To ask for advice on getting over my driving anxiety?

[hgbjhgb]

I passed my driving test 9 years ago, and have owned a car ever since which I've avoided driving. I last drove a year ago, and even then the furthest I've ever driven alone is around 2 miles away to the supermarket.

I've now got a job that's a pretty easy 8 mile drive away, mainly 30 mph roads. However, I've been getting the bus which takes over an hour due to the number of stops. I feel so silly walking past my insured and taxed car to walk to the bus stop in the rain.

I'm terrified of slip roads and changing lanes as I panic which makes me change lanes too quickly. I also worry a lot about making mistakes or knowing what to do if I need to overtake a cyclist or pull over for an ambulance, etc. I passed my test with no minors and I know I'm a safe and observant driver, but I just have no confidence with driving.

I’m very similar, you have my sympathy! I passed my test in my teens and then didn’t drive until in my 40s, when I had 3 kids I couldn’t get to school without a car.

I would recommend too having lessons in your own car with an instructor experienced with nervous drivers. It really helped me. Having said that I still only do local journeys and won’t drive on the motorway. When I have to drive every day it’s much easier - after a break I’m always nervous about getting in the car again.

I’m sure if you did the route with somebody with you at a quiet time it would help massively.

One thing I hate too is overtaking cyclists. I find it helps to observe DH when he’s driving - he’s a good driver and I pay attention to when he overtakes or hangs back etc do I get better at judging situations.

Do you have a friend or partner who would help you practise the route? I really hate motorway driving but after.a bit of practice with DH I can now manage it for the short section I need for work! Still building up to longer journeys though… Agree with building up small and going out at quieter times of the day. Also remember you don’t have to overtake, you can sit in the slow lane the whole time if you want.

Watching with interest as I am the same op! Hate driving!

You just need practice. I agree that a really good driving instructor for a couple of lessons would help.

Thank you all. I'm going to look into doing some refresher courses as I think they would help. My original driving instructor knocked my confidence a bit I think; when I passed my test with no minors he said it's because it's easier for the examiner to not give any minors as they have less paperwork to do and they were probably being extra nice by passing me.

I've practised driving with my partner and my Mum in the car but find them both quite stressful to drive with as they are both nervous passengers who flinch when I'm driving...

So build up to it. Everyday (even after work) drive an increasing amount...1 mile, 1.5 miles. Offer to do the grocery run if someone else was going to do it. Taxi a friend if they go to the airport. The more you do it, the more confident you will feel. Start small and build up.

My mother always let my dad drive. He passed away unexpectedly and now she is stuck never having driven herself as a 63 year old woman. She also has her license and is a good driver, it just causes her so mich anxiety, she avoids it. Don't put yourself in this same situation.

Well don't drive with them, that's not helping 🙈🙈🙈🙈