Is anybody else scared of driving?

Social_Monstrosity

Social_Monstrosity

Well-known member
I'm 18, don't even have a learner's permit because I am so frightened of driving on crowded roads. I wish it were easier to get over this because, frankly, it's embarrassing having one of your parents drive you everywhere. ::(:

Does anybody else have this problem? I hope I'm not the only one with this issue...
 
this_portrait

this_portrait

Well-known member
I got my license about 8 days after I turned 18, so I've had it for almost two years now. I don't seem to mind driving so much. I'm more or less an angry driver than a scared one, because people on the road don't seem to like the way I drive, and I don't like the way they drive. Surprisingly, I haven't gotten in a wreck, and hopefully I never will.
 
Fairy001

Fairy001

Well-known member
I got my licence in 1993, only in the past 12 months have I become comfortable driving! Patience is needed, you will get there.

Peace
 
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mikestar

Banned
Im usually scared before I drive by fear of stalling on a busy junction,running out of petrol in a crowded town,looking daft etc,those kind of things run thru my mind...when im in my car I pretend im the best driver with lots of expierence,lots of confidence, i try to make people see that to cover up how anxious I actually am. Yes its big headed and silly but it does sometimes do the trick

I find it easier when there is someone younger or with less knowlodge in the car as there less pressurable and you can show off and be the one in control :p, thats what I did alot

like most worries/fears in my life its the run up to the event which is the worst and then that just makes the event worst, for instance you worry before you set off that you are going to stall the car and the first junction you come to,surprise surprise you stall.

vicios circle and I hate it
 
IceLad

IceLad

Well-known member
I've never got round learning to drive because of social anxiety.

I would have real issues going down roads unfamiliar to me, and I'd be concerned that I would totally panic and freeze up.
 
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WelshOne

Well-known member
I had my provisional license for over a year before I even thought about learning to drive (I only got the provisional cause my Dad was pressuring me.) Im still not quite sure how I managed to cope with my driving test, but strangely when I get behind the wheel I feel quite relaxed, so I did quite well and came across as confident to my examiner!

I really enjoy driving around my local area (small towns and mostly country B-roads.) BUT, having to drive into a city or large town (with traffic lights, busy round-abouts and that sort of thing) that Ive never been to before makes me very anxious. Biggest city Ive driven into here would seem tiny compared to any US city, most likely.

Im not really nervous of stalling because Ive had this car for a year now, and Im a pretty good driver in terms of controling the vehicle... its just knowing which lane to be in to go where I need to get to at traffic lights and stuff like that which gets me. Only reason I have that fear though is because I never have to deal with those situations... if I were to experience driving in cities more Im sure I'd see theres nothing much to it.
 
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doesit

Well-known member
have my license for 4 years now and its the best thing you could get :) My advise would be ask a family member to teach you the basics of the driving ,that you wouldnt be a complete noob when you take first real lessons :D and when learning believe me anxiety will be the last thing in your head when youre on the road.And when u get used to driving car becomes a shell of steel over your confidence ;)
 
Mokkat

Mokkat

Well-known member
Ive been driving for 3-4 years now.
Getting the license wasnt the hard part for me (though I was very anxious with the final test)
After I started driving, I was anxious about driving alone and almost had panic attack when I had others in the car with me. One day, after visiting a friend, I overlooked a car because of a bush, and ruined my bumper and a headlight :(
Strangely though, after a short time being depressed about it, it didnt bother me much, and now Im a great driver :p
 
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AlleyCat

Well-known member
It's not so bad for me if I'm familiar with the roads. Sometimes it can even be relaxing if I'm out in the country and the roads aren't busy. I usually only get really anxious if I'm on busy streets or someone is riding my bumber when I'm going the speed limit. I really hate that because then I get obsessed at looking in my rear view mirror to see if they are still tailing me. I don't usually go out of town by myself because I am terrified of breaking down and I know absolutely nothing about cars so I would be stranded and helpless and just the thought of breaking down in the middle of the road with cars blaring their horns at me would send me into a panic.

The way I started out was in a vacant parking lot. I drove around there until I got comfortable. After that, I took to the streets and little by little starting to feel more at ease and comfortable until I got up enough courage to try for my license.
 
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mimi1988

Well-known member
Social_Monstrosity said:
I'm 18, don't even have a learner's permit because I am so frightened of driving on crowded roads. I wish it were easier to get over this because, frankly, it's embarrassing having one of your parents drive you everywhere. ::(:

Does anybody else have this problem? I hope I'm not the only one with this issue...
Click to expand...

LOL, I thought I was the only one with this phobia. Don't feel too bad, I'm almost 21 and still can't drive. I've always wanted to learn how to drive, but was always too afraid. I worry that people will stare at me while I'm driving or that one day I'll be stuck in traffic, won't know what the heck I'm doing and have other drivers blowing their horns at me lol. I also have a TERRIBLE sense of direction. So I worry that I might get in the car and not know where I'm going. I'm trying to learn how to drive, now-- finally! I can't be 21 and STILL relying on my mom or dad to bring me places lol. Now, THAT'S embarrassing! Lol.
 
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dancing_artyukhin76

Member
I use to be terrified of driving. I got my permit a year late and then didn't get my license until i was 18. The only reason i ended up getting it then was because i absolutely had to start driving so i could get to classes.
But now I love driving. I love racing now too =P ...i also want to take a stunt driving class soon.

Just start practicing... start by driving somewhere where you know there aren't many cars and then maybe start driving back and forth from somewhere you have to go everyday. Eventually you'll get comfortable with it, so being around other cars won't make you nervous.
 
worrywort

worrywort

Well-known member
Yea I'm a really nervous driver. I'm 26, started taking lessons a year ago, had my first test last week and failed. I don't know why I find driving so scary or how other people seem to find it so effortless, but I just get really tense and nervous, like walking on egg shells. I just feel like I could seriously die at any point, there are so many crazy drivers out there flying around at high speeds. I feel like I'm overly aware of how dangerous it is.

My advice would just be to keep practising and to take your time. There's no rush, just go at your own pace. Thats what I try to do anyway.
 
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Alone_with_computer

New member
I've been driving almost daily for 2 years now.
I was a terrible driver at first, but I'm finally comfortable now with driving.
I'm actually enjoying it too.
 
Rodox

Rodox

Well-known member
Its pretty easy when you get used,then it gets fun,I have an AT license,because at the time it was convenient and easy and I needed a ride fast,but I know how to drive manual.
 
Lorraine Manca

Lorraine Manca

Well-known member
Yes! I was absolutly terrified when I learned and i am still a terrible driver. Merging is hard for me. All spatial stuff is hard for some reason. I had to go out to the middle of nowhere to take and pass my drivers license test.
I was too aware of how dangerous a large chunk of metal going 60 mph was. I can't understand how this doesn't bother most people. The fact that I have never been in an accident is true blue proof of the supernatural. It gets better over time though, even if you think it never will.
 
Ciorsdan

Ciorsdan

Member
mimi1988 said:
LOL, I thought I was the only one with this phobia. Don't feel too bad, I'm almost 21 and still can't drive. I've always wanted to learn how to drive, but was always too afraid. I worry that people will stare at me while I'm driving or that one day I'll be stuck in traffic, won't know what the heck I'm doing and have other drivers blowing their horns at me lol. I also have a TERRIBLE sense of direction. So I worry that I might get in the car and not know where I'm going. I'm trying to learn how to drive, now-- finally! I can't be 21 and STILL relying on my mom or dad to bring me places lol. Now, THAT'S embarrassing! Lol.
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I have it too. I'm also 21. I feel like such an idiot because this thing.. I've never really thought of it as a phobia, but I guess I should just reconcile with the truth.

My story is basically identical to yours, actually, Except I don't really have anywhere to go, so at least I don't have to rely on my parents for that.

...

God, I feel so pathetic..
 
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sorrow1

Well-known member
I love driving but I hate driving other people around. I always make stupid mistakes like stalling on roundabouts when someone else is in the car. I dont know why this is, i think maybe it is because i think they are judging my driving and i am subconciously nervous.
Its totally different when im on my own though, I love going on long drives in the country because its an escape, though i am a very reckless driver. Im always speeding and nearly having accidents. I think maybe my brain compensates for my social anxiety by making me fearless in other areas.
The other day i was in the country at night and I got a strong urge to switch all my lights off, Dont know why I did this but id had a bad day and the exhileration made me feel a lot better. maybe i have problems.
 
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