Help me drive

[DinosaursWouldEatYou]

Ok so a lot of stressful things are going on in my family life at the moment that I can't fix but what I can control is learning to drive (well I hope anyway).

I'm 27 with two children and partner can drive, I didn't have a desire to drive and didn't particularly feel embarrassed that I can't but I know how useful it would be especially now I have a family.

But I'm so anxious, I have such a fear (rather reasonable if you ask me) of getting in an accident or losing control of the car, or even worse another car losing control.

Everyone from in-laws to my 2 previous driving instructors have pointed out my biggest issue is confidence, and once I start feeling confident and giving things a go I'll feel more relaxed and motivated to drive.

So please give me your tips and advice on just getting on with it. Be harsh if you have to!

Do it! Find an instructor who you get on with. Block book your lessons (if you’ve paid already it’s a complete waste of money if you cancel).

I was exactly the same as you (I’d cry and not sleep the night before my lessons ) but am a lot older. Between the ages of 17 and 39 I must’ve had hundreds of hours of lessons on and off, I’ve spent thousands of pounds! I sat and passed my theory test 3 times because it expired Last year I bit the bullet, booked lessons, hated most of my lessons, went anyway, booked test and passed!

Once I’d got rid of my nerves and built confidence (which wasn’t during lessons it was built by other things going on in my life - promotion etc) I was fine!

I’d advise that you just do it and not be like me!

Thank you! Yep I did my theory passed... and now it's expired.... I'm thinking crash course. Just all in one go and not even give myself a chance to psych myself out.

I was 31 when I learned because I was just as anxious as you OP. Find an instructor that you like - it's OK to change instructors for petty reasons! The right instructor will make ALL the difference. And just drive drive drive. Block book your lessons as PP said, find someone who can take you out practicing and do it every day (if you can) or at least 3 or 4 times a week. The more you drive, the easier it feels. Had my license 3 years now and feel like a natural on the road. You can do it!