel' the pedals.

 

Good luck!

When I first passed I went to Asda at night to do a bit of shopping and roads were empty so felt safe. Then when I came out I set off and as I pulled onto the road cars were flashing me it was then I realised I had not put my headlights on as it was so light in the car park!!! I think if you stick to roads that you know at first then gradually go a bit further afield as you get used to if you will be ok. Also plan your journey in advance so that you know that you will have plenty of time to get there it might take a little longer to pull out at junctions till you get used to your new car. Make sure before you drive it that you know where wipers hazards etc are and if you have a hand book keep it in the car with you so you can refer to it if you need. Happy motoring!!

When i first passed i was a bit nervous, but made sure i gavve myself plenty of time to get to my destination and knew the route well.

 

I used to stall quite often at junctions put as long as you stay calm and do as your instructor has taught you then you should be okay, and you will do this less as you get used to the car.

 

Regarding P plates, i had them on at first and found that although if i stalled the car people were more patient, on the normal roads people were trying to bully me into letting them past and cutting in, personally i took them off after a couple of weeks and was much better. Try them yourself and see what you think, everybodys different if you feel better then leave them on!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.