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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To be afraid of driving on the motorway?

54 replies

CrapDriver · 25/10/2009 20:01

I know this is really daft so please be gentle with me but;

I have promised to take DS to a outdoor adventure thing next week and will have to drive a little way down the A38 to get there.

I have been driving for a year but I'm a really nervous driver and have never driven on a motorway before.

Am I being stupid, I'm really scared. What if I miss my exit?

What if my car dies?

Please help me.

OP posts:
RealityBites · 25/10/2009 20:03

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Original poster
CrapDriver · 25/10/2009 20:06

Thanks.

I'm the sort of driver who won't leave at all unless I know where I'm going to park at the other end!

My car dying is more likely than most, he's rather old....

OP posts:
famishedass · 25/10/2009 20:08

What about going out for a few motorway driving lessons with a driving school?

memorylapse · 25/10/2009 20:08

I actually prefer motorway driving..you wont miss your exit as they are clearly signed..but if you do..you can get off at the next one

Original poster
CrapDriver · 25/10/2009 20:09

Well I thought about doing my pass plus but I've got to take DS on tuesday so no time.

OP posts:
bebesequin · 25/10/2009 20:10

Could you do a practice run without DS and take a friend ? just to help you feel more confident-check car over oil etc before you go and charge up your mobile.

PoisonToadstool · 25/10/2009 20:10

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CaptainUnderpants · 25/10/2009 20:11

Why dont you get hold of your old driving instructor and pay for another lesson but get taken on the motorway. This way you will not be alone and have someone with you who should know what they are doing.

I remeber when I passed my driving test my (1984 !) on the way back from test centre driving instructor took me on the motorway .

CaptainUnderpants · 25/10/2009 20:12

just saw that you have to go on Tuesday , sorry .

MitchyInge · 25/10/2009 20:12

ahh, you will love getting some fresh air around your wheels - it is one of life's great pleasures! but I do live in a county that has no motorways at all

Original poster
CrapDriver · 25/10/2009 20:12

I have had all levels checked and tyres last week coincedently so not worried bout that. I'm out all day tomorrow. No time. Damn I wish I was more organised!

OP posts:
Original poster
CrapDriver · 25/10/2009 20:15

My car is a rusty, 14 year old ford escort btw. He does not like going into forth gear or getting wet. He is a grumpy old man.

OP posts:
InMyLittleHead · 25/10/2009 20:15

Just stay in the inside lane if it's overtaking that bothers you. That way it will be pretty difficult for you to miss your exit. Soon you will get up confidence and be OK with overtaking.

SmallSCREAMCap · 25/10/2009 20:16

You'll be great. Once you know you can do it, it is less physically difficult than town driving.

Remember that it is perfectly acceptable to stick to 60mph if you'd prefer and not overtake anyone.

I bet after 10 minutes you'll be ready to have a go, though!

SmallSCREAMCap · 25/10/2009 20:16

caveat - perfectly acceptable in the slow lane!

MitchyInge · 25/10/2009 20:20

the doors used to fly open on my old land rover if I went over 45mph so I was v unpopular on the few occasions I found myself on a dual carriageway or motorway - but we survived as you will and it was fun!

Original poster
CrapDriver · 25/10/2009 20:21

hmmmmmm....ok, I'm starting to feel calmer.

OP posts:
Confuzzeled · 25/10/2009 20:23

I totally understand, I've been driving for 5 years and I still hate it. I'm fine driving around the places I know but I fear for my life when I go over 30mph.

I guess it just takes practice and having the confidence to just go for it.

You passed your test and have had a year of driving under your belt, I'm sure you'll be grand.

Good Luck

artlesschaos · 25/10/2009 20:25

No, YANBU. I am a very nervous driver (started using the car again after years in London), particularly with my toddlers in the car.
I am so bad that I get anxious, scared and actually get a lump in my throat looking at my kids before we set off.
I'm terrified we'll crash and I'll hurt them or worse.
Not very helpful I know...I have a problem.
I do think motorway driving (despite the high speeds) is the most straightforward, easy kind of driving.
When I was young, single and childless I loved driving on motorways, particularly late at night listening to music. I did my best "thinking and sorting" my head out then.
It's not quite the same with a 3 yr old screaming for her drink/juice/numbie/etc....

PoisonToadstool · 25/10/2009 20:30

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

slimeoncrazydemon · 25/10/2009 20:31

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kid · 25/10/2009 20:33

I can understand completely. I passed my test in 1994 and it took me years to drive on the motorway. I literally would prefer to not go somewhere rather than have to drive on the motorway.

The best thing I ever did was to buy a satnav. It gave me a real boost as it took away the fear of getting lost.

I don't know about you, but my biggest fear about motorway driving was not being able to stop in time due to the high speed you have to drive at.
I have since drove on the motorway loads and loads of times and its not a problem, I promise you.

I do often get morons driving too close behind me, but I just move lanes and let the morons pass me. It really annoys me when they do that, hope they get a buzz out of terrifying me.

Original poster
CrapDriver · 25/10/2009 20:34

Yeah thanks. lol.

DS is always very good in the car, except when I am parking, the thing I am absolutley WORST at, of course. Suddenly he needs to ask all the questions in the world....

OP posts:
frasersmummy · 25/10/2009 20:35

The worst part of m/way driving is getting on..

once you have joined the inside lane you will find its easer than town driving..

nobody just nipping across the road despite their being a crossing 20 yards up the road

no buses pulling out with no indication

no daft little mini roundabouts where nobody knows when to go

no cyclists to watch out for (I am not anti cyclists- its just they are harder to see)

no kids following balls or appearing froom ice cream vans

If you stick to the inside lane you cant miss your exit
Most of the uk m/way network is covered by cctv so if you do breakdown trust me the police will be with you before you can think what will I do now??

good luck

kid · 25/10/2009 20:35

kids have a habit of talking at the most inconvenient time!

Good luck on Tuesday, I am sure you will be fine. Try not to worry, have your mobile with you so you know you can contact someone if you need to.