To decline a job offer because I am scared of driving?

[Kittenmumma]

Been unhappy at work for a few months. Just came across a good opportunity but the role isn’t in London (I usually commute there by train). It is in a location that isn’t convenient for me by public transport as it’ll take me almost 2 hes to get there but it would be around 50 mins by car. The issue is that I don’t drive. I have a driving licence and we have a car that DH could leave me for a couple of days a week when I’d have to go in but I am scared of driving and one bit of the path to work is also on the motorway.
Should I listen to my fears and leave it or is is nuts and perhaps I should take a few lessons to get over my fear of hitting the road again?

I don't like driving but am ok on routes I know. After the first week or two you will know te route well which should make it easier. As others have said I would probably go out and have practice beforehand.

I'm a nervous driver but I'm ok once I know a route. The only things I really avoid are merging onto a busy motorway and very big roundabouts. Could you try driving it as a passenger and now down any tricky bits, then use Google maps to go over them?

It sounds like this could be really good for you. Do bear in mind though, that 50 minutes driving is a lot harder brain work than a similar commute on the train.

Is is a hybrid wkh job by the sounds of it? Perhaps you could take it, and then build up to driving in over time, but use public transport first?
You might find driving an automatic is easier and gets you back on the road quicker with more confidence.

This wouldn't be the reason not to accept the job but I would wait and see whether you are offered the job first. If so, get some driving lesson booked during your notice period. Get the instructor to show you and talk you through the tricky bits where you live while you drive and book a two hour slot to drive to your work and back with the instructor. You can use Google maps street view to "drive" the route beforehand and see which lanes you need to be in.
The first few times of driving yourself your heart might be in your throat but this won't last. Give yourself plenty of time in the first week. Your confidence will only grow by doing it.

That's a huge amount of driving, if you don't like it. I think it's fair enough to not choose a job with that much driving if you don't like it.

I like driving. I can listen to podcasts and chill out. I know other people who just hate it. That's ok too.

If you have a job currently that is as secure as any job can be, then stay put.

Even if you were a confident driver, swapping a train journey for a car one at peak times and given the possibility of it being longer than expected is something not to take likely. Between October and March the homeward bound one is likely to be in the dark as well, something to consider.

Thanks everyone. A lot to consider. It would be a hybrid role so only 2 days a week in the office.
i do think that the silver lining is that i’d be pushed to drive as otherwise i never will and it’s a very useful like skill to have

Well yes although nobody knows what might happen. The market is currently quite bad and I haven’t been happy at work for a while, feel very demotivated. Which is why I am considering options.

So take some lessons, stop being so passive?

The first time you drive somewhere it’s stressful because you don’t know the landmarks, the turnings - 20th time you do it it’ll be easy -after you’ve been there a month

No it isn't stressful!

@Lanzarotelady it is if you are scared and not used to driving.

Lucky you not being worried about driving. Lots of people are. It is quite a scary thing to do, if you think about it logically - you're in charge of a big piece of machinery and there are lots of idiots around you. Of course we all just jump in our cars every day and don't think about it, but if you're anxious it can be terrifying. I feel many people should take it more seriously.

Did you get the job op? What did you decide @Kittenmumma ?

No I didn't, role was put on hold. I think it was for the best as it wouldn't have been right for me. That said, this has pushed me to re-learn to drive so will book some lessons in the autumn I think.

The selection process was in “final stages” and then they arbitrarily pull it and say everything “on hold”?

Not a good sign op. I wouldn’t consider the company

Why wait for autumn?! The moment may pass. If you book now they may well not have availability until autumn anyway

I don't drive in this country, walk to work and love my job. I know if my circumstances change, I'd be in a real pickle. Don't let the fear limit you!

Why are you afraid of driving? I had a terrible phobia of flying (had a dreadful experience in a plane) and avoided flying for years. Anyway after listening to a scientist on a Podcast I tried hypnotherapy for the phobia. Been on a plane a few times since. It's a really interesting experience and there is some science behind it.