When I was learning how to ride a year ago, once I was comfortable enough to leave the parking lots I was practicing in, I found a local park to drive my bike to practice in. You may, or may not, have a similar opportunity, but I found it very helpful and encouraging.
Because of the very low speed-limit the car traffic wasn't intimidating, and I could see other cyclists far enough away that I could move over. I am quite sure they could tell I was a newbie so they gave me plenty of room ;) I eventually increased enough in confidence that I started riding my country roads, but I stayed in the confines of that park for well over a month just getting comfortable. Thankfully I was able to put together something like a 6.5 mile loop out of it so that helped.
