Don’t let a lack of confidence put you off... women drivers have fewer accidents than men so get out there and enjoy the freedom of motoring.
Thankfully, we are a long way away from post-war Britain, a time when the overwhelming majority of drivers were male. The women-driver population has doubled in the past 20 years so there are now over 16 million female motorists.
The trouble is where many male drivers are affected by over-confidence, female drivers can suffer from a lack of confidence behind the wheel – but that can easily be put right. Follow this guide to solving those confidence problems.
It’s a shame, but very few drivers take further instruction after passing their test, even though the first year of driving is mostly likely to result in an accident. Both RoSPA and the Institute of Advanced Motorists offer advanced driver training based on the same principles used by police drivers, and with industry-recognised award schemes it can also result in a reduced insurance premium.
Many people think that because they’ve been driving for five, 10 or more years that they know everything there is to know. Wrong... it’s that kind of attitude that makes you more susceptible to an accident, so be smart and learn from the pros.
Further training is invaluable and is the ultimate confidence booster for a nervous driver. The driving test only covers the basic elements of driving and still doesn’t cover many of the challenges you can face on the road. Whereas advanced training teaches you new driving skills for life, and even techniques that could save your life.
Do the opposite of most men – read the instruction manual – and familiarise yourself with all the controls, so you know your car inside out. Things like fog lights and rear screen heaters are needed in difficult conditions but can be hard to find in the heat of the moment. Also make sure the manual is in the glovebox or wherever it should live so you can refer to it if need be.
Getting your driving position right is also essential. Shorter women may find they have to get very close to the steering wheel in order to get the pedal position right, but this actually makes it more difficult to steer safely.
Ideally, your arms should be slightly bent if you rest your wrists on the top of the wheel, and when driving your hands should be at the quarter-to-three position and no higher than 10-to-two – having your hands higher than this can lead to exaggerated steering movements. A sound driving position also makes it easier to use the rear-view and door mirrors without moving your head.
It’s easy to be intimidated by other drivers being aggressive so if you’re driving along and you’re not keen on being so close to the car in front or behind, change your neighbours; pull in for a moment, make a left turn, go round the block or do a lap of a roundabout to get away from trouble.
Staying aware about what’s going on around will help avoid any nasty surprises. Use your mirrors often and look as far ahead up the road as you can. The more information you have about other traffic and the road ahead, the better.
Keeping a few choice items stashed in your car could prove invaluable should you break down or worse still are involved in an accident. Include a blanket, some chocolate, water, a torch, a coat or rain mac, a spare mobile phone battery and some stout shoes or wellingtons and you will be ready for any eventuality.