Driving, Confidence and Mental Wellbeing
Supporting CPSL Mind
WS Driving Collective is supporting the fundraising work of WS Driving School for CPSL Mind — Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and South Lincolnshire Mind.
But our interest in this subject goes beyond fundraising.
Mental wellbeing can have a significant influence on how somebody experiences learning to drive.
Anxiety, confidence, fear of failure, test pressure and difficult life circumstances can all affect the way a learner thinks, reacts and learns.
For that reason, we believe mental wellbeing deserves a sensible place within conversations about driver education.
For learner drivers
Feeling nervous does not automatically mean you are a poor driver.
Learning something new involves making mistakes, dealing with uncertainty and gradually developing confidence.
For some learners, nerves reduce naturally with experience.
For others, driving anxiety can become a much bigger barrier.
Good instruction should provide challenge without unnecessary pressure and help the learner understand what is happening rather than simply telling them to “be more confident”.
For parents and supporters
The people practising with learner drivers can have a powerful influence on confidence.
Calm communication, patience and realistic expectations can make private practice considerably more useful.
Pressure, criticism or repeatedly focusing on mistakes can have the opposite effect.
Supporting somebody learning to drive is not just about helping them operate the car. It is also about creating an environment in which they feel able to learn.
For PDIs and ADIs
Driving instructors work closely with people, often for many hours over several months.
During that time, learners may talk about anxiety, work, relationships, exams, family pressures or other difficulties.
Being supportive matters.
But so do professional boundaries.
Driving instructors are not counsellors or mental health professionals.
Our responsibility is to create a safe learning environment, communicate appropriately, recognise when a learner may be struggling and know when signposting towards professional support is more appropriate than trying to solve the problem ourselves.
What we hope to develop
Driving, confidence and mental wellbeing will become an ongoing area of interest within WS Driving Collective.
Over time, we hope to develop useful resources covering subjects such as:
- driving anxiety;
- test nerves;
- rebuilding confidence after difficult experiences;
- supporting an anxious learner;
- creating psychologically safe driving lessons;
- instructor wellbeing;
- maintaining appropriate professional boundaries;
- knowing when and where to signpost somebody for additional help.
These resources will be written for learners, parents and supporters, PDIs and ADIs.
Fundraising for CPSL Mind
Alongside this educational work, WS Driving School is fundraising in support of CPSL Mind.
If you would like to learn more about the fundraising or make a donation, please visit our JustGiving page.
You can also find information about local mental health services directly from CPSL Mind.
WS Driving Collective does not provide mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Where professional mental health support is required, we encourage people to seek help from an appropriately qualified service.