Fear of driving

[Maxine9]

Has anyone ever had a fear of driving? I'm 41 and I really want to learn to drive.

I took my drivers test twice 4/5 years ago and failed. I over think everything when I'm driving, when to indicate, constantly checking mirrors to change lane because I don't trust myself I've looked properly, out of control when I'm on the motorway because of the speed etc. seems like a lot of multitasking and I get overwhelmed.

Just wondered if anyone has any recommendations as to overcome this? I'm looking to start lessons again but really want to conquer this fear / overthinking

I was scared of driving after I'd (flukily) passed my test, then didn't drive for many years. Then took refresher lessons, got a car and became confident.
It's all about practice. I found it helpful to make short, specific journeys and talk myself through them as I drove. Have you got anyone who'd be calm & supportive if you went for a drive with them? And access to a car?

It is not unreasonable to have a concern about driving. You are in charge of a lethal weapon, as are those around you and you do not know how responsible they are.

You need to find a good driving instructor who understands your concerns and who can take it very slowly with you. Sometimes a woman instructor feels better - sexist I know; sorry.

Good luck.

You need to find an instructor who makes you feel calm. My first instructor i failed loads with and left it for ages and felt really anxious. A friend of mine had passed with a woman driving instructor and passed me her details and it was totally different.
Ask your instructor to start you out slowly in really quiet areas and don't move to crazy traffic until you are confident BUT don't even attempt to do your test again until you are confident on faster and busier roads.

Place-marking as in a very similar situation and also in my 40s! I would absolutely love to drive but the anxiety is overwhelming. I've thought about learning in an automatic to take away some of the multitasking of changing gears.