How do I get over my fear of driving?

Question

I am 24, married and have a baby, and I have a HORRIBLE fear of driving. I just freeze when I get in the car, start sweating, my heart starts pounding in my ears and I'll even cry. What is the PROBLEM? It's so embarrassing. My husband is completely understanding and doesn't make me drive, but I feel crippled in that I have to wait for him to do things such as pick up the groceries if Im home with the baby or take us places. I'm so sick of this, but I don't know what to do to fix it. For one thing, I'm horribly clumsy. I do good to walk straight, so I feel my driving abilities are just as bad. I have 'two left feet' as the say, and worry that when I drive I'm going to hurt myself or someone else. This is getting rediculous..

Answer 1

I have always heard the saying "face your fears" but I'm not sure I would when it comes to driving a car. I think maybe you just have anxiety in general and it comes out more when thinking about driving the car. Thinking about it causes even more anxiety. Instead of worrying so much about it just start out slow. Get in the car and just do a little bit of backing up and driving forward in the driveway. When you are comfortable with that have your husband drive you to a empty parking lot to practice some more. As your comfort level increases start out in a little traffic during a time of day when traffic is low. If you do not feel gradually increasing into driving in traffic will help and that you will still just totally freeze up talk with a therapist about coping techniques for easing your fear.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Fear can often be because you don't feel in control of the situation. I would suggest that you try and enrol for advanced driving lessons. Sounds a bit drastic, but need not cost the earth and don't have to necessarily take a test. It just helps with defensive driving and anticipation. It is the anticipation which helps so that it doesn't come as a shock when some other driver does something stupid. It helps you to concentrate and makes you feel more in control, not only that but if you did pass the test it could reduce your insurance. It doesn't mean you have to drive fast, but makes you look further ahead than the normal driver would. Practice does make perfect and it is only by going out and practicing that you may overcome your fear, but you need someone to help. Get in touch with the Institute of Advanced Motorists or look on their website....Good luck

Answer 4

It is obvious that your fear is very inconvenient to your lifestyle. That brings up the point that one thing needs to change: The inconveniencing behavior. First you have to identify why you have the fear. You said that you are affraid you may hurt yourself or others. Now you have to ask yourself this question, "What makes me so unique that I am going to hurt myself or someone else when I am behind the wheel as opposed to the other miliions that drive successfully every day?" The answer is nothing, other than you are hypersensitive to the risk that something may happen to you or others when you drive. This can be turned into a positive behavior through making you a cautious and responsible driver. The bottom line is that you need to face your fear and overcome it, otherwise it is going to complicate your life and create more problems, and more of an inconvenience for you than if you didn't drive. Good luck in your quest towards overcoming the fear of driving. I know you can do it.

Answer 5

Well you need to face that fear you have, and the only way that is going to work the best is to get in your car and drive it, It may seem impossiable but it is not, and if you can not do it alone then go get a therapist and work through the fear you have, find out what is causeing it if you do not know, if you do know, then work with the therapist on it, so you can drive without fear.

Answer 6

It might be helpful if you could get your husband to take you to a private road (racetrack, airfield or empty carpark) where you can simply get used to the controls and the feel of driving a car. You should try and master things like clutch control, stopping and starting, before moving out onto the open road.
You shouldn't let your fear of driving worry you too much, learning to drive can be scary for many, many people. However, it could be the case that you have an actual phobia, in which case I would suggest consulting a psychologist or expert used to helping phobics.

Answer 7

My suggestion is to master the ability to drive a car by taking defensive driving classes, and learn tricks and techniques as to how to handle a vehicle in various conditions. That and practice the basics of driving with a professional. Once you gain a realistic feeling of control over the driving situations, you will hopefully not fear driving a car, and will be a safe driver.

Answer 8

Well, i never did get a license, and many people have made fun of me...but I just feel that I cannot do it, and I am not going to go out and freak myself out, just to make others happy. I have found, that the cost of a car payment, gas, and insurance, is far more expensive than taking a cab when ever I need to go somewhere in the long run...I have my groceries delivered,..on line shopping, and take a bus when I can...so, I feel I am saving lives, and I can't stand the rude, horrible drivers out there and still get sick when I go for a drive with my husband...so be true to yourself, and so what? I think you will be just fine, and the exercises you get from walking, is wonderful!

Answer 9

Imagine ureself as if u r a heroine or someone. its a challenge for u but mind u ..never take a risk. u see, its a question of ure life and the future of ure baby. if u think tht u cannot drive, ask ure husband to help u out in tht. ask him to sit next to u and then u drive. and even after this, u find ureself a failure, then just don't drive. I don't drive but my life still going on... :)

Answer 10

Sounds to me you have agorophobia. Ask your husband to accompany you on short trips (around the block or short trips to the store, etc.) while you are driving. Or, you might want to just sit in the car and start it up until you no longer feel uncomfortable.
Good luck to you.