To ask for your encourage that I can do this?

[nervydriver]

I want to drive to work tomorrow for the first time. It's around 10 miles away. I passed my test 8 years ago, but I'm reluctant to drive as I hate it. I worry a lot about making mistakes, and I think growing up with a Dad who had really bad road rage has made me nervous of annoying other drivers and being shouted at.

I've done the drive with family, and they say I'm a perfectly good driver. I know logically that I'm ok at driving; I'm observant, keep to the speed limit, have good lane control and I drive an automatic so no stalling at traffic lights to worry about! I'm not overly hesitant, I think my biggest issue is I'm not great at parking (although I'm sure that will come in time, for now I just park away from other cars).

The drive is a very easy drive as I would go the way that means I avoid the motorway and slip roads. It's 30-40mph the entire way and no difficult lane changes.

I started this job 2 months ago and I chicken out of driving to work every morning and take the bus instead which takes 1.5 hours to do what would be a 40 minute drive.

I feel like I need someone to just tell me to get a grip and do it!

You CAN do it!

You will get to work tomorrow, lock the car door and put the keys in your bag and will be grinning ear to ear. You will have extra time for a coffee (or can have a lie in!).

May the traffic lights favour you and all be on green.

You’ve said yourself, it’s easy. You’ve done it before. You can do it again.

Leave a bit earlier than you need to so you’re not stressing about time and enjoy a lovely coffee/cup of tea whilst you bask in the glow of your accomplishment once you’ve arrived.

Maybe have the radio on so it seems like you have someone with you.

Also, if you need the ‘tough love’…..GET A BLOODY GRIP AND GET ON WITH IT!

Honestly just go for it. Once you’ve done it once you’ll realise how easy it is!

You CAN do it!! I would agree to leave really early so you are not stressing - even if it means sitting in the car park for half an hour. Just take a coffee/book and go for it. Post back after to confirm everything went absolutely fine!

Yes leave early, so no rush. You've got this!

I am also a nervous driver for various reasons, but I remind myself (as you can too) that I'm not a bad driver. You can do it!

You can do it!
If you drive every day for a few months, it will become totally normal and you won't know yourself, you'll be so confident!

You can do it! Leave early, the car park will have lots of space.

I couldn't do it 😭
I was stood on my driveway with my car keys in hand and I just couldn't bring myself to drive, a 40ish minute drive feels so long and insurmountable. The furthest I've driven alone is around 5-10 minutes away to the supermarket.

Ah don't worry - you'll get there. Sounds like you need to build up gradually. Maybe try a 20 minute drive at the weekend?

You can do it!

Do it at the weekend. Give yourself permission to stop and come back home anytime you like. If you manage say 5 mins then great, chalk it up as a success and maybe try for 6 mins next time. It's an anxiety thing, it's ok not to do the whole lot in one go.

Yes, try going for a drive at the weekend, a bit further each time. Maybe also go to the supermarket at a quiet time and do some parking practice in their car park?