Re: How do you get over a fear of driving?

I am actually really glad you posted this.. I don't have my license either (just my permit) and I also have a terrible fear of driving. It's funny that you posted this today because I posted this on the "irrational fears" thread and then was FMing back and forth wih Tilde about it..

It's so hard because I feel like people look at you like "what the HE LL is wrong with you".. and constantly comment on how "easy" driving is.. For some people.. it's just not..

So here's my non-driving background...

I have taken lessons. (I think I am going to take some again though.) The last round of lessons I took, I was doing really good.. driving on 347 with the instructor and everything (which is a big deal for me).. and then a week before my 3rd road test was schedualed( I failed twice) I got in a bad car accident with DH and my head went through the windshield. I was 3 months preg. and I had to go to the emergency room and have all these tests done to make sure the baby was okay. I freaked out, and had nightmares about getting in an accident and bad panic attacks for a while after that. Needless to say, I never went to take the test.

It really sucks because I think I would have passed. But I haven't practiced much since then. Just randomly on and off.. and that was almost 3 years ago. But DS is getting older now so I'm not SO scared of driving with him. Hopefully I will be able to get back in the swing of things and beat this whole anxiety thing cause not driving really SUCKS.

Recently I have become determined to beat this fear... I really have to because of my son, it's really nessisary that I learn by the time he's 5 for school.. (he's 3 now).. but I'd like to learn much sooner just for my own sanity.. I really want to go back to school to become an aesthetician ( I already completed comsmetology school) and I'm going to need to be able to drive there, and drive to drop DS off so someone can watch him

So.. today I decided that I was going to start practicing again.. I went with my mom while my dad watched DS and since I haven't practiced in a long time, we just went on the side roads near her house. I didn't go over 30-35 once, but I felt comfortable with that. So I'm going to try and practice at least 3 times a week, doing a little more and a little more each time.. and then start taking lessons again before taking my road test again. I want to be really prepared.. so that HOPEFULLY I will pass my test.. and HOPEFULLY I will not break out in hives this time..

OKay.. this is getting very long.. obviously I don't drive so I don't have any advice to make the process easier on you.. my only advice is.. LEARN BEFORE YOU HAVE KIDS.. having DS has made it so much harder, it's not just me, now I;m so worried about crashing with him.. and when I want to practice ( at least at first) I don't want him to be in the car.. so I have to either drop him off with someone or go with mom my when my dad's home.. it makes the whole thing a real process..


Good luck! Hopefully we will all be able to get over this!

Oh.. my DH has a Honda Civic Hybrid.. and it's pretty easy to drive..

My Mom has a Sabb nine3 hatchback.. and so is that..

Any small car is obviously easier.. my mom had me practicing for a while on her old Ford Taurus (it's like a boat) and looking back.. I don't think that was such a good idea

ETA: It's not me being a bad driver that I'm afraid of, it's everyone else and feeling like I don't have total control of what's going to happen.. and that's never going to change..

Message edited 8/26/2008 7:27:59 PM.

Re: How do you get over a fear of driving?

Posted by CCMommy

So.. today I decided that I was going to start practicing again.. I went with my mom while my dad watched DS and since I haven't practiced in a long time, we just went on the side roads near her house. I didn't go over 30-35 once, but I felt comfortable with that. So I'm going to try and practice at least 3 times a week, doing a little more and a little more each time.. and then start taking lessons again before taking my road test again. I want to be really prepared.. so that HOPEFULLY I will pass my test.. and HOPEFULLY I will not break out in hives this time..

Re: How do you get over a fear of driving?

I didn't learn how to drive until I was in my early 30's. I took lessons in Manhattan, and we drove in Chinatown! I was terrified but in the end it was exactly what I needed - to be thrown in to it with an experienced driver who also had control of the wheel.

Really though, if you're in the city, I recommend Professional Driving School on 23rd street.

Re: How do you get over a fear of driving?

You just have to practice. My mom has not driven since 1977, but now she has decided that she wants to drive again. She also has a fear of driving, but since she notices that her chauffer (my dad) is getting older, I think she is realizing that she needs to drive. Last week she asked me to take her driving. She really isn't bad she just needs practice. Is she can do it after 30 years you can too.

The funniest part is that when my mom did drive she drove a 65 mustang, and now she is practicing in my sister's civic. I wish she still had the mustang!

Re: How do you get over a fear of driving?

I too, have an intense fear and was happy (not happy but you know what I mean!) to see a post like this.

Heres my story: Got my license at 17 and drove all over the place. Including to school 8 hours upstate on highways all hours of the night. After 4 years of school and driving through cow country for that time, I was a little hesitant on the highways here but I was okay. Then just a few years later I completely lost my ability to drive on the highway altogether. I am still a little nervous on the streets but nothing compared to the highway. Even when I am in the car and DH is driving, I am sick with anxiety the whole time. I hate it! I can't go to the mall by myself or visit a friend. Its embarrassing and upsetting.

I honestly don't know what to do!

Not sure if lessons will help - I feel like lessons are for rules and basic skills that I already have.

Oh I should mention that I could be an award winning parallel parker though