Driving in the midst of the rush hour can be extremely unnerving. Being alert and completely focused sometimes just isn’t enough, since you always have to take into consideration the fact that other drivers may not be as attentive as you. Plus, if you’re worried about your driving skills and the traffic jams make you uneasy, you might end up lacking confidence when behind the wheel. If this is something you’re struggling with, here are some excellent tips for you to stay calm and boost your confidence while driving.

Know your car well

One way to avoid being overly nervous while behind the wheel is getting familiar with all your car’s features, which can make a huge difference in case something goes wrong. For example, if there’s thick fog on the road, it’s crucial to know how to turn on your fog lights. Similarly, you should know how to switch on your hazard lights, use the windshield washer or even something as basic as roll your windows up and down. Some of these things may sound ridiculous, but if you’re in a car you haven’t driven before, you might be surprised at how different it is from what you’re used to. Some other things you should learn is how to change a tire, where your jumper cables are and how to use them or how to put gas into your car. The more you know about your car, the more confident you’ll feel driving it.

Practice as often as possible

The fact that you passed your driving tests doesn’t mean much until you sit behind the wheel on your own and start relying solely on yourself. Gaining confidence requires some time, patience and effort, so drive your car as often as you can, switching routes and taking your car out at different times of the day to get the general feeling of how it is to actually be in traffic. That way you’ll also be more likely to drive in various weather conditions and in different light. It may be nerve-racking at first, but if you practice driving regularly, you’ll notice how you gradually relax behind the wheel and gain more confidence with each ride you take. Also, make sure you always use your rear-view mirrors, since that’s something which takes some time to get the hang of, and it’s one of the essential things you need to master if you’re planning on driving regularly.

Control the noise

One thing that can cause a lot of stress while driving is noise. This includes the noise made by your car, the traffic around you, but also the music you play. And while you can’t fully control the noise of the traffic on the roads, you can somewhat control how much of it you hear. For instance, keeping your windows closed can help. Not only will you hear less of the noise other drivers make, but also wind noise. Nevertheless, this doesn’t cancel any of the noise your engine makes via its exhaust system, and that can be pretty distracting, adding to your stress and even damaging your hearing. Fortunately, this type of noise can be controlled to an extent by investing in quality performance mufflers. Not only will they tone the sound of your engine down, but they can also contribute to your car’s performance. The noise may keep you on edge at first, but once you get used to it and learn how to manage it, you’ll feel better and more at ease.

Reconsider your passengers

Just like in any other aspect of life, there are people who boost your self-esteem, make you feel good about yourself and who encourage you every chance they get, helping you staying calm even in chaos. On the other hand, there are those who are negative, who love pointing out even the slightest of your mistakes and who only make you feel bad. If one of these toxic people is sitting in your passenger seat, just waiting for an opportunity to give you a piece of their mind, you’ll definitely feel stressed throughout your ride. So, if possible, make sure that you have a positive person in your passenger seat, and if you have to drive a negative one, they can ride in the back. Try to ignore any mean comments and keep in mind that your actions aren’t what’s at the root of their discontent. If you have to drive such a person, talk to them before you even start your car and let them know that they can only ride with you if they respect you as a person and as a driver. By taking a stand, you’ll instantly feel more impowered and confident.

Make yourself comfortable

Despite all the initial pressure you might be put under, bear in mind that driving can actually be an enjoyable experience. However, in order for you to feel calm and in control behind the wheel, it’s crucial that you feel comfortable.

So, once you get into your car, make sure that your back is up against the seat, that you adjust the height of the steering wheel to be at your chest level, and that your mirrors are adjusted, so that you don’t have to twist your neck while driving. As far as your seat goes, you can change its height, its recline, but most importantly, you can move it forwards or backwards, so that you can reach the pedals without having to stretch to far or bend your knees in an awkward position. After that, you can set your air conditioning to an ideal temperature, play some soothing music and watch how your driving experience improves along with your mood.

Driving is something that you learn, practice and get used to. So, give yourself some time and you’ll slowly gain the confidence you need to become the driver you’ve always wanted to be.

About the author:

Tracey Clayton is a mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids. She’s also passionate about traveling, fashion and healthy living. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live."