To wish I'd never learned to drive

[Iusedtobecarmen]

Took me ages to learn to drive. Not a natural learner and mostly hated it.
Forced myself to Do it as although I don't actually need to drive as live in a big city, I also wanted to be able to take the dc on holiday etc.
Passed recently and first time. Initially quite excited at the prospect but that has worn off.
Had a bit of surprise cash to buy a car which I did but i havent driven it!!

I cannot face it. I feel like a fraud for passing. I have no clue.
It's not even the actual driving as such
I do not feel able to 'go anywhere ' or park up as I feel like I won t be able to manoeuvre the car into a space. (Even in a big car park).
Whilst i was learning i relied heavily on my instructor to guide me as to what to do, even to the extent that he would be basically be telling me which way to steer and how much. I will not be able to just set off and go to the shops. Everywhere is busy where I live too. Not really any quiet areas.
I honestly do not know what to do for the best.
I can't bring myself to go out and be in a potential situation that i can't handle.
My dp is supportive but I feel total humiliation at him having to even drive the car into a setting off position but I start. Which.is what he did the day I bought it. I drove to the top of.the road.
It's giving me so much anxiety that I'm waking up at night.
I was happy before I learned! So I'm upset that I'm now feeling like this.I'm.just not cut out for it am I?

Calm down - there are loads of us rubbish drivers out there!

That makes me nervous of being on the roads at all!

And I did when I drive up the road(hated it). But I don't want anxiety in my life. I don't want to go out sweating and flustered or think about potential journies the day before. What kind of life is that?

This feeling will lessen the more you practice OP. You've passed your test, you have every right to be on the road in your car. Agree that radio is good - sing really loudly as it helps release the adrenaline you build up being anxious.

Go out on your own, that way you have to problem solve for yourself when there's obstacles etc. You'll really quickly get to know your car.

Can you get into any of the supermarket car parks etc when they aren't open e.g. before 10 or after 4 on a Sunday?

Yes I guess I could get to a supermarket after 4 on a Sunday

Got a few day wait now tho!!
Got up early with all intention of having even a 5 min drive
Couldn't face it
I've brought dc out for a few hours- in the bus. I hate myself

If it helps, go onto Street View on Google Maps and you can 'drive' a route on the computer before doing it for real.

I was about to post that. It's so useful if you're driving to somewhere you're not familiar with, or you want to check out how a junction works, or where the entrance to a carpark is.
You can look at alternative routes that might be quieter or easier.

I was like this. Passed my test on the 5th attempt and didn't drive for 10 years as I was so scared. Then one day my dad says I'll buy you a car if you drive it. Went out a few times with him for practice and then one day when he was out went out on my own. I was scared but as others say practice makes perfect. Just get out there even with your husband beside you at first and practice.

In theory you should conquer your fears. In practice I just walked home from town and nearly suffocated on the fumes of hundreds of cars in 4 lanes of traffic jams.Also yesterday a woman nearly ran me over at 30 miles an hour running a red light, completely oblivious, and agree with AutumnRose about people looking at their bloody phones while driving! If i didn't have to drive I wouldn't, except for the once a year I go on holiday. ..maybe if you live in a city with decent public transport and you don't need to, and you don't want to. ..don't!