To be petrified driving on motorways

Thinking about this pretty much every job I've had in different parts of the country has involved a commute on a motorway, I can't imagine not driving on them

What are you nervous about?

I used have the same problem so I booked a driving instructor for refresher lessons. I explained the problem first and she said she could help. I ended up only having one lesson (probably 2 hours I think) and it was amazing. Didn’t need to see her again after that.

For me, the fear was mainly to do with merging onto the motorway and changing lanes and also just driving at double the speed I am used to on local roads. I found it very difficult to make crucial decisions so quickly - as everyone was moving fast, the entire situation could change fast, before I’d committed to a manoeuvre, eg changing lane. I needed a safe and supportive environment to practice making those decisions quickly but getting used to identifying who was moving faster than me, how long it would take for a car in the next lane to reach me, etc.

The instructor also helped me in a way I never expected, around confidence in feeling like I belong on the road just as much as anyone else. That I was not in the way. That I need not worry about anything other than my own driving as other drivers were also free to slow down or overtake as they see fit.

All of that in just two hours!

Not sure if any of this resonates with you but just thought I’d share as, for me, getting over this aversion has been life changing and given me the ability to access so much more in my life.

And I thought I was the only person in the world!!
Been driving years, never attempted the motorway. Just seems like death to me.
If your not comfortable then there's nothing to prove.
Use alternative routes, or other means of transport.
Just my advice 😊

No I love motorways driving but but since passing my driving test a few years ago, 80% of my driving is on motorways (commute) and I had motorway driving lessons. I do however hate reverse and parallel parking and have managed to avoid it completely 😂But this hatred isn't particularly restrictive and I'll drive anywhere.

Have some lessons with an instructor- it will do wonders for your confidence.

I think it's quite common tbh. I personally prefer motorway driving as it all goes in one direction and you have a choice of taking it steady or going a bit faster.

You could book some lessons or alternatively, have some practice runs at quiet times (Sundays at 8ish) and build up from there?

I agree with @pointythings
The only way you are going to get over your fear is to face it head on. I used to be petrified at the idea of motorway driving, but I now drive on the M1 in South Yorkshire most days. Motorways are very busy at this time of year and, unfortunately, the quieter times will be when it is dark.

Which motorway are you talking about here?

I used to be the same. I had hypnotherapy and am absolutely fine now.

Do you have to drive it? Train?

Which parts of motorway driving is the problem? Joining, changing lanes, the speed? It will help give advise.

Does any of your regular driving involve a duel carriage way? There are lots of similarities?

I actually prefer driving on the motorway .

I don't do motorways mainly because I just cannot think at those speeds and I wouldn't be a safe person to have on them. I use a roads or get someone to drive me basically.

My mum didn't used to be, but she is now. The more she avoided them, the more fear she felt over the years, so the more she avoided them, and so on in a spiral of anxiety. Now as a result she will only drive to places on quiet roads that she knows within 20 mins of her home. It's really sad to see actually. She's only in her early 60s and it feels like she's made her world very small.

Please don't end up like her OP, book some motorway lessons to boost your confidence and maybe even therapy to address your anxieties.

Can you find an alternative way of travelling? Train? Coach?

In answer to your question, I'm not afraid of travelling on motorways and drive both here and abroad on motorways. Ive always done so and not avoided this part of driving.

I'm the opposite. Fine driving on motorways, but hate towns and changing lanes etc

Can you avoid the motorway? I'm the same and just plan my travel via A Roads. For most non-london journeys I've found that avoiding them only adds 30mins - 60mins max.

Get out onto a motorway over the weekend. Joining is the hardest bit.

I think that right now you have a choice either to just go for it or to cancel.

Going forward I would strongly recommend you book some lessons with an instructor specifically to address your fear of motorway driving. Motorways are the safest roads there are.