Driving Lessons for Nervous Learners: Yenekathy’s Story
Learning to drive can feel exciting for some, but for others it can bring a lot of stress and fear. Many new drivers struggle with driving anxiety, fear of the kerb, or worry about other cars on the road. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. As a driving instructor with many years of experience, I’ve helped countless anxious and nervous learners slowly build confidence behind the wheel.
One of my recent students, Yenekathy, showed me once again how the right teaching approach—calm, patient, and step by step—can make a huge difference.
A Nervous Start
When Yenekathy first came to me, she was a very nervous learner driver. She felt anxious that she might hit the kerb and worried that any approaching car would crash into her. Her fears weren’t without reason—when she was young, she was involved in a serious accident as a passenger. Every time she got into a car, that memory came rushing back, making her feel unsafe.
My goal was not just to teach her the mechanics of driving, but to help her feel calm, safe, and in control of her learning journey.
Step 1: Building Trust with the Kerb
Her biggest worry was getting too close to the kerb. To help, I showed her clear reference points so she could see where the kerb was through the windows. We even stepped out of the car together so she could check the distance herself. Slowly, she began to trust her own eyes and judgement.
Step 2: Practicing Moving and Stopping
We then worked on the basics of car control. I guided her through gently releasing the brake—just like the light touch of a penny—and allowing the car to roll forward a few metres. Then we practiced braking smoothly to stop. We repeated this five or six times, and after each stop, she got out to see exactly where the car was positioned. This gave her reassurance and confidence that she could control the car.
Step 3: Progress at Her Own Pace
Our lessons moved slowly, always at her pace. Before long, Yenekathy was able to move off and stop on her own. We’ve now started to build up her speed and practice slowing down with confidence. While she’s still a little nervous about other cars, she now knows she can stay safe by controlling her own vehicle. Most importantly, she’s beginning to enjoy her driving lessons because they are calm, supportive, and tailored to her needs.
Driving Lessons for Anxious Learners
If you struggle with driving anxiety, fear of traffic, or lack of confidence, remember—you don’t have to face it alone. With the right support and a patient driving instructor, you can overcome those fears step by step.
I specialise in helping nervous learners just like Yenekathy. Together, we’ll go at your pace, build your skills gradually, and create a safe learning environment where you can gain confidence behind the wheel.
👉 Ready to start your own journey? Call me directly or leave a text message. Your driving instructor Nimish Patel – 07906 836676 or WhatsApp me.
South Ockendon Driving School