Does anyone else not really enjoy driving?

Book a couple of driving lessons.

I too hate driving. I passed my test and then I didn't drive for nearly 2 years so I got a driving instructor to go in my car and cover the things I was rusty on.

I have a bit of a stop-start commute peppered with aresholes. I've learned to embrace it. I rotate through all the albums I used to listen to when I was young. And relish the fact that no one can bother me, all I need to do is drive, it's going to take as long as it takes and it's out of my hands. I try and actively notice when Audis are driving normally, which is more often than you think, which helps me feel better about the human race generally. And when the inevitable knobend tailgates and overtakes so that he (always he) can be one car further forward in the queuing traffic, I say "awww has ooo got a tiny penis, then" in a baby voice. Not mature, big or clever but it works.

You're definitely not alone. I don't hate driving, but I don't love it either—especially in heavy traffic. A quiet drive can be quite enjoyable, but rush hour, tailgaters, and busy multi-lane roads are exhausting rather than relaxing.
I do think confidence comes with experience, but that doesn't mean everyone will end up enjoying driving, and that's completely okay. For some of us, it's simply a practical way to get from A to B. Be kind to yourself, drive at a pace you're comfortable with, and don't let impatient drivers make you doubt yourself. As long as you're driving safely, that's what really matters.

It’s really reassuring to read these posts. Sometimes mn-etters can be quite disdainful towards people when they admit to only driving short distances etc, but this thread is alot more respectful.

I absolutely love driving. It keeps my reactions quick, it gives me freedom to go where I want to go as/when I want to go. I love everything about it.

Even the traffic jams?

Does anyone enjoy rush hour jostling, waiting, pushers-in, slow progress etc? Even people who enjoy long drives or are confident in any situation? They seem like different issues.

If you leave an hour earlier than necessary to allow for or avoid rush hour / delays why not take public transport anyway? Use the time to read, catch up on e mails etc.

Yes, I trained myself a long time ago to not stress about traffic jams because a) I can't control them b) can't foresee them c) they're always going to be there

So, I just turn up my favourite music and see it as alone time I wouldn't have had, otherwise!

I don’t enjoy driving like I don’t enjoy unloading the dishwasher or hanging the washing out. It is just something that needs to be done

Have you passed your test fairly recently? I remember starting a new job 45 mins away, shortly after passing my test, it was winter and dark by 4pm. I used to feel sick in work leading up to finish time at the prospect of driving home!

It did pass though, I'm now indifferent. I di enjoy driving somewhere with quiet roads and scenic views, or going on a roadtrip somewhere new.

I don't think anybody enjoys driving in urban rush hour! I still prefer it to public transport, waiting in the rain, rushing to catch a bus, endless delays, crowds of people. I would much rather be stuck in traffic in a warm/air conditioned car, alone, with my music or audiobook playing.

Cyling the quickest way to get through an urban rush hour

🤣🤣🤣🤣

I absolutely adore driving, it's one of the things I enjoy the most in life. I quite often take a longer route or just go out for a drive just for the pure joy of it.

I can totally see why some people hate it though, my daughter being one of them. I'm practically having to force her through her test (she's failed twice already) but we don't live in a major city and it's really a life skill that I don't want her to miss out on.

I love driving. After leaving a controlling marriage it represents freedom to me and a wonderful feeling of being capable. As a single parent I do all the driving in all conditions and roads. Just back from a mega road trip to the Isle of Skye and navigating the single track roads there!

I was recently staying in Watford and chose to drive into Central London rather than get trains, I think I feel the same about public transport as a lot of people on here feel about driving, absolutely cannot stand public transport!

I love it less than I did, though there are still moments of joy. I have to drive fairly frequently on a section of the M25 where there is a concentration of exits and on slips from equally busy roads and it’s the noticeable drop in the standard of driving which has spoiled it for me. When somewhere like that works well, at speed or in the rush hour, it’s because everyone is paying attention, there’s give and take, it feels like an organic whole with everyone playing their part. . There’s so much more awful driving lately - undertaking to weave about across all the lanes at speed , nipping into any safe braking space, tailgating in the fast overtaking lane when people are already breaking the standard and variable limits and assuming that great big HGVs can stop and slow as quickly as a car.

My DH gets het up in a jam but I take a watchful zen attitude - what will be will be, getting cross won’t change anything and we are either going to see the reason for it soon or the sheer weight of traffic reason is going to suddenly relax.

The choice to drive into london when there are other options affects more people negatively.

I don’t like driving but it’s just something that I do!

It’s draining when people behave in an unpredictable way on the road because you’re constantly scanning for danger.

Even if you really hate driving and your DP loves it, do not give up on driving even if they are in the car. Always take your turn as you will lose even more confidence if you don't. Circumstances change and you may need to do most or all of the driving at some time.

If someone gives you a rude sign when driving blow them a kiss especially at red traffic lights. A wink really floors them as well.

I love being able to drive myself where I want to go. Absolutely hate public transport. There’s not much by me anyway. I much prefer my own space. I listen to what I want, have the heating or AC on as I want and I don’t have to be anywhere near anyone I’d rather not be near to! I can arrive and leave when I want. No waiting for public transport or a taxi. I can’t see any downsides to driving. So YABVU.

Absolutely hated driving.

never wanted to do it but pressurised by family who told me it was essential.

it really isn’t when you live in a major uk city with very good transportation.

too many impatient people on the road

too many people driving like maniacs

too many people who don’t add power to have passed a test or have any control or understanding of what their actions and inactions can do.

crazy people on bikes who don’t follow the Highway Code

nothing but utter stress .

so glad I had my licence revoked on medical grounds. Means I never ever have to do it again.

team bus train tram uber taxi all the way for me.

I absolutely hate it. I am dyspraxic,

In cities we definitely need fewer private cars clogging the roads. The more that use public transport and cycle the better.

I hate it too. Always wasn’t keen but as I’ve got older I hate it even more! Especially driving in the dark and to places I don’t know