As if being a parent or driving just after you’ve passed your test were not stressful enough individually, combining the two can be enough to drive someone to insanity. Apart from the big expenses involved in a new baby, and a new car, the day to day travelling can be particularly anxiety-inducing, especially when you are still getting your bearings on the road. But for any new mum who is transporting their little bundle of joy around in the car a lot, what do you need to think about?
Don’t Pile On The Pressure
You might feel that you need to drive 100 miles in one stretch, but this is physically impossible with a young child, even up to the age of eight! There is no point in piling on the pressure yourself, you need to ensure that you are comfortable in the driver’s seat first. This means you need to do it bit by bit and make smaller journeys, so you get used to the roads, but also get used to how your baby is going to react. You don’t know how they’re going to be until you put them in the car, but if they are going to scream through every journey, is it worth your sanity?
Practice Makes Perfect
If you have anxiety as a new driver, you can either confront your fears in the most extreme manner possible, or you can break it down into smaller tasks. If you have specific quibbles with your own abilities, then you need to practice them. You also need to ensure that you’ve got adequate support in place. Whether this is through comprehensive car insurance, through suppliers like Swinton, or the support of family members, this emotional safety net can give you some peace of mind. And on the topic of safety, if you know your baby is strapped in securely and has a proper ISOFIX car seat, this is going to make every journey easier on your frame of mind, meaning you can focus better on the road.
Be A Defensive Driver
Defensive driving is the solution when you have so many different concerns in the car. Don’t feel bullied by other drivers to speed, or gesticulate to you because you’re only doing the speed limit, defensive driving is safe, but it’s also sensible. If you are still insecure about your abilities, a “P” sign will always provide that notice to other drivers that you’re still finding your feet, but also, the old faithful “baby on board” sign is a must.
Yes, it can be difficult when learning how to drive after you’ve passed your test, but safety is paramount. It’s difficult enough when you have a young child, but you need to think about your own abilities on the road, and if you are taking on too much. If you are lucky enough to have a child that is quiet enough and sleeps through anything, then you’ve got nothing to worry about, but if you’re like the majority of us out there, you will need to make sure you put the stops in place.