Learning to drive when you're scared of driving

[Natsku]

Had anyone does this and managed to get over their fear of driving? Did you need to do more lessons than expected? And do you drive regularly now without fear or only drive when absolutely necessary?

I tried a few lessons when I was 18 and it scared me so much I stopped and now its nearly 20 years later and I've decided I really need to learn now as circumstances are changing and I will need to be driving at least weekly in the near future but possibly more. I've signed up for lessons and I've started going through the theory stuff but worried about wasting money if I'm likely to give up (the way it works where I am is you buy a course rather than individual lessons so its over 1000 euros I'll be wasting if I give up)

I’ve done it, I had severe driving anxiety that caused me to physically shake. I took 9 tests to pass because of it. The first year driving on my own was awful. However after that it got better and I’m so so glad I can drive. I’ve no fear now and I’ve driven all over the country. Not abroad yet but that’s next. It won’t be easy but once your brain treats driving as something mundane the nerves will go.

I never wanted to drive at all, but my work paid for 10 lessons when I was 30-something as they wanted me to drive to various venues to sell software. I passed, but then left that job having never actually driven anywhere. Roll on 16 years and I suddenly needed to start driving (change in circumstances) so had another 10 lessons at age 46 and got myself my first car. I was a very nervous driver but stuck to very local town centre for the first year. I plan longer routes using Google maps beforehand, making sure I know which lane I need for every tricky roundabout. I have avoided motorways completely, but have managed a couple of drives into north London and survived!

Thanks for your stories, really giving me hope. Hopefully this time I won't find gears so confusing, I've only just got the hang of gears on a bike!

Drive everyday in rush hour, past several schools. Also drive up and down the motorway. Was terrified at first but found a really good driving instructor who was recommended for being good with nervous women learner drivers.

Hypnotherapy! Had a block of sessions because I was so anxious about learning to drive. That was 10 years ago and i still use her techniques in every day life. Definitely worth a try

If you’re very very scared and it is physically/‘entally. Stopping you you could try therapy - like CBT or hypnotherapy.

my friend did some hypnotherapy for same reason and is working well for her

I was a very nervous learner and I ended up not only passing my test but also working for the driving school I learned with

Find an instructor who's patient with nervous people and will take things at your pace, that helps a lot. I needed 70 hours of lessons to pass which is a lot more than average but I didn't practice between lessons as I just didn't have time. I got there in the end though

I passed at 32. I was very uncomfortable with driving but is definitely one of those things you get better at the more you do so take up your dh on driving practice. Driving is just what I do now.

I would cry before during and after my lessons.
I hated them. Switched instructors. And just kept going. I always say it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I passed first time and I’ve been driving 13 years now.
I have children and without a car I would never be able to get them to all their clubs, appointments, days out etc around school and my job. Im nervous driving somewhere new but it’s always better than having to have had to take public transport.

I hate driving and it scares me. I do have my license and I have a car, but still have the fear and don't enjoy driving at all!- saying that, it's so good to have it as an option in life!- And I'm sure, if I made myself drive more, I'd get more used to it.
I've had hypnotherapy for driving and find the most useful thing to tell yourself is- (when you pass,) I have a license, I have a car, I have insurance- and I'm no different than everyone else!
Find an instructor you gel with and who is accomodating with your time and when you want to go driving!- it's so expensive, you really need to get the best out of each lesson. I had more instructors/lessons over the years than I care to mention and some of them acted like they were doing you a great favour by taking you on your lesson! I took lessons on and off for years-
Once I made up my mind I was going to do it and pass the bloody test, I did it (3rd time,) but my advice is don't stop and start lessons like I did, persevere with it and take lessons as often as you can afford/feel you need!
Good luck!! You've got this!

Yep, I've always hated driving. When I had passed my test (2nd time) I said, thank heavens for that, I never need to drive again. I only do local driving when I have to, anything else I get pubic transport.

Yes, when I passed my test, I said, thank heavens, I won't ever have to drive again. Of course I do, but only locally when I can't get public transport.

Had my first actual lesson today (been doing all the theory learning first) and it wasn't as scary as I feared. Doing all the theory learning first helped, as I knew so much more unlike when I was 18 and didn't even know how to start off when I had my first lesson. The instructor was nice too, though she didn't speak English like I requested but we managed ok.

You might find that age has changed how you feel once you get in the car. I was the same, lessons at 18, hated it and thought I would never be able to feel confident on the road. I gave up after six lessons. I returned to lessons at 30, had a three hour lesson every week as well as driving with DH and I passed after four months, first time. I had an excellent instructor and I knew the things that concerned me the most, like roundabouts, so we practiced those a lot. It doesn't bother me at all now. I can't say I particularly enjoy driving, but I don't avoid any aspect of it i.e. some avoid motorways, parallel/reverse parking etc.