Anyone overcome driving anxiety?

[babysharksmummy]

So I'm almost 30, and still can't drive.
My job involves seeing clients all over the city I live in so it would be REALLY handy if I could drive.
15 mins by car to my office, one hour on public transport.
I've had over 80 lessons but am just so anxious about accidents (my DM was in a bad accident and I also got been knocked down by a bus just before I was about to take my test) and I suffer from bad anxiety anyway.
Looked into automatic but won't be able to afford an automatic car so that's not really great for me.
Anyone on here overcome driving anxiety and can now drive legally and without fear? I REALLY want to do this!
Also, I've done an intensive course before, and it was a shit show. The instructor was horrible and on the day before the test he said to me 'wear a short skirt for the test, that's the only way you've got a chance in hell of passing'. I don't fancy doing intensive.
Positive stories VERY welcome!

I have got my first driving test in less than 2 weeks and im bricking it. I suffer with extreme anxiety in general but my instructor is lovely and is very patient. I have been learning to drive for 10 years on and off. I don't have driving anxiety as such however I am worse in the passenger seat. My partner hates it when he is driving and I'm a passenger.
If you find a good instructor they will help you through it but by bit. Don't give up, just takes time

@ticketstub

I developed driving anxiety and it got worse this year. I was looking at hypnotherapy and as a last resort before seeing a specialist hypnotherapist, I watched some of the driving anxiety videos on Youtibe and tried one of the driving hypnotherapy videos. It literally halved my anxiety overnight.

If you see this can you recommend which youtube video it was. Or if anyone successfully has had hypnotherapy who you used. Thank you x

Looked into automatic but won't be able to afford an automatic car so that's not really great for me.
I don't want to sound dismissive or abrupt (but will) - this is nonsense. If you look hard enough autos are around second hand at every price point a manual is.
All new and newish hybrid cars - eg Toyota Prius etc are autos.

I failed 2 tests in my late teens (both in a manual) and this put me off driving until I was about 25. I needed a driving licence after DS was born as I was struggling to find a new job with a reasonable commute (no public transport where we live). I retook my test in an automatic and passed first time with no minors. Doing it in an automatic really helped my nerves as I felt I could concentrate fully on the road. I picked up an old automatic Polo in good nick for £800 straight after my test.

Unfortunately after less than a year of driving I was involved in a crash. I was sat stationary at a red light and was rear ended by a lorry. I had DS and DH in the car at the time and it really shook me up. I didn't drive for a week after as I was off work, and when I did return I hated the courtesy car so much it made my nerves even worse. Since the accident 5 years ago I still struggle with anxiety, but I've had a course of CBT and EMDR. Although the anxiety is still there, these therapies have given me great coping mechanisms and I'm able to drive to unfamiliar places and long distances when needed.

Things that definitely help:

• Automatic car
• Radio on
• Satnav, even of you know where you're going. I find it very reassuring to have on.
• I prefer driving alone where possible, but this is a personal preference. Others may swear that having someone with you helps.
• Driving regularly to keep the gremlins at bay (even if it's just a short distance to the shop)
• CBT... This is the single best thing you can do for yourself if you're anxious in my opinion. Not just for driving but for general day to day life. It won't cure the anxiety, but it helps to manage it