fear of driving

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Hi guys, so basically I have this anxiety.about drving. I’ feel terrified. And my dad is pushing me to pass my test. I agree that I should know how to drive but I can’t seem to get over the phobia. I feel like helpless and no one seems to understand this. Is there any tool or book or anything that can help me. I literally can’t sleep now that my dad has booked a lesson for me.

I did have lessons when I was 17.I was hopeless. I failed my test. And hated it throughout.

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Re: fear of driving

The only way to get over this is to face your fear. Tell yourself you can do this, it is just driving and take your time while learning, there should be no need to rush. I would say, have someone in the car who you trust and can calm you down patiently instead of forcing. You can do it Nadz!

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Re: fear of driving

it's just the fear...once you get behind the wheels, you'll be alright. believe me, you'll overcome your phobia because it's just that...phobia! :)

good luck.

4

Re: fear of driving

Enroll yourself in a driving school, it will be very helpful.

Agree with what others have said.

5

Re: fear of driving

You could try booking a lesson with someone who's very used to teaching nervous drivers..

I think the instructor that you're working with can make a huge difference..

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Re: fear of driving

I agree with getting a good instructor. Someone with really good reviews. I had anxiety too. But a good instructor made all the difference.

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Re: fear of driving

I think there are instructors who teach adults with driving anxiety. I am a driver but still can't go long distances. At least you are lucky that being in the UK, you have excellent public transport. We in the US for the most part don't.

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Re: fear of driving

Start off slowly. Build yourself up. For example, on day 1 just sit in the vehicle behind the wheel without driving. Just sit and think about how you're going to conquer your fear. Day 2, go for a little drive down your street and back. Day 3, drive around the block... etc etc.

You just need to steady yourself. I guess pushing yourself into the deep end is good but I'd say steady does it.

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Re: fear of driving

I can totally relate. I learned to drive in my early twenties (which is late by most standards). I took a drivers ed class for beginners and was the second oldest person there. I'm not sure about the UK, but Canada has AMA which offers some pretty good courses. Plus you get insurance rebates if you take certain courses. If you have a good instructor, it makes your life super easy. I tried to learn form my dad at first, but it just ended up in fights because he would get stressed out (understandable because I was quite a poor driver at first), which would stress me out and I would make more mistakes. My advice would be to definitely learn from a professional and once you feel semi-confident, start practicing with someone you trust. Start off in an empty parking lot, practise your turns and get an idea of your driving space. My instructor would have me drive back and forth in the snow so I could see the tire tracks, and be able to tell where the tires were in relation to the dashboard. Same with parking; give yourself lots of room to practise and just be patient with yourself. I know it can get pretty frustrating. Good luck!

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Re: fear of driving

Isn't your father a driving instructor though? I'm not saying you should learn to drive from him but he must've had his fair share of nervous learners that overcame their fears and can share any tips.

I have a friend who was in a similar position and swears by Rescue Remedy to calm her nerves for driving lessons and tests. Maybe try that?

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Re: fear of driving

Rescue remedy?.ahhh thanks i will try that