Sometimes living conditions force you to temporarily refuse to drive, even though you have a valid driver’s license.
No matter how long you have not driven the car – for several months or several years – before you travel again, you need to make sure that you are prepared for it and do not endanger yourself, your passengers or other road users.
There may be various reasons for a break in your driving experience. Often, new drivers do not have the opportunity and need to drive for a long time immediately after receiving a driving license. Other times I have a driving break because the person is abroad, uses public transport or other people take me to work. In some cases, giving up driving is associated with low self-confidence and self-confidence. Re-entry into the role of driver can be encouraged, for example, by a change in marital status, divorce from the partner who drove the car, or even the death of the partner. Some people return to the wheel after long-term treatment or hospitalization, or they have overcome their fear of an accident. Similarly, the pandemic and the associated shift to remote work forced many people to give up driving for extended periods of time.
“Before returning to the steering wheel after a long break, take the time to remember how different parts and functions of the car, such as emergency lights, fog lights or wipers, work. Go through things you take for granted, such as adjusting the car’s mirrors, adjusting the seat and headrest. Make sure you are free to depress the pedals or forget how to maneuver properly. It will often be necessary to re-learn fluid driving techniques and ways to deal with certain situations on the road, such as difficult weather or at night. It is important to avoid any obstructions. It’s a good idea to resume driving in less congested areas, ”says Adam Bernard, Director of the Renault School of Safe Driving.
If the driving break has been long, you should not rush back to the wheel. Some drivers may take longer to regain confidence, so they should not put themselves under pressure from family or friends, but should do so in a way and at a speed that suits them. At first, you should choose calmer and easier roads and avoid driving during rush hour. Try to drive often, even for short periods of time and at different times of the day, gradually increasing the distance traveled. The presence of a relative in the passenger seat can sometimes help, especially if useful advice and suggestions can be provided. But it can also be a nuisance, as some will feel even more stressed in this situation. Anyone who resumes driving after a long break is recommended to attend special training courses at the driving school.
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