Fear of motorway driving - any way to get to grips with this?

[swanriver]

I passed my test 5 years ago, after several years of on and on lessons. Dual carriage ways no problem, went happily at 70 miles an hour whilst a learner driver. Went for PassPlus after passing my test so went on motorway with instructor.
Now find myself unable to drive faster than 40 miles, with or without children, scared stiff of dualcarriage ways, experience vertigo agraphobia, not quite being able to judge distances etc. On bridges, feel I'm going to drive off into rivers, gullies, drawn inexorably to dividing line on dualcarriage ways (whatever it's called), don't dare look in rear mirror in case I swerve.

No problems at all driving on normal London roads, in traffic, road rage, or doing runaround, in fact find driving in these conditions enjoyable.

Experiencing vertigo elsewhere galleries, treetop walkways, unrailed steps. Did not as a child or young adult.

Taking no meds for anything nor have ever.

should read on and off lessons not on and on!

You could perhaps try hypnosis?

I have found this helpful for phobias.

Sorry you are suffering this.

I'm the same. I drive around a very busy city with no problems and have been driving for about 10 years. I have always suffered vertigo from a child, but I'd never linked it until I read your post. I had thought about having some more lessons on the motorway, but you've already tried that. Hypnosis might be helpful as well. Was there something that triggered your fears?

Never been very technically competent, but used to enjoy things like rowing, tiny bit of skiing, skating which require some coordination speed and going out of control occasionally. Find it easier driving fast when I'm angry, not so anxious then.

put your foot down and enjoy!

I was like this when I first passed my driving test.

I used to get dh to come with me to build my confidence and take the motorway for just a junction at a time.

Did this on a regular basis until I was confident enough to go on my own.

Do you have someone who could go with you or could you afford to pay an instructor for some extra lessons?

Excellent babysteps, and vroom vroom. Will try now on way to booking dd's party.

Still have to tackle the vertiginous feeling tho'. Ladder babystepping perhaps.

swan - I still havent driven on a motorway . I've been practising on a dual carriageway.

that cheers me up EV. You are ahead of me!

swan you could try something like silverstone driving school (or similar) so that you can practice driving at speed in safety in a dual controlled car ruby is right about the speed thing being something that you are used to and the babysteps are a good idea. But I do think that it might be an idea to speak to the doc about the vertigo and maybe get an eye test with a peripheral vision element too just to reasure yourself.

I can totally understand your feelings. I think its practise. I don't drive on motorways much now either and hate it when I do to start with. I know the feeling that you are going to swerve into the next lane (esp when passing a lorry). Just try not to think about it. I find it easier with the radio on. I find it harder with Dh in the car (he instructs/critises).

Rubys tips are good. .

swan I know what you mean. I now hate motorways, or busy dual carriageways> I think the baysteps idea is great. I'm sure practise would build you confidence. When I was a student I used to drive from Sheff to Preston In friday rushhour traffic everyother wkend! (involved M!, M60, M62, lots of dualcarriagewasy!)to visit DH - who was then my boyfriend LOL
The thought of that now stuns me, I would never think I could do it now - but atthe time I did without a prob - I think I'm just really out of the habbit.
When I have had to drive on a m,otorway anytime recently I've always gone at a relaly quiet time if poss, and usually I find that after 15 mins or so I am fine....
Good luck!

swan sorry you a suffering. driving can really be a mare. I can't drive at night in poorly lit areas. As I feel that the on coming traffic is blinding me. My fear is I mis judge the road & crash. I hope you get the help you need. SOrry I can't offer advice just wanted to know I understand your fears.

Swan - I have exactly the same at the moment. I used to be scared a few years ago after an accident (not even on the motorway so it was a bit irrational). At the time I had cognitive behavioural therapy which worked amazingly. Sadly since I had dd it has come back.

This weekend I was supposed to be goign away with some friends but have had to make up a reason for not going as I am too scared to drive on motorway in the dark

So i know what you are going through.
I think baby steps are the way forward. That is what the CBT therapist made me do last time so suppose I will try it on my own this time.

Everymum, thanks for replying.
I was just revisiting my emotions - and I had an image of a great rushing tide of water, and standing on the edge (my car at a junction of a fast road) fearing I was going to slip over into the water.
I think if I can use that association for the good - lovely rushing water, just jump in how boring on dry land etc etc it may help me to enjoy driving fast again.

Dear SwanRiver, Sounds to me you need some Dutch Courage!!!! Lots of it!!!

Swanriver - know just how you feel. I nearly had a panic attack driving over that Bridge on the M25 at Dartford, my knees were shaking.

I find bridges and flyovers terrifying, and hate joining from slip roads where traffic is either very fast or very dense.

My DH was concerned about my fear of motorway driving recently that he found out about the AA and Institute of Advanced Motorists courses.

But CBT training sounds better IMO.