I'm excited and freaked out at the same time.

[b1uski3sxox]

HIIIII
This is kinda-sorta a venting thread... almost... >.>

So. I FINALLY get to start driving school. My parents signed me up today and I'm starting it in a couple of weeks... hoping to get my learner's permit by the time I go back to school (mid-August-ish).

While I'm totally excited about learning how to drive and then being able to maybe get a little job once I do (more money to buy Webkinz ), I'm also really freaked out.

You know why?

There are various reasons, actually.

1) all the websites I go on are like "the leading cause of death in young adults is CAR CRASHES! There is a 1 in 4 chance that you will get into a CAR CRASH before you reach college age! With every additional young adult in the car, your chances of crashing DOUBLE!"

2) I'm afraid that I'm going to get into that little car with the "OMG WATCH OUT STUDENT DRIVER" printed all over it for my test drives and have a panic attack.

I'm so freaking scared of hitting someone, damaging something, bumping into something, accidentally running a red light and getting into trouble, forgetting where the brake is (I have nightmares about forgetting where the brake is all the time), et cetera...

But I kind of have to learn how to drive or college will roll around and I'll be like "mommyyyyy could you drive me to my morning class pleeeease?"

I know that probably most of you can't give me advice because you don't know how to drive, but this isn't so much driving advice (I'm going to learn all the "rules of the road" in driver's ed sooo) as it is panic-attack-and-hit-a-cow advice. (we're in Indiana; cows are probably the leading cause of car crashes around here )

Soyeah. Without giving away my age(range), I kind of have to learn how to drive at the age that I am right now. I'm not old or anything but lots of my friends already have their permits and I don't want to be that one loser friend who has to have people drive them everywhere. And I've already signed up for driver's ed so I can't back out now. And I REALLY REALLY REALLY wanna learn how to drive. Heck, I was like "WHOOOO DRIVING" until I officially got signed up for driving school... and then I was like "WHOOOoooo... iiiii will probably die."

But I'm just so scared. What if something happens? Heck, what if everything goes fine, I get my permit, go out driving with my friends, and get into a crash?
What then?
What if I'm just driving along and someone pulls out in front of me, not looking where they were going, and I hit them?
What if they blame me?
What if I end up hurting them when it wasn't even my fault?
What if it does end up being my fault?
What if I don't see a stop sign?
What if I get distracted by a little kitty in the road and someone rear-ends me?

Ohmygosh there are just so many possibilities and I'm scared to death and I'm sure my parents are much more scared than I am which doesn't really seem physically possible to me.

...soyeah.

Any ideas? Any comfort you can give me? If you can drive, any tips you can give me, like where the brake is, for example?

Thanks.
I'm sorry I'm so panicky over things that are hard to give advice on
But I want opinions of people who aren't scared for my life. (... if you WANT me to die in a car crash, though, plz don't give me "advice"... 'yeah, all right, so you NEVER wear a seatbelt. and you should always go 20 MPH above the speed limit. and red means go, yellow means go, green means go.' )

[chatterbox4eva39]

I was sooo nervous when I first got my permit but the best tip I think I can give to someone learning how to drive is to relax. I might sound like a broken record but always wear your seat belt...it can and will save your life. When driving you should be looking everywhere. Don't focus on the road right in front of you, look out a bit into the distance so you can drive smoothly and you can be ready to brake at any time. Your eyes should always be moving. When driving for the first time start out in an empty parking lot so there is plenty of room. Taking driving lessons from a company helps too because (for me at least) they take you to the license test site and give you tips on what you should do when you take the road test. For my state at least (RI), you were able to use your own car for road test and depending on whether or not you took driving lessons you might have been able to use the company car. When you get your license and can drive by yourself and are worried about getting in an accident, just stick to the roads you know and avoid places (like the highway) where you need to do a lot of merging and changing lanes. My mom wouldn't let me drive on the highway before I spent a long time just getting used to driving alone on roads I was comfortable with. If you do get in an accident (even a minor one) always file an accident report. Don't worry about whose fault it was. If you think your parents will be mad don't worry. They will probably be happy that you are not dead. If you are distracted by a kitty in the road and someone rear-ends you, don't worry, it is their fault. Also, get familiar with the car(s) you will be driving and get in a lot of hours with your permit. The more and more you drive, the more comfortable you will get behind the wheel. For me, I found that having noise on while driving was very distracting so I don't drive with the radio on and I probably won't ever until I am more experienced. When I took drivers ed my instructor told us that pretty much everything he taught us in the class we won't ever really matter (idk how true that is because you do actually learn stuff...my teacher was a little wacky.) It is what you learn when on the road is what counts.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask on here or by PM.

[starrose33]

I recently got my learner's permit, so I can understand how you feel completely. The written test is a little daunting, but its mostly common sense and knowledge of all the laws that your state has for driving.
As the poster before me said, relaxing is the most important thing to do while driving. Do that, and everything else should be good.

[b1uski3sxox]

Originally Posted by chatterbox4eva39

I was sooo nervous when I first got my permit but the best tip I think I can give to someone learning how to drive is to relax. I might sound like a broken record but always wear your seat belt...it can and will save your life. When driving you should be looking everywhere. Don't focus on the road right in front of you, look out a bit into the distance so you can drive smoothly and you can be ready to brake at any time. Your eyes should always be moving. When driving for the first time start out in an empty parking lot so there is plenty of room. Taking driving lessons from a company helps too because (for me at least) they take you to the license test site and give you tips on what you should do when you take the road test. For my state at least (RI), you were able to use your own car for road test and depending on whether or not you took driving lessons you might have been able to use the company car. When you get your license and can drive by yourself and are worried about getting in an accident, just stick to the roads you know and avoid places (like the highway) where you need to do a lot of merging and changing lanes. My mom wouldn't let me drive on the highway before I spent a long time just getting used to driving alone on roads I was comfortable with. If you do get in an accident (even a minor one) always file an accident report. Don't worry about whose fault it was. If you think your parents will be mad don't worry. They will probably be happy that you are not dead. If you are distracted by a kitty in the road and someone rear-ends you, don't worry, it is their fault. Also, get familiar with the car(s) you will be driving and get in a lot of hours with your permit. The more and more you drive, the more comfortable you will get behind the wheel. For me, I found that having noise on while driving was very distracting so I don't drive with the radio on and I probably won't ever until I am more experienced. When I took drivers ed my instructor told us that pretty much everything he taught us in the class we won't ever really matter (idk how true that is because you do actually learn stuff...my teacher was a little wacky.) It is what you learn when on the road is what counts.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask on here or by PM.

Thanks. This helped a bunch. Dad's been suggesting that once I do get my permit, we do a lot of driving around in empty parking lots before I do any actual drives... so I'll probably end up doing that a lot.

[24724]

I got my permit about seven months ago, so its kinda fresh on my mind. I started driving a year before I could legally. It helped a lot. My mom would get in the passenger seat and I'd drive half a mile to the middle school and drive around in circles in the parking lot. Just don't do like my cousin and get the car somehow balanced on a median without any wheels touching the ground xD and you should be fine.

And I messed up with accidentally pressing the brake instead of the gas a few times. No biggie. (Well, kinda biggie. I was in reverse one of the times and ran into a pole.) But if you do, and you crash, your crash is done with.

And the car with the labels isn't as bad as you think. They're pretty hidden and you just forget about it.

And if someone rear-ends you, its their fault, no matter what. Keep that in mind.

And for us in Texas, the panic-and-hit-a-cow turns into panic-and-hit-a-texting-cowboy-on-his-giganto-horse-who-also-happens-to-weigh-two-tons. Don't worry. The cow, like the horse, is big. You will see it.

And the rest, pay attention in class and it will be fine. You go to driving school for a reason. But one thing- if they say, "we are about to watch some videos. If you get sick at the sight of blood, leave the room." or anything along those lines, LEAVE THE ROOM. Not was the BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. And I've made a LOT of mistakes.

So yeah. Thats all I can think of.

[Myhorsesnot4u]

I don't drive yet, but I take my leaner's permit test at the end of this month I'm nervous too! My sister was also just in a car accident(a car hit her), so that didn't really ease my nerves. :/ I don't like the thought of driving side by side to some really crazy drivers. I'm going to take the advice that you get on this thread lol Sorry I didn't have any of my own

[cupcakes7689]

Originally Posted by 24724

I got my permit about seven months ago, so its kinda fresh on my mind. I started driving a year before I could legally. It helped a lot. My mom would get in the passenger seat and I'd drive half a mile to the middle school and drive around in circles in the parking lot. Just don't do like my cousin and get the car somehow balanced on a median without any wheels touching the ground xD and you should be fine.

And I messed up with accidentally pressing the brake instead of the gas a few times. No biggie. (Well, kinda biggie. I was in reverse one of the times and ran into a pole.) But if you do, and you crash, your crash is done with.

And the car with the labels isn't as bad as you think. They're pretty hidden and you just forget about it.

And if someone rear-ends you, its their fault, no matter what. Keep that in mind.

And for us in Texas, the panic-and-hit-a-cow turns into panic-and-hit-a-texting-cowboy-on-his-giganto-horse-who-also-happens-to-weigh-two-tons. Don't worry. The cow, like the horse, is big. You will see it.

And the rest, pay attention in class and it will be fine. You go to driving school for a reason. But one thing- if they say, "we are about to watch some videos. If you get sick at the sight of blood, leave the room." or anything along those lines, LEAVE THE ROOM. Not was the BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE. And I've made a LOT of mistakes.

So yeah. Thats all I can think of.

This

[MeWuvKitties]

b1u is going to be driving!!!
AHHHHHH!!!!
I live in the same state as her! OOOOH NOOOOO!!!!!
lol, just kidding....
hopefully....



Well, I'm in a similar boat as you.
I don't have my license yet.
I have my permit already though (had it for awhile), even though I never took Drivers Ed.
The good thing for you is that you ARE taking Drivers Ed.
It was so overwhelming for me because I felt like I was kinda just thrown into driving, since I just had to learn stuff from a drivers manual, versus actually learning and practicing it in Drivers Ed.
Eventually, you'll get more comfortable, and you'll get a better "feel" about driving.
At first, I completely HATED driving, and my hands would get all shaky and sweaty when I had to drive.
Now, it's getting better. I don't mind city driving.
I do HATE highway driving though. But, I'll get used to it eventually, probably. (Everyone is like "Oh my gosh, highway driving is so much easier, because people can just pass you, and you just stick to your own lane"., but yeah, I've driven on the highway twice, and absolutely hated it....).
So, I guess I'm kinda weird that I prefer city driving over highway driving, but, it's true, I do.

The biggest thing with driving is to stay concentrated. You really have to stay focused.
If you get distracted, you're going to end up missing stuff, like stop signs, stop lights, turns, turn signals, merges, etc.
A couple weeks ago when I went driving, my dad was talking to me, and I got distracted, and didn't see the stop sign. Luckily, he told me it was there, so I stopped. (I was going through a parking lot, so it wasn't busy anyways luckily)
But yeah, concentration is definitely the most important thing. You really have to focus on your driving, and the other cars around you. I mean, if you see a puppy on the side of the road, you can't stare at it because it's cute. Because, yeah, you're going to wind up hitting something.

So, yeah, I know how you feel, since I'm a similar situation, but, you'll get more comfortable with it.
I'm pretty sure everybody is scared when they first start driving. Especially when they're on the road with actual cars.

Also, another tip I'd give you: If you already have a car you'll be using (either your own, or if you'll be sharing your parents or something), use that to drive.
Every car is different, so it's best to use the one that you'll be driving 95% of the time.
Although, I must admit, I've never driven my car....
It's brakes are shot, so I can't drive it, so I've had to "practice" with my mom and dads cars. Even between their 2 cars, I can notice quite a difference in just the way they drive. So, it will be quite interesting to see how it is to actually drive MY car (which, will be soon, I hope. We're taking it in tomorrow, so, they'll hopefully get fixed soon).

As with the concentration thing I mentioned, don't be afraid to be bossy when you're driving.
If somebody wants to turn on the radio, tell them no.
If people are talking, and distracting you, ask them to be quiet.
You're a new driver, and you need total concentration. All those little distractions can make you distracted enough to cause problems.
I was driving the other day, and my dad turned on the radio, and he was talking to my mom, and both of them were trying to tell me what to do. I was just like "K, can only one of you talk? It's confusing to have both of you talking to me at the same time....".
YOU'RE THE DRIVER.
lol, when we were going somewhere, my mom and dad were having a small disagreement about something. I was like "Hey! Do NOT make me turn this car around and go home!". lol, just like what my parents used to say to my brother and I....

Also, start off in parking lots until you get a feel for the gas and brake, and, you can practice parking.
Then, work your way onto slower roads, when the traffic isn't heavy.
Avoid busy areas, like near malls and stuff, until you're more experienced and comfortable.

So, yeah, I'm probably not A TON of help, since I'm that that experienced of a driver, but, since I'm kinda going through the same thing, I thought I might be a smidgen of help.
If you have any Q's or anything, feel free to VM/PM me. Or, just post here, since i'll probably keep popping on...

In the meantime, you are aware that you can read the Drivers Manual online, for Indiana right?
Reading through might help you be a little more prepared.

[Amygirl8]

I really can't help you in any way, but I appreciate the laugh. Your threads are so funny (especially that last bit )

Anyway, I think that once you get in the car, you'll eventually just sort of get used to the feel of driving. It's important to be alert but relaxed most of the time. Stupid example, but I'd correlate it with how I play Lily Padz on WW- at this point my hands are so used to the motions, I don't have to actually focus on the map- I just need to see it. However, I do get alert when I accidentally put myself in a tricky situation, and go into "hyper-mode". Silly example, but in essence it sorta makes sense XD

Anyway, I agree with 24724's advice about leaving the room XD We had to watch this video on ***** driving a few years ago, although it wasn't intended for our age group. It was very gory, to say the least.
It scarred me, I couldn't sleep for a month and I freaked out whenever my brother left the house.
So yeah. LEAVE THE ROOM ;]

[MeWuvKitties]

Originally Posted by starrose33

I recently got my learner's permit, so I can understand how you feel completely. The written test is a little daunting, but its mostly common sense and knowledge of all the laws that your state has for driving.
As the poster before me said, relaxing is the most important thing to do while driving. Do that, and everything else should be good.

True.

I'm not positive, but, I'm guessing my permit test might be the same as yours, since we're both Indiana? Maybe not though, but, it's possible.
The permit test is pretty basic knowledge stuff that you can easily find out by reading the drivers manual.
I studied for quite some time.
I got the book, and highlighted and underlined important stuff so it'd really stick out. Then I reviewed, and then I found some websites that offered sample quizzes.
MOST of the questions were pretty easy.
There were a couple ones that weren't SO OBVIOUS, but, I still ended up getting a 100% on the test the first time (Yeah, I was shocked. I figured I'd atleast get a couple wrong, but figured I would pass. The lady was like "Here you go. Feel free to walk over to that photo booth, and the lady will help you.". And I was like "Woah, I passed?!", and she was like "Yup. 100%, good job!".