I am scared of driving ..what should i do?

Question

I came to USA a couple of weeks back...i got my permanent license...last week...but i m scared of driving alone...i dont know the roads properly and my university is abt 40 mins away...i am really scared tht i ll meet with an accidrent...as this would suspend my license and i wont be able to go anywhere...i have taken driving classes...but i dont have full confidence..wht should i do?... also right now...i dont have a car..so the practice is only with the driving teacher...my mom discourages me alot and says tht once i meet with an accident...its over for me...my license will be revoked and i wont be able to drive again...she has scared the h**l out of me..because of which i m very freaked out now...i dont want to go alone..but i have to.

Answer 1

You know, sometimes driving away from home, or otherwise in a place you're not used to will make you a little bit inconfident. When I was driving in Kuala Lumpur and Petaling Jaya, I never had any problems driving there. The drivers there were quite (although not fully) courteous, roads were wide and driving is considered better than any other areas in Malaysia. When I went back to my hometown in Penang, I had several accidents, I had road thugs lewding or coming after me and I was scarred with cowardice for life, having to know that driving in one small Island is so much of a horror comparing with driving on a peninsular mainland. But this does not deterred me from going on. I still drive on the Island, except with much more precautions taken, and with the help of my friends and family regarding tips of controlling the steering (my steering estimation is terrible), I'm now an Okay driver on this Island. In addition, I only am used to driving Manual Transmission (although Auto. is a better choice for me as a weak-at-steering driver) but still I can drive...

Answer 2

Seat time is very important and helpful in combating driving fears.  After you practice sufficiently, you will look back and laugh at your fear of driving.

Practice these tips:

* Steer smoothly at all times.

* Accelerate smoothly. Don't race the engine or make it stall.

* Stop the vehicle gently. Start braking well ahead of where

you must stop to avoid sudden “jerks.” Know where to stop.

Be aware of crosswalks. If your view is blocked at a

crosswalk, move forward carefully and look both ways at the

intersection..

* Be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. Don't grind the

gears. Don't coast to a stop.

* Always obey the posted speed limits. If needed, reduce your

speed to adjust for existing weather, road, and other traffic

conditions. Remember to turn on your lights if you need to

use your windshield wipers in poor weather conditions.

* Follow at a safe distance. Use the three-second rule.

Increase your following distance in bad weather or poor

visibility.

* Know what the traffic signals mean and obey them at all

times.

* Always use the proper lane. Turn from the correct lane into

the correct lane.

* Signal for all lane changes and turns.

* Always look for potential hazards (scan). Check your mirrors

frequently. Always look over the proper shoulder before

making lane changes or pulling away from the curb.

* Drive defensively. Anticipate another driver’s errors.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

1st off ignore your mom, she's try to psych you out and it's working.

2nd everyone is a little nervous when they first start driving it's normal (I promise it will pass)

3rd see about getting more practice with you're instructor or maybe a class mate with a car.

When I was first learning by brothers and both my parents gave me a lot of hassle about me getting my license. and they did all over again when I got my motorcycle endorsement.

Answer 4

Find someone who has had the same fears as you and has overcome them. Having a mentor who can push you and give you support is invaluable.

Living the best life possible is fundamentally about asserting conscious control over your life. Without control, you are at the mercy of your environment.

Fear is a huge limitation to living consciously. Being able to overcome your fears, so you can have improved confidence, courage and character, is one of the best experiences in the world.

Take control of your life and start breaking down your fears.

Answer 5

I know exactly how you feel.

I'm an experienced driver in the Netherlands (and basically all over Europe), but I was so incredibly scared to drive in the USA on my visits there. Traffic is very different, drivers behave differently, different rules, different situations!

I overcame this fear of driving there by spending some time in the car with my best friend (who was born/raised in the USA) in the passenger seat and just pay attention to traffic, to the rules, and to have discussions in the car about the differences. On my last two visits I drove myself around :)

Answer 6

The more you drive the more confidence you will get but you can't get it without really driving. If you do drive get up early on a Staurday or Sunday and drive before too many people get on the road. Good luck.

Answer 7

d**n...just drive with a friend who can help and a simulator might help you.