Scared of driving, i have my permit but i'm still scared to drive.?

Question

I know that getting my license would be a big help, but i'm still scared of driving. i want to drive but i'm worried about hitting another car or not doing something right and getting into a accident. I'm a stay at home mom & i really need to get driving, what can i do to help me from not being so scared?? Every time my husband ask's me i come up with an excuse on not wanting to drive, either b/c it's rush hour or it's so busy on the road. I'm 24 and i know it's WAY past my time, can anyone please help me out.

Answer 1

I can of course help you out. It is completely normal to have those types of worries while you are on or off the road. I have them too so don't worry you are not alone. Everyone is worries about getting into an accident either hitting someone or someone else hitting you. I have had my license for a little over two years now and I swear when I had my permit I was just as if not much more nervous than you are right now. When I first got my permit I would drive in an alley with a guardian and stall the engine almost one hundred times. I failed getting my license the first time because I pulled out in front of a car going forty miles an hour, and not having two hands on the wheel but I passed the second time only forgetting to look through my rearview mirrors. I have motavational assemblies at my school and those talk an awful lot about things like car accidents but the truth is the road is really not as bad as people think it is and a lot of car accidents come from illegal drug use, being drunk, or having inability to make right decesions. When you get your license and start driving always remember that you have God right beisde you and that he will make sure that you are safe, protected, and at peace the whole ride. If you are not religious, I hope I have not offended you. Also if you like to listen to music turn on your radio station but not too loud so that you can hear emergency vehicles if one is coming. Music is a relaxing thing for the body, mind, and soul. Also know that you have positive thoughts and prayers coming from your husband as well and your husband is very lucky to have a wife like you who has the courage to get online and ask this question. I wish you the best of luck!

Answer 2

What you're going through sounds intense enough to require some kind of active solution, however.

For starters, you might want to try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or visualization.

Also, do you know anyone who is comfortable about driving and wouldn't mind talking to you about what that's like?

Another idea is to explore your driving feelings and memories with a trained therapist.

There are all kinds of therapy out there, so you may want to do some research.

Virtual reality exposure therapy, for example, simulates the experience of being in a car.

Answer 3

i used to have that too..

then i just relaxed and pretended i was an expirienced proffesional driver.

it worked for me.

Answer 4

You are learning to operate a vehicle AND cope with other traffic at the same time.  Take a drive in the country, or find big empty parking lot and learn to get comfortable with the vehicle.  With confidence in the mechanics of driving, you can concentrate on getting along on the road.

Answer 5

start out on back roads were people dont drive on as much.. have your husband come with you and tell him to tell you when you mess up on somthing and try it again till you get it right.... Just relax do the speed limit and you will be fine.. I am 16 and i had the same problem when i got my permit.. it just takes time and relaxation..

Answer 6

The best way to overcome your trepidation

to driving is by driving.

Begin by taking short trips to the corner store or  

places nearby.

Try to take your trips when there is minimal traffic.

(Unless you live in California, then you have no choice lol)

First time I took the car out it was early in the morning

for a class. No problem. Light traffic. When I got

out of class it was a whole different thing. Made a

big old screeching halt at a stoplight.

As you begin to feel more comfortable you can expand

your driving range, go to the mall and drive on roads with

higher speed limits. Try to drive a little bit more each day.

and before long it'll become second nature.

Avoid driving with any distractions at first. No screaming

kids or noisy friends. It's ok to not listen to the radio and

turn off the cell phone.

Almost everyone that's responded

has gone through the same thing.

Answer 7

Perhaps some Driver's Training would give you the confidence you need to drive. Other than that; take your car out for drives when traffic is slow. Start out by driving around the block. Then take the car out for short drives using familiar routes. Allow yourself to drive farther each time and to places you would enjoy sightseeing. Make it fun to drive! Enjoy your sense of accomplishment and prove to yourself that you are capable, and a safe driver. You'll soon be able to drive anywhere it's necessary to drive to complete short errands, and then to places farther afield. After all, every driver has had to start in the same way, and you are just as good.   From what you have said I gather that you will most likely be a consciencious and safe driver.

Answer 8

As we get older, we become more aware of our capabilities and limitations...The secret to driving is to blend in - go with the flow...Another key component is to know what our vehicle is capable of doing -how fast will it accelerate?..how quick will it stop?...However,

If you are truly terrified of driving, then you should not drive...Driving demands every bit of our mental faculties...And if one does not have the confidence and the inclination to drive properly, don't do it until you feel like you can do it with the proper instruction.

All the best.

Answer 9

I am afraid of driving too. I'm also 24, got my Chinese driver's license last July, and came to the States for my studies immediately, I just bought a car, and I got into a slight accident the third day I drive in the States...don't mention the Asian driver joke anymore because I didn't practice at all after I got my license back in China. I wasn't really prepared well enough to drive yet. According to NYS law, I am able to drive with my foreign driver;s license(I also got a learner permit in NYS). I think I'm just not familiar with people's driving habits here yet, so I made mistakes. I bet other drivers hate me very much, since I blocked the road sometimes...