Hello Mabs
My daughter has just got her learner's licence and wants to practise driving every weekend. I want to encourage her, but honestly, I'm terrified sitting in the passenger seat. How do I help her become a confident driver without passing my own fears onto her?
Mabs Answers:
Firstly, congratulations to both of you. Learning to drive is an exciting milestone, but it's perfectly normal for parents to feel a little anxious too. One of the greatest gifts you can give a new driver isn't constant correction, it's calm, patient guidance.
Start on quiet roads with minimal traffic and keep each practice session short and focused. Rather than trying to cover everything in one outing, concentrate on one or two skills at a time. This allows your daughter to build confidence without feeling overwhelmed.
If she makes a mistake, resist the urge to react immediately. Instead, wait until you've both had a moment to settle, then talk through what happened and how she can improve next time. Remember, learner drivers often pick up on the emotions of the person sitting beside them. If you remain calm and encouraging, they're far more likely to stay relaxed and make better decisions behind the wheel.
Confidence isn't built in a single afternoon, it's earned through consistent, safe practice, one journey at a time. The goal isn't perfection; it's helping your daughter become a safe, capable and confident driver for life.
