A driver's license provides enormous amounts of freedom and—for teens—it's a rite of passage into adulthood. However, learning to drive is an extremely stressful activity for some people. To help new drivers overcome their anxiety, the information below offers some important stress management tips.

How to Minimize the Anxiety of Learning to Drive

1. Become Familiar With the Car

Part of the anxiety new drivers experience comes from unfamiliarity with the vehicle. Before setting out, take time to familiarize yourself with the controls. Learn which buttons or switches operate the wipers, lights, heater, turn signals, and cruise control so you don't have to hunt for them while driving. Being comfortable with the controls will help ease some of your tension.

2. Drive During the Day

Nighttime driving can be stressful even for experienced drivers. The blinding glare of headlights, brake lights, stop lights, and street lights coupled with the limited visibility can cause real anxiety. To minimize stress, only drive during the daytime until you have considerable experience behind the wheel.

3. Avoid Bad Road Conditions

Similarly, it can be daunting to drive when road conditions are poor. For instance, hard rain limits visibility, while ice and snow make handling the vehicle uncertain. Slush and mud splash the windshield and obscure the road, and all of these issues affect people just learning to drive more than seasoned drivers because they simply don't have the experience needed to deal with it. Thus, only drive when conditions are favorable until you have several hundred miles—or more—under your belt.

If you are nervous about the lessons and testing required to acquire your driver's license, contact Bob Shropshire Sons Driving School in Cincinnati, OH. Their calm, patient driving school instructors have a wealth of experience and will help you relax behind the wheel. The company has been teaching new drivers for 90 years over three generations of family ownership. Visit their website to message them online or to see session starting dates. Call (513) 721-3915 to schedule a consultation for learning to drive.