why do i get nervous as hell in a car when someone else is driving?

Answer 1

First off, I am not a psychologist, so this is not a professional assessment, but my best guess is that your nervousness results from your not being in control of the situation, or more specifically, the car. This is not to say you're a "control freak", but just that as a driver yourself (my assumption), you know when you'd put on the brake, how soon you'd signal a turn, how fast you'd drive, etc. and when another's judgements differ from yours, you're worried (concerned, nervous, etc.) that their judgements will be insufficient to keep you safe. This is also not to say that your nervousness is unwarranted, if the driver is cutting in and out of traffic at top speed, you have good cause to be "nervous".

Answer 2

Its psychological. You dont feel giving up control of the car because you dont trust other people behind the wheel. You might have this problem because of your own skills may not be as good as you would like or that some experience previously in a car like an accident while someone else was driving. I am the same way, I drive for a living, and its nice not to be in the drivers seat once in a while... But 99 percent of the time, I would rather drive myself.

Answer 3

Yes, as most have already written, it's a feeling of being not in control.

When I was a kid, I was given a ride on back of my big brother's small Honda cycle, not fast, not far. I suddenly began screaming my head off, like I'd lost a leg or something. I had no idea, but had incredible fear coarsing thru me.

Years later, I'd get on my own bike, but never scared. But if I ride behind someone on a bike, or as passenger in car, I can have fear trying to get control of me and want to make me panic. That's why many a parent have a sore foot from "applying the brake" on the passenger side of car, when riding with their kids.

Answer 4

It is a control issue, Don't feel bad, a lot of people get it, I am having the same problem now that my son is learning to drive. You just got to let go a bit and trust that the driver knows what they are doing.

Answer 5

Every time you are in a car, you are in danger. Perhaps you are just painfully aware of that fact. If so, the fact that you are not in control adds to that feeling. I feel the same way in a plane. I know that I am safer in that plane than I am in my own car, but not being in control adds a small sense of fear. It is common, if not normal. Take a deep breath and don't worry about it.

Answer 6

because since u drive, u r used to being in ur own hands. they have ur life in their hands, which could make u nervous.

Answer 7

If you are in a New York City taxi cab this is perfectly normal.

Answer 8

talk to head shrinker about it....hmmm Dr Freud

Answer 9

Because you are not in control and feel vulnerable.