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AIBU?

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Original poster

To be scared of driving on motorways ?

36 replies

Tulippilut · 15/04/2025 20:14

I passed my test 6/7 years ago. Never been on a motorway.

I was a very nervous driver to start with , I hated it. Covid hit and the roads were quieter so I went out a bit more. There wasn’t much to do so I drove a little further afield .

The most I have ever drove is about 40 miles away. However, I used to be petrified of the city centre then one day I just did it. Now I regularly do ( I live in a big city , very busy city centre . People I know who live in smaller areas say they would hate to have to drive in my city ) . I am always out and about now - I can get in the car and be doing so much that I easily drive around for 4 hours ) . I drive daily for work , through another busy town centre.

I will occasionally drive out of my way a little to avoid a right turn I don’t like 🤣 and I stay away from multi lane roundabouts if I can help it . I do also get a bit scared about overtaking buses / lorries .. there have been times I have stayed in the left lane behind them when everyone is overtaking them ! I do drive on plenty of dual carriageways / those big a roads .

I would love to take the children to the beach for a day out but the closest is 2 hours away and on a motorway. I have never driven on a motorway . I don’t know if I have left it too long or built it up in my head too much that I would be too nervous ? It’s the idea that you’re on there and you can’t just sneak out on to a side road .

Any advice or do I just leave it now ? I would want to be completely comfortable as I would be carrying precious cargo ( my children ! )

YABU - just do it already
YANBU - you have left it too long

OP posts:
XelaM · 15/04/2025 20:29

Motorways are the easiest roads to drive on as everyone just goes in the same direction (straight).

If you drive on dual carriageways surely motorways aren't a big difference (except they don't have annoying roundabouts every 5mins).

garlictwist · 15/04/2025 20:28

I didn’t drive on a motorway for years after I passed. For me it was the joining that put me off. Decided to man up and do it and it was fine after a few goes. You just need to take the plunge.

Shwish · 15/04/2025 20:27

OP I'm the same. I'll happily (well not happily but I'll do it!) drive right through central London, west end, whatever. But motorways freak me the hell out. I HAVE done it a few times. Usually on the way too or from an airport but I absolutely hate it. I'm sweaty, with palpitations the whole bloody time. I agree, it's partly the thought that if you miss your turn off you might have to go 10 miles or so to the next one, and partly the whole changing lanes at speed that I find so terrifying. Ugh.

Itsjustnotthevibe · 15/04/2025 20:26

I find motorway driving really easy, much easier than driving in a city where you have turns/roundabouts/pedestrians/bus lanes etc to consider. Perhaps do a motorway driving course to build your confidence.

Arthistorian · 15/04/2025 20:26

You’ll be fine - motorways aren’t v different to dual carriageways. You can’t get off either apart from an exit. There is nothing stopping you just joining and sitting in the slow lane until your exit and then leaving. But I echo everyone else that a motorway lesson is the way forward!

GrandHighPoohbah · 15/04/2025 20:25

If motorway lessons are too pricey, you could also try just going on for one junction at a quiet time like early on Sunday morning. It really does get easier the more you do it.

Bigfatsunandclouds · 15/04/2025 20:22

I was terrified to drive on the motorway at first and used to get so sweaty doing it from fear. You've just got to bite the bullet and do it, I prefer motorway driving as it's easy and compared to city driving it's a doddle.

Go on your own or with another driver who can talk you through it and try.

Darkclothes · 15/04/2025 20:21

AusBoundDD · 15/04/2025 20:19

It sounds like you’d benefit from some refresher and motorway lessons with a good driving instructor in order to refine your skills + build up more confidence.

This is exactly what I was going to suggest too!

If for no one else, please get some professional help so you aren't freaked out with children in the car if there is a diversion onto the motorway or a real need (emergency) to go onto one!

Choccyp1g · 15/04/2025 20:20

You could pay for a driving instructor to come out with you for a drive on the motorway.
Don't feel embarrassed about it, a lot of people do this immediately after passing their test, or after a month or two when they have gained some confidence in general driving and feel ready to go on a motorway.

AusBoundDD · 15/04/2025 20:19

It sounds like you’d benefit from some refresher and motorway lessons with a good driving instructor in order to refine your skills + build up more confidence.

Simplynotsimple · 15/04/2025 20:18

It took me a couple of years after passing to brave a motorway, but driving on one is actually much easier than many main roads. I still hate the multi lane interchange/roundabouts to get on/off them though. But motorways themselves are a breeze, it’s actually such a downer coming off and having to do a boring 30mph again 🤣.

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