Page 13 | To be petrified driving on motorways

mollyfolk · 2024-12-14T13:19:04+00:00

Anyone else scared of driving on motorways? I'm driving years but mostly within 20km of where I live. I avoid motorways or long distances as much as possible. I have to make a 3 hour journey now on Monday, mostly motorway, and I am already feeling sick about it. I do breathing exercises to stay calm when driving like this. Has anyone overcome a phobia like this?

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:51

How is that ridiculous? You’re in control of an object that can kill people. If you are scared of using it you shouldn’t be using it. It really is that simple.

@MaMoosie and yes again!!!!

Fleurdalys · 14/12/2024 19:51

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:48

@Fleurdalys if they're flashing, you're doing something wrong. Or there is something wrong with your car. Or there is a hazard ahead if they're coming the opposite way. They don't flash for no reason especially if it's happening regularly as your post and language suggest.

I've never driven on a motorway nor have any reason to.
I'm a competent driver
Unfortunately a lot of knobheads on the roads

biscuitsandbooks · 14/12/2024 19:51

No worries @ExceededUsefulEconomicLife - you had me doubting myself for a second

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:50

MaMoosie · 14/12/2024 19:47

I just find it unbelievable how many people shouldn’t have a driving license. If you’re nervous about ANY aspect of co trolling your large metal box you SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING.

Yes!!!!!!!

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:50

biscuitsandbooks · 14/12/2024 19:49

@ExceededUsefulEconomicLife

Here - https://www.billplant.co.uk/driving-lessons/motorway-driving-lessons/

"Since the allowance of Motorway Driving Lessons in June 2018 by the DVSA, learner drivers have been permitted to drive on motorways as part of driving lessons. To be permitted to drive on a motorway the driver must be accompanied by a qualified Driving Instructor."

Yeah just googled it when you said! That is great news to be honest. Had no idea, thanks for showing me 🙂

MaMoosie · 14/12/2024 19:49

Fleurdalys · 14/12/2024 19:48

Oh don't be ridiculous 😂

Show quote history

How is that ridiculous? You’re in control of an object that can kill people. If you are scared of using it you shouldn’t be using it. It really is that simple.

biscuitsandbooks · 14/12/2024 19:49

@ExceededUsefulEconomicLife

Here - https://www.billplant.co.uk/driving-lessons/motorway-driving-lessons/

"Since the allowance of Motorway Driving Lessons in June 2018 by the DVSA, learner drivers have been permitted to drive on motorways as part of driving lessons. To be permitted to drive on a motorway the driver must be accompanied by a qualified Driving Instructor."

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:48

@Fleurdalys if they're flashing, you're doing something wrong. Or there is something wrong with your car. Or there is a hazard ahead if they're coming the opposite way. They don't flash for no reason especially if it's happening regularly as your post and language suggest.

biscuitsandbooks · 14/12/2024 19:48

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:45

@biscuitsandbooks nope. Not until you're passed and then most people don't bother. I regularly see instructors (in the car alone so not a lesson) middle lane hogging too. The information just isn't taught anymore and it's making most journeys horrendous.

They are allowed @ExceededUsefulEconomicLife - only with an instructor though. The law changed a few years ago.

FloordrobeIsGoingToGetME · 14/12/2024 19:48

Bogginsthe3rd · 14/12/2024 19:43

If you are this nervous about driving on motorways you just shouldn't. You'll be much more likely than the average driver of making a mistake and causing an accident (which is scientifically proven). Either go by train or cancel for the sake of other motorway users!

Could you please link this scientifically proven information, saying nervous drivers cause more accidents than, say alcohol, drugs, driving without care and attention?

Fleurdalys · 14/12/2024 19:48

MaMoosie · 14/12/2024 19:47

I just find it unbelievable how many people shouldn’t have a driving license. If you’re nervous about ANY aspect of co trolling your large metal box you SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING.

Oh don't be ridiculous 😂

MaMoosie · 14/12/2024 19:47

I just find it unbelievable how many people shouldn’t have a driving license. If you’re nervous about ANY aspect of co trolling your large metal box you SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING.

unmemorableusername · 14/12/2024 19:46

Do a motorway driving lesson.

Lessons aren't just to pass the test.

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:45

@biscuitsandbooks nope. Not until you're passed and then most people don't bother. I regularly see instructors (in the car alone so not a lesson) middle lane hogging too. The information just isn't taught anymore and it's making most journeys horrendous.

Fleurdalys · 14/12/2024 19:45

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:43

@Fleurdalys people flashing lights scared you off the motorway? They'll only flash if you're really fucking it up and it's hardly a terrifying act.

Nope they didn't scare me off the motorway as I've never driven on one
Plenty of other twats on dual carriageways etc who feel the need to flash when I'm doing nothing wrong
Usually in their knob head cars

FloordrobeIsGoingToGetME · 14/12/2024 19:45

I've found the therapist I used

Based in London and Hertfordshire.

Brief info below.

carolcsharptherapy.co.uk/

Bogginsthe3rd · 14/12/2024 19:43

If you are this nervous about driving on motorways you just shouldn't. You'll be much more likely than the average driver of making a mistake and causing an accident (which is scientifically proven). Either go by train or cancel for the sake of other motorway users!

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:43

@Fleurdalys people flashing lights scared you off the motorway? They'll only flash if you're really fucking it up and it's hardly a terrifying act.

ThoughtfulSchooldays · 14/12/2024 19:43

XelaM · 14/12/2024 19:41

In Germany (where I passed my test 20 years ago) motorway driving was part of the course in lessons and during the driving exam. I think it's silly that people are not allowed to learn to drive on motorways in the UK when learning to drive.

I agree motorway driving should be part of learning.
Learner drivers in the UK are now allowed on motorways, as long as it's with an instructor.

biscuitsandbooks · 14/12/2024 19:42

XelaM · 14/12/2024 19:41

In Germany (where I passed my test 20 years ago) motorway driving was part of the course in lessons and during the driving exam. I think it's silly that people are not allowed to learn to drive on motorways in the UK when learning to drive.

They are now aren't they?

The test isn't done on the motorway but lessons can be.

Teladi · 14/12/2024 19:42

XelaM · 14/12/2024 19:41

In Germany (where I passed my test 20 years ago) motorway driving was part of the course in lessons and during the driving exam. I think it's silly that people are not allowed to learn to drive on motorways in the UK when learning to drive.

It would make getting a licence a bit tricky for those of us who live hours from the nearest motorway...

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:41

@LIZS sounds like you live near me! To be fair, I increasingly find that when you let people out they no longer allow you to move back in and adjust their speed accordingly. They just sit there neck and neck completely unaware.

XelaM · 14/12/2024 19:41

In Germany (where I passed my test 20 years ago) motorway driving was part of the course in lessons and during the driving exam. I think it's silly that people are not allowed to learn to drive on motorways in the UK when learning to drive.

biscuitsandbooks · 14/12/2024 19:37

ThoughtfulSchooldays · 14/12/2024 19:20

@Iusedtobecarmen

You're relying on your DH to drive on family holidays. How is him doing the driving NOT relying on him?! What if you split up, or something happened so he couldn't drive for a bit?

I get that you initially planned to do half the holiday driving, and it's odd that he wouldn't let you keep in practice by sharing it. But you are now refusing to drive on motorways at all!

There's a difference between refusing to do something, and just not needing to do it, though. Don't you get that?

I don't drive on the motorway because I don't need to. I'm not scared of it, there just isn't one near me so I've never had to.

LIZS · 14/12/2024 19:35

ExceededUsefulEconomicLife · 14/12/2024 19:25

I have driven on motorways but increasingly find having traffic on both sides at speed stressful

@LIZS Why are they on both sides? Just stay in lane one. Sorted.

Most people seem to live the traffic on both sides and sit in the middle lane 🤣

I do tend to stay in left lane but if you pass junctions or services there is merging traffic on the slip road or a extra lane. Most of the ones near here are smart motorways or use variable speed limits with ongoing roadworks and stop/start.