I am afraid of driving. How can I conquer this fear?

Question

I have taken many driving lessons and practiced before, but every time I get behind the wheel I start shaking. I have tried to ease into it and get more confident by practice, but it every time is a fresh horror. I wish I didn't have to drive at all, but it is a practical skill that I need. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The best way to get over the fear of driving is learn to enjoy it, The best way to start this process is find out in your area what clubs have driver advanced education systems. You may try these at a closed course in a large park lot, with the right instruction with good teachers you can learn good car control to help get out over extreme situations, the other is to go to the same schools and go to a race track and learn the correct procedures that cover all aspect of safety, easy of car control, how to get out of dangerous situations which includes defensive driving, all this is extremelly beneficial to you. You will also get a certificate of completion of the course and often insurance companies will give you further disscounts. It is important, I have help many customers get over this situation and these course really really help. Do some research in your area, car clubs etc, help is out there and all it takes is to sign up and go. Highly recommended. Eventually you will enjoy it.
Best of luck and I hope this helps you. JL

Answer 2

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Answer 3

I got my license in Germany back in 1990. People drive very fast over there. So, although driving will never be routine for me...I always remind myself that I'm so lucky I live in America now, because people don't drive like maniacs here. Maybe knowing that fact will help you, too (I do hope you don't live there)...and one more thing....do you have to drive with your kids sitting at the back? If not....just imagine being nervous about driving and having that responsibility added to your responsibility towards other drivers. Not having to worry about anyone except for yourself while driving is such a blessing. I am not nervous about driving, but I am always aware of the fact that I have to be a defensive driver, because of the fact that I would not only endanger myself and my cargo, but also others on the road, if I don't follow the rules. You know, you can't live like that.... you don't want to be dependent from others who know how to drive for the rest of your life. Try saying a little prayer or have some kind of a ritual before you start that car, if you are not religious....for this a short breathing exercise (exhale- until you can't exhale anymore- followed by a deep inhalation that should come naturally as a consequence to the thorough exhalation- maximum twice of this, to avoid hyperventilation...this will prepare your system to exhale properly, because we tend to breathe flat when we are nervous) or recite your favorite Bible passage....how about Psalm 23? Good luck.

Answer 4

No I have never had that problem because where I live there is always traffic and that is just something you have to get used to. You should not worry about what can happen but instead just know you are a good driver and be confident about driving and if you don't have that much experience then practice a lot until you are good at it. I live in the suburbs but there are a lot of people around where I live and also I have to take a heavy traffic road just to get to work everyday and I'm used to it and it isn't a problem. After you practice driving for awhile then you will get used to traffic and be confident at driving knowing you know how to drive you should be fine. Also just relax and listen to some music to calm you down while driving. It just takes practice and confidence while driving and you shouldn't worry about what can happen to your car, just know you can try and be a safe driver then you will be good. I got my license when I was 17. Edit: I don't know what Paul is talking about but all you have to do is practice driving and be confident in driving and you will be fine. Don't worry about little stuff and don't listen to Paul because he is dead wrong. Good luck!

Answer 5

Well, I remember when i started driving, I had a small accident with a school bus. To top it all off, I left the scene. To top it all off, my grandfather was in the car as well. (Nobody got hurt, no serious damage on the bus was made). After that, I also had a fear of driving.
But it's something you have to do. They way to conquer it is to tell yourself that you won't be going anywhere anytime soon without the right transportation. And in most cases, especially when you're alone, that car is the only alternative.

I have an idea. When you're for instance writing a letter, or just hanging around, have a seat in your car and do your thing. That's one start to kill off your fear.

By the way, one reason your fear is there could be fear of failure. You think you will crash the car when you drive (alone). That doesn't have to happen.

Answer 6

You could get someone to drive you to an industrial area on a Sunday when they are usually deserted and practice there. Then you can get familiar driving around streets without any other cars around

Answer 7

i say drive in a neighborhood with not much traffic, then move onto a parking lot, practice your turns, starts and stops, then practice getting on the highway then back off. just take it one step at a time, don't try and do everything at once. and breathe. if you feel yourself freaking out, just breathe, it will be okay

Answer 8

The day before you drive, find some dunes and floor it. This will get you to trust the cars and soon you will be able to drive 18-Wheelers!

Answer 9

GET IN A CAR AND DRIVE. The only way to conquer fear is to face it

Answer 10

Get into a empty parking lot and drive with someone then go to the suburbs and do the same.