First driving lesson tomorrow

[DrinkWaterDoKegels]

I'm nearly 30 and I've never had lessons. My provisional licence expires in November so I've decided to just go for it. I'm so nervous I feel sick.

I am terrified of driving, I hate even being a passenger. I was in a bad accident as a kid (multiple cars, and a motorcyclist) and then 2 weeks later I saw a small child get hit by a car and he didn't survive. I swore I would never drive because I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I killed somebody in an accident.

Now I live quite rural, there are no shops within a reasonable walking distance and public transport is unreliable. So it's time for me to suck it up and learn to drive.

I told my instructor that I was incredibly nervous and he was reassuring but what if I panic and do something stupid?

How can I stop feeling so nervous? I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight and I really don't want to be tired.

Does anyone have any positive stories to share? Reassurance? Tell me off for leaving it so long?!

I'm the same. I had lessons years ago but now I need to do them again. I want to drive so badly but I'm so nervous and unconfident.

Good luck on your first lesson!

I passed my test in March at the grand age of 34.

I was petrified but my instructor specialised in nervous and "older" learners. I told myself I would give it 4 lessons - and if i didn't like it or couldn't get to grips with it, I wouldn't continue. Now I have a new lease of life, i'm more independent and i'm able to pop to the supermarket without factoring in a £7 each way taxi or 2 buses.

I told my instructor that I was incredibly nervous and he was reassuring but what if I panic and do something stupid? - They have dual controls, which means that they are able to second guess if you were to mess up and stop the car instantly.

Just relax, go with the flow and embrace the learning to drive experience :)

I think you should go for it, Loulabelle. We can be driving lesson buddies.

samlh congrats on passing! How many lessons did you have, if you don't mind me asking?
The freedom/independence is what I'm reminding myself of every time I start feeling sick.

I feel like I'm too stupid to drive.

@DrinkWaterDoKegels

I had 34 lessons (including the 1 before my test). I started last July and had them pretty much weekly (cancelled 1 or 2 as my mum got ill as I was starting them and had to kid of work around her).

I passed my test first time with one minor (I stalled it because I tried to pull away in 2nd gear) but it was a small mistake and easily done and i've never been prouder of myself than I was at the end of my test :)