What do you do about a fear of driving?

Question

You know those people who were "born to drive?" Well, I'm not one of them. Ever since I first started practicing when I was 16, I knew something was wrong. I get extremely confused over the simplest and most important things (i.e. right turns on red, left on green, etc.). Sure, it may be considered common sense, but I just don't GET it and now I never drive unless forced to. I get shaky and terrified and I don't trust myself. It has been holding me back a lot, as you can probably guess. I'm 18 and I did get my license, but I don't know how I did it! What can I do to fix this situation, in addition to practicing? Please don't be mean-I'm serious about this.

Wow. All of you were so incredibly helpful. I can't even explain how much I appreciate all of these answers and advice. There is NO way I could possibly choose a best answer, so I'm leaving that up to you. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Answer 1

There are a lot of terrific answers here. But the one thing I failed to see is a little trick I use to help me remember things. I make little sentences. For example: I LEFT my ball on the GREEN. Works for golfers. My friend Red, turned to the Right. A politician might use this. It sounds silly, I know but I swear it works for me in whatever situation or thing I try to learn.

Another thing you can do, is put a sticky note on your visor so with just a tiny glance you can refresh yourself on the things that frighten you the most. When you get into the car, glance at them and reassure yourself that they are instantly available to you. Knowing this, you will be able to relax and begin to enjoy the freedom that driving will bring.

A whole lot of people are rooting for you! Hang in there.

You did ask for suggestions other than practice.

Answer 2

Fear Of Driving

Answer 3

1

Answer 4

Well, I know just what you are going through. I was never a natural driver. I had so many teachers - and all I can say is practice practice practice will increase your confidence. You know the rules of the road, you just freeze up when you feel under pressure. I remember the first time I drove on a freeway (I was 18 or 19) and I was terrified. But I did it, and the more I did the less confusing those signs got. About 6 years ago we moved to Southern CA and I made myself sick thinking of driving on those scary CA highways. But I did it and I am annoyed instead of anxious about all the traffic. You really haven't been driving that long, but the more you do, the better you will get. It WILL become more natural to you. Also, don't freak out if you get in an accident or get a ticket. I hope you don't, but it happens. I have been in a few accidents and I am still driving - it's all a learning experience. Good Luck

Answer 5

I feel for you--you've seen what can happen in vehicles, ANY kind of vehicles, and there is nothing wrong with you! It's only my opinion, but you are just being overly conscientious, and I believe your fear is a healthy one! More people should have the trepidation that you do--there would be far fewer accidents on the road. People here can tell you to "face your fear", and "quit whining and just do it", but they have no idea what you are going through! So take what we say with a grain of salt, and decide for yourself what you would like to do, if anything! Many people have your same hesitation, and they either get over it by practice, or they take the bus and get rides--there's absolutely no harm in either one! Isn't freedom of choice great?!

Look, you MAY be a bit hesitant, but it says A LOT that you got your license! You must have done SOMETHING right! So take it one step further, if that's what you'd like to do! Try to remember what you did during your test, and follow your own "passable" example! Is a lack of opportunity a factor? Do you have someone that is willing to go with you and take you to an out-of-the-way location where there is very little traffic? Besides being "shaky" and "confused", how else does your fear manifest itself?? Slowly, slowly build up your confidence, and when you're ready, IF you're ready, you'll do it!! You will learn in time to trust yourself, and before long, you'll be a veteran driver! But give yourself all the time you need! Don't push yourself too hard, and don't let anyone else push you--with all the great events that your young life has in store for you, try not to look at driving as the "be-all and end-all"! With your healthy attitude, I have no "fear" that you can be the best driver out there, if that's what you want! All the best to you, and let me know how it goes!!

Answer 6

I was very nervous and afraid when I started driving. I am now in my 30s but I was shaking at the wheel. I did not get my liscene until I was 22 I renewed my permit twice because I was not ready to drive when other people were.

First It is good that you are cautoius some people are cocky and arrogant behind the wheel thus causing accidents I work for an insurance claim and I set up auto accidents most are from carelessness.

It is Ok to be nervous and scared driving is very scary at first when my dad was teaching me 3 point turns I was so frustarted I burst into tears and left my dad in the car.

First pray before driving, have someone who is expereinced to drive with you, practice a little more before you have people in the car with you. Dont have distractions in the car like really loud music, and keep your hands on the wheel dont multitask when you drive meaning smoke a cigarette or put make up on at a red light or talk on your cell phone while driving.

Also ask yourself what is it that you are afraid of when you drive,
Things will get better as time goes on. I used to drive 64 miles a day just to go to work God has takeing me so far.

You are young, don't be so hard on yourself driving takes practice time and patience and wisdom and common sense you dont learn this all in the first year of driving.

I would encourage you to keep driving and do not stop. Even if its is going to the grocery store or to work or a friends house drive at least once a day and as you learn more try scenic routes and different routes to drive, when you are ready to learn parkways etc stay in the right lane which is the slow lane and as your get more proficent go into the middle or the left lane.

Remember what FEAR stands for False Evidence Appering Real.

God bless you and dont give up!

Answer 7

I used to have that fear, myself. I'd be so nervous about insurance, and the impact an accident would have on the rest of my driving life, and if I got hurt in an accident or - god forbid- my niece was hurt in an accident while I was driving. I was also nervous about these unwritten rules, like the right on red (but only at certain places), when you should start stopping for a yellow light, where is my car in relation to the lines on the road, etc, etc. It drove me nuts and I was such a nervous driver I almost got into a few accidents because of the nervousness.
I won't say I have gotten over being nervous about driving, because I'm not. What I can say is the best way to avoid accidents, and problems on the road is to avoid problem situations. If you don't like to drive on the highway, don't - save everyone else some trouble. If you don't understand the right on red rule, wait for a green light to go. If you worry about going left of center on the road, hug the right side - it's better to bump the curb than hit a car. If this doesn't help you, practice. Practicing something that makes you uncomfortable will help you get over the problem. If you think you need more help, try driving school.

Answer 8

Ok I completley understand. Driving is a big responsibiltiy. First ask yourself how serious you are about driving? Everyone isn't cut out for the same thing. I still can't tell my left from my right. I have been driving for 30 some years. What I learned to do, was look at my hands. I know my rings are on my left hand. Before I was married I wore a ring on my right hand. Or maybe you wear your watch on your left. So that will help you a lot.I still can't tell someone how to get downtown without using my hands.
As far as the right turn on red, I'm not sure what state you are in but here in my state, it is right turn on red, UNLESS otherwise posted. Check the rule book or check with the DMV or even the police in your area. This law will be state wide and not town wide. So you won't have the right to go right in one town and not another.
After that, it is mostly practice and getting your confidence up. Take it slow to begin with until you are sure of what you are doing behind the wheel. The more you do it, the more confidence you will have.

Answer 9

I agree that some people are not meant to drive but I do not think that includes you. I decided to be a professional passenger but that could easily change if I got that GTO lol. You just need confidence and the right instructor. My older sister took three tries to get hers and she is an awesome driver. It was her confidence and a terrible cranky teacher that gave her so much trouble. Third time lucky she got an incredible person who saw her discomfort and talked her through it all She came home proudly showing off new new licence. Study that drivers handbook and don't give up I know you can do it! ...Reads last line*lol see you did it! Now just take it one day at a time increasing the distance that you drive. Try using the road before rush hour when it is less stressful,choosing a goal to acomplish such as the mall. Take care, It will all be second nature to you soon and you will be taking driving for granted in no time. Can I get a lift?

Answer 10

I know quite a few people who are in the same boat as you. So don't feel ashamed about it. The best advice anyone can give you is practice, practice, and practice some more. Get with someone you are very comfortable with, someone who will stay calm and patient. Next find a quiet road to practice on, try looking for a developing subdivision or neighborhood in the afternoon when all the workers are gone and practice on those roads. Practice on major roads during hours when traffic is extremely light, for instance on Sunday mornings or during work and school hours. Once you feel comfortable start working on doing some night driving. The reason you get confused about those "rules of the road" is because you haven't been exposed to them enough. Just keep practicing and give it a little more time. It's like riding a bike for the first time, you'll wobble a little and sometimes you fall off, but you eventually get the hang of it.

Answer 11

Well, I was terrified of driving until I was 18 bc when I was 16 was and taking my drivers ed test a woman hit me!! My drivers ed teacher made me go back out the next day and passed with flying colors. But I still didn't go get my license until I was 18 and the only reason I did was bc I had my daughter and it became a necessity. Just practice and try to relax. One other thing that has helped me get a whole lot more comfortable is driving a stock car at our local track(it's a clay track and I only race with other girls, but some of these girls are better than most men) and it's really helped bc if I hit anything out there it's no big deal!!! (and it's a great stress reliever!!!!!!!!)