AIBU to be so scared of getting in my car?...

[Blazingspeed]

I passed my test in February in a Ford Fiesta, 2nd attempt.
I was a pretty good driver and had built up loads of confidence.

We have a Citroen C4... so quite a bit larger than a fiesta. But it has all the mod cons, parking sensors, park assist, hill assist etc.

I’ve driven twice since I passed. Both times with my OH in the car. First time was a teeny tiny journey (like 3 minutes) that went fine.
The second time I kept stalling... it was awful. I’ve not driven since.
Doesn’t help the the P plates won’t stick to the bloody car.

I’m itching to drive but I’m just so nervous. I’ve spent the entire morning just day dreaming about going out in the car (seriously, it’s sat there doing nothing on my drive )

AIBU? Were any of you this ridiculous about driving alone for the first time?
It’s just me & my youngest at home today (23months) ....I could easily jump in the car but I keep stopping myself, finding all other jobs I need to do first.

My main fear is stalling... this car is so different to my instructors. They’re both diesel but with the c4 you have to use the gas to move off, whereas with the fiesta I could just use the clutch... that threw me. Also, the gears seem to be positioned slightly different... it’s just feels, well, different.

Ugh. I spent a LOT of money learning to drive and for what?!

Driving with confidence is a lot about experience and practice practice practice - even after you have your licence.

I consider myself to be a confident, experienced and excellent driver - I have been driving for 36 years. I stalled the car last week . It happens!

Congrats on passing your test & get driving regularly.

don't be afraid.you fears are the stopper.your more than competent.fear are nothing until you listen.remeber this line "thoughts not facts"
go out and stall.go on.stall the fucker just in the middle of anempty road.then do some real belly roll laughs.just let it go.let the tension of it go.let the fear of it be stopped in its tracks because its built it up to be this enormous thing.
you can do this.is there a quite road near.or space where you could just go round.
or give yourself a destination.there back sorted.take it a step at a timedont think just focus on the actual actions your taking.shoes on.keys.door.steps.walking.in car.ignition and begin.dont let the thought interrupt you or take over

\o/
you showed that clutch!

YEAHH! Well done OP!

Best thing to do is just go for it and force yourself to drive a bit each day by the end of the week you'll be fine. I still stall occasionally, other drivers won't care, it feels like everyone is watching what you do but they really aren't

Should have read to the end before posting 🙄😂

Well done x

Thanks everyone ☺️ It’s such a small thing to most people but I’m absolutely chuffed with myself

@kateandme I like that thought process... I definitely need to stop letting these fears hold me back.
I turn 30 next week... I need to take control. Better late than never I suppose

Can you go for just a short drive around the block? It should help to start off slowly with a short journey. Maybe then progress to an empty car park, especially now the evenings are light, and just drive round and round and round. It's all good practice. Then you could progress to the local shops, etc etc.

I'd avoid starting to rely on having someone there with you, or at least until you're going a bit further afield. You have the ability or you wouldn't have passed your test. Start believing in yourself and look forward to the freedom that driving will bring you.

aim to drive somewhee for your birthday.im going to drive to the café for a big piece of cake!
30 mins before your 30th.
30 drives before your 30th.
drive for 30 mins.sit.say yay at this 30 themed brilliance.drive back.
go out.even drive to the end of the road and back.come back indoor close the door sit.and let that smile grow because.eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep you did it!!

When I passed my test I drove to the top of the biggest multistory car park and back down again - they used to fascinate me - all that turning and ramps etc :)