Feel so stupid and useless

[sweetkitty]

Here's my problem, I'll try and keep it brief:

5 years ago I passed my driving test, got my first car about 5 months after that but was too scared to drive it, kept stalling it (once when I was turning right at 50 mph oncoming traffic) anyway would only drive to and from work (very easy road) never anywhere new and busy.

3 years ago DP wrote off this car (another story) and we haven't had a car since. Following DD's arrival we recently bought a car, I had had 2 attempts at driving it, both 5 minute journeys both disasters, not helped by DP shouting at me. Having DD in the car also makes me more nervous.

Last year I had a course of hypnotherapy and some additional driving lessons to try and get over this fear. The driving instructor said there was nothing wrong with my driving and I needed more practice thats all and I was wasting my money.

The thought of driving the car makes me feel sick and close to having a panic attack. The thing is I really need to drive but just the thought of it makes me feel so ill. It causes so many agruments between DP and I as he has to do all the driving and I moan at him at being stuck in the hosue all day. I feel so useless as everyone else seems to be able to do it so why can't I?

Anyone got any suggestions or should I just accept I'll never be able to drive?

sweetkitty

my sympathies too, glad you have had so much support and sensible advice.

FWIW, I passed my 4th driving test at 22 but was too terrified to drive in London til I was 30. One day we were going round Stoke Newington one way system and I was back seat driving and tutting at DH who had had enough, stopped the car in the middle and pulled out the keys and told me I could drive it my damn self. He got out and hailed a cab.

So I HAD to drive. It took me an hour and a half and lots of pulling over when a police car passed and hyperventilating and sweaty palms but I did it ( the journey was only 3 miles) I was convinced I was a crap driver and the police were going to pull me over, But I did it because I had to.

DH felt awful but neither of us ever looked back. I still woudn't drive round marble arch or the Park Lane roundabout though.

Best of luck to you in conquering your nerves and I'm sure you will do it and discover a new side to yourself.

cab I'm not driving to Scotland DP will do that might have a go on a few local roads.

the thing is I don't tell many people about my problem so they assume I can drive and when I say I don't want to they treat me like I'm mad, thats the thing they just don't understand.

the very best of luck - do get some local driving in when you are back in scotland. It makes a huge difference if you know the roads well.

Thamesmead is a nightmare to navigate, all those signs saying thamsmead south, central, east etc. I totally lose my sense of direction. If you ever drive around there, well done!!