My experience of learning to drive as a cyclist also included a measure of 2). I found it went away quite naturally as I became better at memorising the state of the road around me. Even now I still look over my shoulder if I think there might be someone in my blind spot and don't know for sure, but mostly it's not necessary.
When I was having driving lessons, my instructor told me off for not using my mirrors enough. I pointed out that I'd got the mirrors set up properly, in that I could check them with a minimum of effort, and didn't need to move my head. He explained that driving examiners like evidence that mirrors are being used
( ... )
I was told that as well -- it's no good just moving your eyes to look in the mirrors, you have to move your head slightly or the examiner won't notice you doing it!
I also still look over my right shoulder probably more than I need to, but at least I do now use the right door mirror first ;-)
All these will fade in time as you drive more often and gain more confidence. Mind you, a lot of that can come rushing back if you've not driven for a good long while and find yourself behind the wheel again.
Incidentally, it may seem counterintuitive at first, but it's true: more speed and its control is a crucial component of safe and effective driving.
Eventually, you will gain a sense of the motion of things around you, and will check those mirrors at strategic and tactical moments, so you can join the flow...it's all a bit of a dance really.
I am already feeling the difference but it is frustrating to me that I only get in a car once a week. Today I had lessons on Sat and Sun and I really noticed the difference on the Sun.
Yeah, what sort of brightly-lit hypermarket Tescos with giant carparks do you have nearby? Perhaps you can borrow a car from someone for some practice?
Thinking back to my early driving...I was absolutely terrible at turning, and I still don't know how to parallel park correctly - price of suburban driving I suppose.
I also had the meanest Carribbean driving instructor, whose only reinforcement he comprehended for his pupils was decidedly negative.
Also, don't worry overmuch about your exam, I had to take mine 3 times before I finally passed.
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I also still look over my right shoulder probably more than I need to, but at least I do now use the right door mirror first ;-)
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It will come lol - but easier if you have them regularly without gaps in between.
*HUGS*
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Incidentally, it may seem counterintuitive at first, but it's true: more speed and its control is a crucial component of safe and effective driving.
Eventually, you will gain a sense of the motion of things around you, and will check those mirrors at strategic and tactical moments, so you can join the flow...it's all a bit of a dance really.
Good luck, it does get easier with practice. :-)
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Thinking back to my early driving...I was absolutely terrible at turning, and I still don't know how to parallel park correctly - price of suburban driving I suppose.
I also had the meanest Carribbean driving instructor, whose only reinforcement he comprehended for his pupils was decidedly negative.
Also, don't worry overmuch about your exam, I had to take mine 3 times before I finally passed.
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