To make learning to drive as easy as possible, begin in less congested areas, such as empty carparks or quiet residential streets. This will give you the opportunity to get comfortable with the car's controls and the feeling of basic manoeuvres at a slow speed, without the pressure of heavy traffic or other drivers.

As you spend time getting to know your vehicle, make sure you understand the dashboard symbols, adjust your mirrors and seat for optimal visibility, and practice using the indicators, wipers, and headlights while stationary. Eventually, you’ll automatically remember where the dials and buttons are and won’t have to take your eyes off the road to use them.

If you start to feel anxious, pause and take a few deep breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth. This simple technique can help calm your nerves and increase focus. If it doesn’t work, or you find yourself becoming frustrated, pull over to the nearest safe place and stop the car so you can compose yourself.

Before heading out for a driving lesson, you could try relaxation techniques such as meditation or visualisation. Imagining yourself driving calmly and confidently in different scenarios can help build self-assurance and prepare you for a positive experience.

Sometimes, other drivers can pressure you on the road by tailgating or being aggressive in their gestures or movements around you. To avoid any incidents, it's crucial to stay calm and not speed up unsafely or react in kind.

Instead of fearing mistakes, try to view them as valuable learning experiences. After all, no one ever masters anything on their first try, and statistics show that 54.4% of Brits fail their driving test on the first attempt.

Reflecting on what went wrong and how you can improve next time will help you to channel your anxiety into productive energy to improve your driving skills. And remember, even experienced drivers make errors occasionally.

If certain manoeuvres like parallel parking or highway driving make you especially anxious, try to break them down into smaller, manageable steps. Your instructor should support you in mastering each step before moving onto the next.

Learning to drive is a process, and it's okay to take it at your own pace. Remind yourself that you're capable, that mistakes are part of learning, and that confidence will come with practice. It’s also important to take regular breaks to rest your mind and body, especially if you feel anxiety building up.

Of course, if your anxiety persists or becomes overwhelming, you should consider seeking help from a professional driving instructor or therapist who specialises in anxiety management.