Learning to drive and driving anxiety

[Doowop1919]

Hi everyone.

I'm 35 and have decided it's finally time to learn to drive. I'm ready. A few things that have happened recently where I've realised I just need to get on with it now and do it.
I took a few lessons when I was 17 and was very anxious about other drivers.

I was hoping to ask some advice please...do I tell the driving instructor before I work with them that I'm a bit anxious and nervous about driving?
Has anyone had driving anxiety and it get better with time? Or better yet disappear completely?

I'm making enquiries tonight and will send off emails so I just wanted to ask some advice on whether I add in about the anxiety first or just leave it and see how I get on.

Thanks all

HI
I was a driving instructor for 7 years - It'd really help both you and your instructor if you explained your anxiety. If they're any good, they may alter how they plan your lessons, keeping things calm, while gently pushing you to make progress. ( but not pushing too hard to 'scare you off ).
They should tell you what to expect for each lesson, briefing you at the start of each lesson.
Hope that helps, and good luck with your lessons.

Definitely let them know. I was (and am to an extent) a nervous driver and it really is just practice practice practice. Everyone says it but it really is true. I still hate city centre driving when it’s rammed and no one lets you change lane, or parking under pressure but I can do it. I enjoy the freedom and now I have children I love being able to go out to national trusts and parks and just lob everything and everyone in the car.

I found it helpful to go through lots of what ifs with my driving instructor. For example- what do I do if I break down. What do I do if I’m involved in a crash/prang (exchanging insurance etc.) We went over all the different things in my car - air con/how to defog the windscreen/what lights to use when so I feel more confident in my car.

Hi! I'm 34 and I've just started learning. I didn't realise I was anxious behind the wheel until I started! Instructor picked up on it though and I've eventually started to calm. Definitely tell them, they're used to helping people through this.
Wishing you luck!

I used to be a nervous driver. Two things helped me: 1. Sat nav and 2. Driving an automatic car. Probably best to learn in a manual in case you ever need to hire a car etc, but driving an automatic is much easier and less stressful.

My advice would be, try not to let your nerves show themselves in your driving (driving too slowly and nervously is dangerous in itself). Just practice as much as possible. Driving changes your life (for the better!) And well done for deciding to do it now. You won't regret it.

I learned to drive at 56. I was anxious too - I'd never had anything to do with cars except from the pedestrian POV. It was a lot to learn. Definitely get an instructor you're comfortable with, and as PP said, tell them your concerns.

It took me a year or so to get my license, because I had one lesson a week and no other practice. But I did it - just squeaked through because I was so scared of speeding and getting an instant fail that I drove too slowly! I'm six months off my P plates and these days I enjoy driving (apart from parking).

Go for it, you'll get there. And take as long as you want - the only constraint is your budget.

Second the automatic license/car. I took propanolol whilst doing lessons too. Stopped me shaking like a leaf and let me concentrate a bit. My fear is still other drivers! But I keep myself safe and that's all you can do! I was 37 when I passed!

@Doowop1919 How is your driving going? I too am wanting to learn but also have anxiety.