There are approximately 214 million licensed drivers in the United States. High schoolers are often all-too eager to get behind the wheel, but many Americans don’t learn to drive until they’re well into adulthood. This is especially common if you grew up or currently live in a metropolitan area that relies more heavily on public transportation to get around. But the idea of driving a car can also produce feelings of intense anxiety, which may cause individuals to put off learning this valuable skill. Whatever your reasons for not learning how to drive early on, there’s no reason to feel embarrassed about enrolling in an adult driving course later in life. An adult driving school can help you learn at your own pace and conquer any fears you might have about operating a vehicle. If you feel nervous about driving, these three tips may help you feel more comfortable and confident when it’s time to get on the road.

1. Familiarize Yourself With Cars
   If you’ve never operated a vehicle before, the entire operating system of a car may feel completely foreign to you. That’s to be expected, really! But now that you want to get your license, it’s time to get more familiar with automobiles. The gear shift and pedals are obviously very important, but you also need to know how to adjust your mirrors, use your directional signal, turn your headlights on and off, and operate your windshield wipers. It won’t be long before these operations become second-nature to you, but it’s a good idea to practice with them, even if it’s just in your driveway. In addition, you might want to learn how to fill up your gas tank and tires to get a better understanding of how these processes work.
2. Find a Great Trainer or Course
   While you may feel a little embarrassed about learning to drive as an adult, there’s absolutely no reason to feel ashamed. The good thing about enrolling in an adult driving school is that it won’t be like high school driver’s education class. There are classroom setting options, but you can also schedule independent driving lessons to gain confidence and acquire skills at your own pace, according to your own schedule. No matter your preference, a comfortable setting and understanding trainer is paramount. When you rely on a friend or family member to teach you how to drive, your anxiety may get in the way. But a knowledgeable trainer can help put your mind at ease, provide encouragement, and identify areas that need improvement. That way, you can take the emotion out of the situation and will be able to focus in an environment filled with understanding and comfort.
3. Be Patient With Yourself
   Rome wasn’t built in a day, and no one has ever mastered the skill of safe driving in that timeframe, either! If you need extra lessons to feel comfortable behind the wheel, don’t worry. That just means you’ll probably be better prepared later on. And once you pass your test, it may take you a while to feel 100% confident while on the road. That’s okay, too. When you start driving on your own without your trainer, it may take a while for you to adapt. But eventually, you’ll hardly be able to remember a time when you didn’t know how to drive! This skill will become totally ingrained and will feel as natural as walking. But if that doesn’t happen instantaneously, don’t feel frustrated. Just be patient with yourself and remember that practice makes perfect. The more time you spend driving, the more comfortable you’ll be. And if you need additional time with an trainer or need a refresher lesson at our adult driving school, we’re here to help.

If you’re an inexperienced or nervous adult driver, getting assistance in an adult driving school or with a private trainer can make all the difference in the world. We’re here to answer your questions and practice driving in a way that makes you feel totally comfortable and in control. To find out more about our adult driving classes, contact Driving Arizona today.