Top tips for building up your driving confidence

Let’s be honest, driving can sometimes be scary. If you’ve ever been in highway traffic with other motorists weaving in and out at speed, or have driven along an unlit country road with crossing wildlife and potholes, you’ll know about sweaty driving palms.

But you can build driving confidence to reduce your chance of having an accident, and to make your actual driving experience a better one. Here are five helpful tips to get you started.

You’ll want to know what all the switches, buttons and gadgets on the dash and even under the seat do if you haven’t explored them before. Don't be afraid to grab the owner's manual and take a read before you head off, just to brush up on things.

Obviously, your warning lights may come in useful in hairy conditions, while the lever that adjusts your seat up, down, or forward may seem like a simple extra but is actually a lifesaver. Adjusting your seat position so it’s comfortable and correct is essential to safe, confident driving, says Grant Barling, General Manager for Maserati Australia and New Zealand.

Before you turn the key, it’s also smart to check all mirrors for visibility, he suggests. Those side mirrors will allow you to confidently merge lanes. 

Get to know how your car handles on highways, or bumpy roads too. If you know it’s not possible to pass a slow-moving vehicle on a steep hill, for example, you won’t find yourself stuck out in the middle lane with other cars up your, well, you know, which can cause anxiety.

Take yourself on different types of journeys to build your skills or ask a friend, or family member to accompany you, advises Barling. While it’s a good idea to start with small trips and quieter streets, you could also do a short drive in the city to get used to heavy traffic or try reverse parking at a supermarket once you feel more confident.

As for highways – driving at speed can be particularly nerve-wracking for nervous or novice drivers but Barling says experience builds skill and, while you’re new to high-speed roads, make sure you stay in the left lane.

Use your GPS to check out where you are travelling to identify any possible hazards and consider the time when you are travelling too. If it’s wet or slippery, for example, you face increased safety risks while, if you plan to drive during the before or after school rush, you may want to delay your journey, or allow more time to go cautiously.

If you know you will be travelling in peak hour, Barling suggests selecting an alternate route that takes longer but allows you to drive in less crowded conditions.

Having a check-up for your car is like seeing a doctor. They’ll do a physical and recommend any maintenance and repairs.

This can include new wiper blades that will allow you to see through pouring rain, or new tyres that will stop your car spinning on a dangerous road. Knowing your car is mechanically sound will boost your confidence, so don’t ignore regular servicing.  

Once you’ve had 120 hours of training to get your licence, you should be competent enough to handle a potentially hazardous situation, says Barling. “The most important thing is to stay calm and know that instinct is developed with practice.”  

Investing in comprehensive car insurance, so you’re covered for accidents regardless of who is at fault, is also a great way to reduce anxiety when you get behind the wheel.

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