Is there anyone who can help me drive in America?

[BringYourOwnBullshit]

So I absolutely love America 🇺🇸 it's such an amazing country and if it was up to me I would visit every single state (as in if I had millions in the bank and no work commitments)...

But I'm very restricted because I just cannot overcome my fear of driving over there. I am a solo female traveller so I wouldn't be sharing the stress with anyone. No matter how many YouTube videos I watch or how many people on here tell me it's easy I'm just too scared. I don't even like driving in the UK to be honest, I'm okay on normal roads but I loathe motorways or any roads where I have to do more than 50mph.

The only way I think I could overcome this is if someone in America would physically sit in the car with me whilst I gained some confidence. But I don't actually know anyone who lives in America. Oregon is the number one state I want to visit, followed by California and possibly Texas next.

I guess I just need to hire a normal driving instructor? Would they help me if I already have a license?! I really want to tackle this.

Thanks in advance

Well done for facing your fears!! Yes, I’d just look for a recommended instructor in the area and contact them to explain your situation. I’m sure if you’re willing to pay they would be happy to take your money if they have a space!!

I think you're idea is genius, but does it exist? Have you been in cars there? I.e., have you had opportunities to see how it's done, maybe read a rules of the road type thing? I've found I always start off terribly anxious. It almost always begins with driving out of an airport based rental though, and the reality is that airport roads are always slower and often one way systems. I take my own satnav - we have old ones that can still be updated. My anxiety usually eases by the end of the first day if not within a few hours, but I dread it for weeks or months until it's done. The nightmare scenarios for me included, stupidly, collecting a car in the middle of San Francisco, and the occasional big city systems that show just how manic and badly people can drive. On interstates, when things get hairy, I usually settle in behind one of those massive lorries.

I would concentrate on driving on motorways here first. Once you can overcome that when you are driving on the right side of the road etc it will be much easier.

I live in California (LA area) and have driven freeways, highways, canyons, etc. It’s not particularly easy, no matter what you might want to hear, the first time you drive our freeway system. But it does get easier, you just have to do it. Our freeways are either stop-and-go traffic or moving at at least 65 mph.

Rent a car with GPS, hit the road at midday when there’s comparatively less traffic, and you’ll be fine soon enough.

Is it so easy to drive out there! Much nicer than here. Unless you’re driving in NYC, you’ll be fine. Just around the car park a few times! Where are you going? Could you record yourself doing reminders like drive on the right, only turn right on red if there is no sign to say no etc?

Sorry if I've not been clear, I'm almost 41 years old and I've had a UK driving licence since 2005. I've driven all over the country and am actually a very good and responsible driver. It's just the older I'm getting and having been in a couple of situations that were quite scary I'm not a fan of long distance driving. I still do it and drive on motorways if I have to, but there's usually a film of sweat on my hands by the end of it. If I can use trains instead I do so.

I've never touched a car in America or any other country, I need to overcome this to be able to drive in US states. It just seems like a much bigger task. But you need a car to travel in America.

Would you consider a guided tour? I've googled a bit and although I'm not quite sure that this exactly what you are after, here's

https://ecotours-of-oregon.com/?gad_source=1

No, it's not a coach. Seems to be just you and Jeff. Or a few of you and Jeff.

It's just to give you an idea of other options. Jeff can't be the only person in the USA to be running such a business.

https://traveloregon.com/plan-your-trip/guides-tours/

Or here's Travel Oregon. Similar but you won't get to meet the one and only Jeff Davies.

Or you could start off with Jeff or a Jeff imitatition substitute until you get confidence and then you could probably hire your own vehicle to drive yourself from the same company.

Driving in the US is much easier than here. All cars are automatic and the roads are bigger and wider and not a as busy. If you go somewhere quiet/ rural to start off with you can build your confidence like that.