Scared to Drive a New or Bigger Car? A 6-Step Plan

Before you start

• Take your time with the seat, mirrors and controls before the engine is on. A good seat position changes how big a car feels.
• Ask the seller or owner to show you the controls that differ from your old car, such as the handbrake, the lights and the wipers.
• Choose an empty car park or a quiet road for the first drive, in daylight.

The 6 steps

From getting to know the car to a drive you know well. Do each step for real, then come back when you are parked and rate how anxious you felt: 0 is calm, 10 is the most anxious you can imagine. The NHS advises staying with a step until the fear has dropped by about half, then moving on. Repeat or skip any step. There is no deadline. 0 of 6 done.

1. Sit in it parked

   Adjust the seat and mirrors. Find the controls.

   Sit in it parked. Adjust the seat and mirrors and find the controls. Take your time. Rate how it feels to sit in the new seat.

   Step 1 done

   Anxiety 0 to 10

   Rate

   Before / 10After / 10Date

2. Practise the controls while parked

   Lights, wipers, indicators, handbrake.

   Practise the controls while parked: lights, wipers, indicators and handbrake. When they are familiar, you have fewer things to think about on the road.

   Step 2 done

   Anxiety 0 to 10

   Rate

   Before / 10After / 10Date

3. Drive in an empty car park

   Get a feel for size and turning.

   Drive in an empty car park to get a feel for the size and the turning circle. Go slowly. Use the mirrors and look around.

   Step 3 done

   Anxiety 0 to 10

   Rate

   Before / 10After / 10Date

4. A quiet road

   Daylight, short.

   Take a quiet road in daylight, on a short drive. Rate it afterwards. Notice what felt different from your old car.

   Step 4 done

   Anxiety 0 to 10

   Rate

   Before / 10After / 10Date

5. A familiar route

   Notice what feels different.

   Take a familiar route and notice what feels different. Your usual route is a good test because you know what to expect from the road.

   Step 5 done

   Anxiety 0 to 10

   Rate

   Before / 10After / 10Date

6. Park it

   Practise in a wide, easy space first.

   Practise parking it, starting in a wide, easy space. Try again in a space of normal size when that feels easier.

   Step 6 done

   Anxiety 0 to 10

   Rate

   Before / 10After / 10Date

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If a step feels too big

If the car still feels too big, practise in an empty car park a few more times. Ask a calm friend to stand outside and tell you where the corners are while you park.

Questions