Driving on motorways - kick my pathetic girly ass, please

[WaitingForGodKnows]

Right.

I have three social events in the next month that I really want to go to, and they are all a motorway away. I hate motorways. I really, really hate 'em. The mere thought of driving on a motorway scares the living crap out of me. especially the M25, where I live it's unavoidable.

But - I do not wish to be a wussy girl any longer. I want to leap into my car and pootle off around the country, using those big fast roads (and stopping at Little Chefs along the way, of course), laughing gaily.

I need to overcome my fear. Tell me how easy it is. Tell me how liberating it is. Kick my lily-white ass and get me driving. Please.

I'd be buggered then, as Dh doesn't drive!

My Mum used to be the same, only her fear was getting stuck in a tail back because there was no way off! We drove to Scotland soley on A roads once. Took a while iirc. She got over it just by doing it. She forced herself to drive somewhere on the motorway, and then made sure she always took that option and not let herself wimp out. It took a few journeys, but she's fine now.

Have a go, stay in the slow lane, and leave plenty of room between you and the car in front. What is it about the slip roads you don't like? Are you worried you'll miss one, or is it getting on that's the problem? I missed the M25 turn off once and ended up driving to Gatwick on the M23 before I could get off and come back. Very embarrassing, explaining why I was so late for work

I took the wrong slip road in France once and went about 10 miles in the wrong direction, before I found a roundabout to turn round on

Sorry, that's not too helful is it?

Well done Charliecat!!!!
I passed my test about 10 weeks ago but haven't braved a Mway yet - I dread the "getting on" part. I have driven in the dark and the rain though - took a wrong turning on the way home from my grandmother's and got back rather late in lashing rain!

i so prefer motorways. and its eassier to drive faster than slower, coz then you only have to worry about one side. (though you still have to think about both sides!)
alwasy indicate before you do anything. and count to three after indicating before you do anything.
driving round london is much scarier

tooticky, get a motorway lesson. some places do them free.
failing that, get an experienced friend to sit in the car with you first time, and talk you through as you drive on M25

CC have posted on your old thread, missed it at the time congratulations

First day I got my car after getting my licence I had to drive 1 hr in the dark on mad duel carrigeway and motorway. First time in the car on my own plus first time in that car. I drove like a mad woman and overtook everything.

Doesn't bother me at all now, Motorways down south are a bit busier and I am not so keen in the rain and dark especially when you get spray on the mirrors, harder to see when changing lane.

i actually enjoy motorway dirivng a bit now. i think being forced to do it helped lol. still have done the A1 tho, odd that isnt it? will go on the m25, but not the A1 lol.

christ, I can't believe there are grown up women on here who are scared of driving on a motorway. a long straight road.

I'm speechless.

I volunteered to do the driving for a Three Peaks Challenge attempt (Ben Nevis, Scafell and Snowdon in 24 hours) a few years back and that definitely sorted out my nervousness about motorways. Do your three trips and you'll feel a lot better.

Message withdrawn

I am surprised at the number who don't drive on m'way or are wary - sticking behind lorries etc. I am on the M1 in rushhour every single working day. I have driven on 6 lane freeways in Dallas in the rushhour so the M1 seems tame.

I realise this shameless boasting is totally unhelpful. My suggestion is that you start off by having a go at a quieter time of day and then build up to when it is busier. What time are your social events scheduled for? Could you plan your journeys for times when it is quiet?

As lots of other people have said, it just takes practice. I used to drinve long distances for work and have spent many an hour on the M25 in horrible driving conditions. Once I stopped doing it regularly I began to get a bit anxious about it. At least in England the slip roads are nice and long and people generally make way for you!

get off your arse, get in the car and go on the highway! it's easier than normal roads - all the cars are going in the same direction, and it's just like a straight road! just remember the number of the junction you want to get off at, and you're set!