Are new drivers prepared for the road? 70 PER CENT of Brits are scared to drive alone after they pass their test
New research has revealed the things that make motorists most nervous when they first get their licence - but inexperienced drivers can follow a few simple steps to boost their confidence
A WHOPPING 70 per cent of new licence holders are scared when it comes to actually driving alone, according to a new study.
New motorists may be pushed out onto the road before they are ready, with the average driver only taking between 16-20 hours of lessons before passing their test.
Conducted by Car Parts 4 Less, research found just under a third of new drivers feel confident driving alone immediately after passing their test.
The majority of Brits took up to 8 months to learn to drive, but figures revealed learners may actually need more time with an instructor before they are allowed out on the road on their own.
The biggest fear shared by new drivers was motorways, with 31 per cent concerned about tackling high-speed roads alone.
And a quarter said bad weather made them most anxious, while parallel and reverse parking also made inexperienced road users nervous.
To help new drivers deal with the stress of tackling the road on their own, RED Driving School came up with a few tips to help improve confidence behind the wheel.
Making sure you know the route and allowing extra time for your journey are simple ways to reduce stress, along with making basic checks on windows, lights and mirrors before you set off.
Being prepared for bad weather can give you an extra boost, so be sure to have a winter kit at hand.
The test experts also recommended taking extra lessons after you had received your licence, focusing on motorway driving to brush up on your skills.
And practising on quiet streets in the first few weeks to slowly introduce you to driving alone.
Ian McIntosh, CEO of RED Driving School, said: “The fear of driving can seriously impede a person’s ability to function.
"Driving on your own having spent hours learning with an instructor in the left hand seat is without doubt a massive step, but it is for virtually everyone so you are not alone.
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“If you find it challenging, you may need to step back and consider how to manage these anxieties.
"Confidence in our ability to do something comes from being competent, so I would recommend making short journeys during quiet times of the day to practice driving on your own.
"When setting out, visualise how the last trip went and consider what went well and what made you nervous."