To Give up on driving?

[Louiseob33]

I passed my test 9 years ago.
Bought a car and drove for 3 weeks then stopped as I was too nervous.
I worried about stalling and getting into gears and I was a nervous wreck.
I’ve booked automatic lesson for next week but now my dad is saying I still won’t be able to drive.
I would love to be able for o drive.
Shall I give up or have a go?

I was a nervous wreck for the first 6 months after passing, then I switched to an auto. I love my car now and my confidence haso just grown and grown.

You mentioned confidence pulling out onto roundabouts - yes, switching to auto made this much easier for me as it had taken away the fear of stalling. I don't worry about junctions or roundabouts anymore, I feel confident in myself and I'm my car.

Go for it, I think you'll be fine.

I passed my test then didn't drive for ages, got very nervous and didn't have my own car, so took some refresher lessons with a new instructor when I had to start driving occasionally for work.

For me, it was surprisingly easy once I got going again, although at very first my feet were shaking so much I couldn't push the clutch down!

Instructors are used to dealing with very nervous people - after all it's a big deal to be in control of a car!

I would recommend you take 3-4 refresher lessons - see how you feel, I know it's expensive - and have them at quiet times of the day, the instructor isn't going to have you start by pulling out into rush hour traffic, you can ask to start on a silent road / car park.

Let your friends know what you're doing , that you could do with a bit of support ... and don't listen to your dad! You can totally do this! It's natural to be nervous, you just need practice!