How To Help A Nervous Child Feel More Comfortable On The Road

Passing a driving test isn’t always a guarantee that we feel comfortable on the road, at least not yet. This can even be an issue well into our driving journey – seeing a terrible driver, but people in harm’s way can make us feel a little tense for a short time afterward.

However, it’s more than understandable why a younger first-time newly licensed driver can feel overwhelmed by going everywhere alone. It takes a little time to build that sense of confidence. However, because road confidence is usually influential over how safe and autonomous we are behind the wheel, sometimes it’s best to instill that confidence in them.

In this guide, we’ll recommend a few strategies that could help:

Consider A Pass Plus Scheme

A Pass Plus scheme is something to think about, because it’s a further training course designed to give new drivers experience in situations that the the usual test doesn’t usually cover, like driving on motorways, which can be scary for a lot of people at first. It also covers night driving and dealing with all manner of different weather types, which are two things that can really challenge anyone, let alone a nervous beginner.

This extra training is taken with an approved instructor, and it’s not another test to pass, which takes a lot of the pressure off, and that’s a big help for confidence. Getting a certificate at the end of it can sometimes even help reduce car insurance premiums, which is nice. After all, outside the possibility of an accident, the next scariest reality of driving is how much we have to pay for it.

Attend Their First Couple Of Longer Journeys

Now, a few quick trip to the shops is one thing, but planning and driving a long-distance journey is a completely different kind of challenge, which can cause our anxiety to spike. It’s a great idea to offer to ride along with your child on their first couple of longer trips, not to micromanage or constantly give instructions, but just to be there as a calm presence and as a second pair of eyes.

After all, being in the car together can help them feel supported as they deal with new practices like motorway junctions, getting lost for a moment, or figuring out where to stop for fuel or a break, which are all part of a long drive and something that takes time to properly figure out.

Have Emergency Numbers On Hand

Unfortunately, there’s a risk that something may go wrong in any drive, like a mechanical breakdown or a flat tyre, and that’s completely understandable. Making sure they have a simple, printed list of all the important emergency numbers that they can just keep in the glove box is an easy way to give them peace of mind. This list shouldn’t just solely include the obvious emergency services numbers, though, but also their insurance provider’s breakdown assistance line and the number for a reliable service, like a mobile tyre replacement company.

Even if you call for them the first time, you should talk them through what to do, like how to pull over safely and what information they will need to give over the phone when they call for help. This will be covered in the theory revision portion of the test, but it’s good to be prepared for any unexpected problems just in case. It can help the first time a breakdown happens.

Provide Utilities Like A Dash Cam

It’s easy to drive when you feel accounted for and if you have the tools for comfort. A dash cam is a brilliant example of this because it records what happens on the road, which can be proof if they ever get into an accident that wasn’t their fault, taking away a lot of the stress and potential blame.

If the car doesn’t include an easy-to-use satellite navigation system in its infotainment package, a phone holder can be a good installation, and stops the anxiety of getting lost in a new, unrecognised space. A small but well-stocked first-aid kit and a basic emergency tyre repair kit, or at least the tools to change a basic one, are also great ideas to keep in the car.

Having blankets in the back might help, as can salt grit for winter if you live in a colder climate that threatens to freeze over during winter. Of course, you don’t have to pack the car like a military supply vehicle, but just knowing they have what they need, when they need it, can help.

With this advice, we believe you’ll help your nervous child feel much more comfortable on the road.

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.