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  • Learner staring in the side view mirror

    How to manage feelings and emotions on the road

    Find out what you can do to help your learner and you manage feelings and emotions on the road.

In this topic

Feelings and emotions on the road

Stress and learning to drive

Tips to help your learner stay calm and drive safely

What you’re there to do for your learner

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Feelings and emotions on the road

How you feel can affect your learner’s driving experience including their learning, memory and decision making.

Learning to drive can have some stressful moments, as it's far more complex than most people realise. But don't worry, it’s okay for your learner to feel a little nervous as they try new things.

As your learner practises and progresses through to more challenging environments, you both may find yourselves in stressful situations.

It’s good to have a chat to your learner or reschedule their drive to when you both feel like driving.

Learning to drive can be an enjoyable thing to do. So make sure you’re in the right state of mind for taking your learner on drives.

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Stress and learning to drive

A bit of stress can help your learner stay alert and aware. But too much isn’t good and may affect how they learn.

Keep these things in mind when your learner is driving:

  • See mistakes as a learning opportunity.
  • Focus on what they’re doing well.
  • Know they’ll never get rid of stress completely and a little bit is okay.
  • Take them on a drive another time if either you are tired or have had an argument.
  • Think about going on a drive with a driving instructor with your learner.

Tips to help your learner stay in control when they drive

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Take a break

Taking short breaks will help them clear their mind and may stop them from putting them self at risk while on the road.

 

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Slow down

Get them to slow down, as it gives them more time to make good decisions and respond safely to hazards.

 

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Ask you to drive

Let them know it’s okay if you need to take over, if things get too complicated or they feel overwhelmed.

 

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See how they're feeling

Check in with them and ask about their feelings and emotions, especially before going for a drive.

 

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Drive another day

If they're not feeling up to it, get them to drive another time, so they can drive when they’re feeling their best.

 

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Encourage them to talk

Allow them to talk to you about how they’re feeling, as it helps you understand how they’re going and how you can best support them.
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What you're there to do for your learner

You're there to:

  • Give them lots of opportunities to practice.
  • Help them make safe driving decisions.
  • Help them anticipate potential hazards.
  • Be their second pair of eyes to watch the road.
  • Offer them guidance and support.
  • Give them feedback on how they’re going.
  • Share your driving experience.
  • Care about their safety.
  • Help them succeed.