To be missing out on stuff because I'm scared of driving

[AfterTheRainComesSun]

We are considering buying a house soon-ish and we could get a much nicer place if we moved slightly further out but I am scared of driving and I fear this could potentially be an issue if we moved somewhere with less amenities. I have a licence but haven't driven for many years and I was never a confident driver. I feel I am potentially missing up on a lot of freedom by not driving, like the house matter for example and also be able to drive DD to places if we have activities or parties, drive to the gym I want to go to and just generally be able to be more independent and master an important life skill.
Has anyone been in a similar situation and how did you overcome that?
We do have a car but I haven't driven for so long that I am now scared of doing so and the thought of taking a few practice rounds makes me very nervous. I think I need to bite the bullet and pay for a few lessons, don't I?

I have so much anxiety about driving that I've never managed to pass my test. It does mean that we're limited to living in areas with good public transport, and even then the journey can be much slower than it would if I was driving. But I'm fortunate that I grew up in London and I can afford a house here, so it honestly doesn't stop me going anywhere I'd like. Obviously we'd be able to get a much bigger and nicer property if we lived further out (a proper stately home in some parts of the UK, compared to our 4 bed zone 2 terrace).

But to be honest the car-free lifestyle does have advantages - not worrying about parking, the cost of fuel, the hassle of maintenance, our carbon footprint. I think I like central London living enough that I'd be reluctant to leave it for the suburbs even if I did manage to pass my test. I'm aiming to try lessons again in a few years, in an automatic as I've always used a manual. But I think I'd still use public transport a lot, and just use it for trips out of London or bringing home furniture from IKEA etc, where public transport isn't practical. Just because you are able to drive it doesn't mean you need to come to rely on using a car - which I think you'd be forced to do if you moved out to more suburban or rural areas.

My friend only ever drives at 40mph, everywhere, has queues of frustrated motorists behind her quietly fuming ( some not so), she hates turning right and will drive miles out of her way to avoid turning right, she shouldn’t be on the road, I refuse to get in the car if she’s driving. Ironically her DH is a driving instructor.
I don’t understand why some drivers are so scared of dual carriageways, I love them, I can overtake a slower car safely without worrying about oncoming traffic and get back into the left lane and continue my journey.
I live semi rurally, taxies are like gold dust, we have train station but to get home at certain times from it we need a car. The buses stop at 6.pm

As PP suggested, take some lessons, then get out and practice.

My SIL chose to stop driving when she moved to a semi rural location. She is a mile from the nearest bus route and not terribly fit. Her DH has recently had a stroke. You can see where this is going…

if your DD needs transportation as a teenager , as many do, it’s going to get really old if there is only one driver in the house.

But you can be a really good driver and still be scared! I drive well, am very cautious, follow the rules but I just don't like it. I'm not unsafe.

A few lessons should help as everyone has said. Also I’m not sure how long it’s been since you stopped driving but I’ve found Google maps is much better than it used to be - I have zero sense of direction and was ridiculous for getting lost even with a GPS but that hardly ever happens now.

Nervous drivers make me nervous.

Hi OP, not sure how old you are but I would get some refresher lessons with an understanding instructor.

I don't love driving to new places and was a late learner, but my dd is at a school where the kids are spread out across London so I have to drive her to a new place every weekend for the sake of her friendships. I've just had to get on with it really - like pp have said, google and Waze help. It's helped my confidence massively although I'm still awful at parking!

My MIL is the same, won't even travel 15-20 mins out of her comfort zone. It's a real downer on the whole family as she will always heavily hint / directly ask for lifts so we find ourselves driving her around like a teenager. It's a burden tbh as she's otherwise fit and healthy - no one wants to be like that.

@tiktokontheclock Thank you - I just need to get back at it and book some lessons + practice regularly as lack of practice is what then makes you more nervous.
I am mid 30s