The fact that you're nervous about it is, actually, a positive thing. You'll naturally become more comfortable over time doing it, but the nerves give you a level of vigilance in your driving that is a benefit. I've only been driving myself for a year or so and I'm currently working on maintaining the good level of awareness I had when it was new to me now that I'm more comfortable with it. Once having eyes in the back of your head becomes second nature, things become easier.
For me, my father explained the actions of other people on the road well:
"You can't hesitate."
"why the hell not?! *agitated due to misjudging the length of a yellow light and having to stop quickly*"
"because they can smell fear."
"This is DRIVING not a goddamn patch of the Serengeti!"
"Look: you're not in the wrong to be cautious when you drive. Other people just become really aggressive when they get behind the wheel. They forget that everyone was new to this at some point. You have all the time in the world to get where you're going. If they wanna pass you? Let 'em pass you. They wanna honk and yell? Not your fault they left their house five minutes before an appointment in a place that it takes them fifteen minutes to get to."
It was terrifying for me at first partially because I didn't completely trust myself, but I mostly didn't trust others, pedestrians included. Just focus on getting used to things. You'll get a feel for coloring inside the lines (staying in your own lane, parking spot, etc.), you'll learn to be aware, all that good stuff. It merely takes time and practice.
Also: don't worry too much when it comes to taking an actual road test. As someone pointed out to me: "They don't expect you to be flawless, they just expect you to be able to get from Point A to Point B safely, just like the rest of the world does."
I will also endorse NightmareWarden's point about NOT learning on multiple cars. I bounced between two while I learned and still do. It drives me nuts. Gas tanks are on opposite sides, shifter's in two different places, all kinds of fun annoyances.
For me, my father explained the actions of other people on the road well:
"You can't hesitate."
"why the hell not?! *agitated due to misjudging the length of a yellow light and having to stop quickly*"
"because they can smell fear."
"This is DRIVING not a goddamn patch of the Serengeti!"
"Look: you're not in the wrong to be cautious when you drive. Other people just become really aggressive when they get behind the wheel. They forget that everyone was new to this at some point. You have all the time in the world to get where you're going. If they wanna pass you? Let 'em pass you. They wanna honk and yell? Not your fault they left their house five minutes before an appointment in a place that it takes them fifteen minutes to get to."
It was terrifying for me at first partially because I didn't completely trust myself, but I mostly didn't trust others, pedestrians included. Just focus on getting used to things. You'll get a feel for coloring inside the lines (staying in your own lane, parking spot, etc.), you'll learn to be aware, all that good stuff. It merely takes time and practice.
Also: don't worry too much when it comes to taking an actual road test. As someone pointed out to me: "They don't expect you to be flawless, they just expect you to be able to get from Point A to Point B safely, just like the rest of the world does."
I will also endorse NightmareWarden's point about NOT learning on multiple cars. I bounced between two while I learned and still do. It drives me nuts. Gas tanks are on opposite sides, shifter's in two different places, all kinds of fun annoyances.