5 ways to boost your confidence behind the wheel

It doesn’t matter whether you’re preparing for your driving test or are a seasoned veteran with thousands of kilometres of trouble-free motoring under your belt.

We all have some motoring bugbear that we wish we were better at doing, whether it’s keeping your cool during rush hour or dealing with cranky kids in the backseat.

The success of conquering your driving woes doesn't just make you a better driver, it breeds additional success, working as a springboard to boost your confidence behind the wheel.

Here are five easy ways you can do this. 

1. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT

Let’s say your tyre-changing skills are about as good as your ability to hit the high notes on a Mariah Carey song. While you’ll probably never be able to pull off the latter, the good news is that with practice and patience, you could become very good at doing the former.

If you find yourself struggling with the technicalities of tyre-changing, here's a simple 16-step guide to help you out. 

Sure, you could always call roadside assistance, but imagine the sense of empowerment you'd get from changing a flat tyre by yourself.

Me? Wait for a tow truck? You must be joking! 

2. MASTER YOUR MAPPING

What's one of the worst sensations a driver can experience? That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach when you hit your favourite stretch of road and see bumper-to-bumper traffic stretching to the horizon. 

This is where a navigation app can be your best friend, since some apps overlay traffic conditions on your usual route and can help you find the fastest route to your destination.

Some apps like SG Traffic Camera use LTA traffic camera feeds to offer views (updated every 5 minutes ) of road conditions on expressways and causeways.

Relying on technology can help spare you the aggravation of being stuck in traffic and also minimise the risk of you being late for appointments with your significant other.

3. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Staying calm when those around you aren’t gives you the confidence and reassurance of knowing that you’ll be able to handle anything that comes your way.

Whether you're dealing with road hogs or road bullies, staying cool will help you realise that these aggravations aren’t as bad as they seem.

4. UPGRADE YOUR SKILLS

Singapore’s pretty big on skills upgrading, so why not attend a defensive driving course? You may be a considerate driver but that doesn’t mean that other drivers share the same approach to driving.

Knowing what to do the next time a driver abruptly cuts into your lane, or what vehicle checks to make before you set off, offers mental reassurance and the confidence that you’ll be able to take any emergencies in your stride. Such courses are relatively accessible – you can register at the Automobile Association of Singapore and ComfortDelGro Driving Centres.

5. GET A LITTLE HELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

Nothing boosts your confidence like mastering new skills. On days when you feel like reducing your learning curve or increasing safety margins however, a car that’s equipped with innovative driver aids can make a big difference.

If you’re still learning the geometrical nuances of parallel parking for instance, Volkswagen’s Park Assist can be your best friend (and a lot less intimidating than your driving instructor).

It uses ultrasonic sensors to help you get into and out of parking spots. When you’re parking, the system needs 40cm of additional space for both ends of the car when parking and 25cm when it’s time to leave.

One other thing that often goes under the radar is the safety features that some cars have. These give an added peace of mind but also let you drive confidently, no matter the weather conditions.

For instance, Volkswagen’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP) makes very brief, targeted applications of the car’s brakes to correct oversteer (when the rear wheels lose grip) or understeer (when the front wheels lose grip), offering added reassurance on the road, even if you’re caught in a sudden torrential downpour.

To find out more about how these innovations are incorporated into Volkswagen cars, visit  volkswagen.com.sg.