There were over 1.5 million driving tests conducted in the period between March 2021 to March 2022. This brought over 750,000 new drivers joining the roads after passing their practical test.

However, new research by Vertu Motors has revealed that many new drivers don’t feel comfortable on the road.

A confident start

The automotive retailer surveyed 1,000 UK motorists who had passed their test in the last two years. Of these, 28% admit it took them longer than expected to drive with confidence.

When it comes to different types of journeys it seems the dark and fast roads are their biggest concern.

When it comes to motorway driving, 26% of new drivers did not feel confident hitting the multi-lane high speed roads. If that wasn’t scary enough,  23% are worried about driving in the dark.

In theory

Going solo behind the wheel may feel like the ultimate rite of passage to freedom for some. However, for others it is just area of anxiety. Perhaps it should come as no surprise that 30% of new drivers feel more comfortable driving with others in the car,. What’s more, 24% of respondents say they are not confident driving on their own at all!

It seems this is not based on fear about forgetting what they have learnt. When it comes to having to take the theory test again, 57% of new drivers believe that they would pass again if they retook it.

Top tips for raising confidence

To help new drivers feel more comfortable driving, Vertu Motors is shared their top tips for increasing confidence on the road:

1. Get out on the road as often as possible

When you feel nervous about something, it is often tempting to avoid it as much as possible – or even altogether! However, when it comes to driving, staying off the road is only going to help fuel those worries.

Instead, practice driving as much as you can to help grow your confidence.  Even if it is just a 10 minute journey to the supermarket, increasing your exposure to driving will help improve your overall confidence.

2. Identify what you are worried about

For those new drivers who lack confidence behind the wheel, try to identify if there is a particular aspect of driving that you find most overwhelming. This could be a particular manoeuvre, driving in harsh weather conditions, or more general concerns about accidents on the road.

By identifying any specific concerns, you can better focus the areas you need to practice, helping to limit the impact these triggers may have on your overall driving experience.

3. Get to grips with your car

Although 65% of respondents to our survey say they have either a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ knowledge of cars, it is important to know the car you’re driving inside and out.

Whether you are using a parent’s car or have purchased your own, make sure you know more than the basics. For example, learn how to control the windscreen wipe speed or change the air-con settings.

Also, familiarise yourself with your car’s actual size and dimensions, so you can feel more confident judging parking spaces and distances.

4. Prepare your route as much as you can

Worrying about getting lost or dealing with unexpected diversions will often add to the stress of a journey. So, if you are lacking confidence when driving, then try to prepare for those essential new journeys as much as you can.

Take time to review your route in advance, taking note of any potential disruptions, roadworks, or unfamiliar roads. When possible, also allow yourself more travelling time than satnavs may suggest.

5. Refresh your theory and practical driving knowledge

Just because you have passed your test, it doesn’t mean you now know everything about the road. It is important to keep refreshing your driving knowledge by taking practice theory tests online.

You should also regularly re-read the Highway Code – this is particularly important when the guidance is updated, which happens regularly.

There is also no reason why you can’t brush up your practical driving knowledge with some refresher driving lessons. You can also take specialist driving lessons to increase your confidence on nerve-inducing manoeuvres, such as driving on the motorway.