Has anyone recovered from motorway/dual carriageway driving fear/anxiety

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I hate it. It makes life so bloody complicated. I get the most dreadful anxierty even thinking about it. I get the train instead of get people to give me a lift but it is realy annoying. I drive anywhere else. I love driving!!!! But the thought of a long straight fast road gives me such terrible angst.

I have to do a 300 mile journey on the motorway once a year and I have to admit inside I am pretty scared! I do it though because we are going to see family. We could catch the train but it is so expensive so we can't really afford it. I just try and stay calm once I'm driving but I get in a state in the weeks/ months beforehand.x

Yes, I have.

I found a brilliant driving instructor (despite being able to drive) who spoke calmly and rationally about the anticipated fears I had then he dealt with each one. eg driver tailgaiting with full headlights on, dodgy overtaking by fast driver, that sort of thing.
We used to sit in his car and do controlled breathing until calmness came back or recognise stress signs.

After a few sessions, he advised me to drive up a certain main road for 50 miles (alone) then return home and talk about it.
He then set goals eg do the same route in the dark, heavy rain etc until I felt confident.

It was liberating to realise that my fear had gone and I have never looked back.

Good luck.

socialMoray - wow! That's amazing and inspiring. You will make my dreams come true if you now tell me your driving instructor is based on the South coast! that is exactly what I need.

He was a Scottish instructor and it was a few years ago but it would be worthwhile speaking to a good school in your area and mention your fears.

I'm sure an instructor would be willing to drive with you or talk over your anxieties and help you overcome them.

Would it be an idea to put an advert in your local paper?

I think I'll tru driving schools first. My bil offered to drive with me but i like the security of dual control!!!

i had to take ds out to a play date today. This involved 3 long dual carriageways and I was petrified. But I DID IT!!!!!!