I was terrified of driving too.. Actually started three times (in a few years) and only finished/got the licence third time.. At first I just wanted to
know how to drive in case of an emergency or such.. The first two instructors (and my Mom) were too impatient!! I had to take the test a few times and only succeeded the 4th time
(I did a lot of EFT, TAT, CBT-journalling and praying, I think!
And had a very friendly sympathetic female instructor!! I was told female instructors are better and mine was awesome!!)
Also, I realized I had non-verbal learning difficulties and actually took notes!! (Of what I did wrong or couldn't remember or what to do better next time.. or actual routes/signs/crossroads..) What is your learning style? How do you learn best? I'm very visual/kinaesthetic and if someone just 'tells' me something it's likely I won't remember it.. It's much better if I write it down or draw it.. With COLORS!!
I've heard of people who only succeeded the 10th time - but have the licence now!! (If only to drive down familiar local routes..) And yes I almost had a nervous breakdown after each time I failed lol.. A musician/conductor later told me he failed and only made it 4th time too.. Actually he took it as a sign of creativity and music talent that I did too!! lol!
Afterwards, I usually had a family member in the car to feel 'safer' and they could help remind me of signs and such.. (or what to do in complex crossroads)
I don't drive much these days, I've misplaced my driving licence (I think partly on purpose at the time, cause I didn't want to drive, partly cause I felt my eyesight/glasses were a bit iffy at the time - and haven't been able to find it yet!!)
Soo.. can you just get the driving license and then you don't have to drive at all? (It will just get your Mom off your back-??)
Can you drive with a sympathetic friend or relative (someone who doesn't freak out?) down VERY simple country lanes or such?
I now wish I could find my licence and drive again!!
(But ideally with my own car where a bump or such wouldn't be a problem - a friend said she and her bro had a car just for this purpose, when they first started driving!)
Also, the more times you've failed the better you are likely to drive then! (You learn inbetween!) The said friend passed in the first go and had a (tiny) crash the first weekend she was out! Just knowing you need to be careful can make you drive more safely and more carefully!! She then practised a lot and now drives quite well too.. (and I think she may have had some ADD too..??)
There are natural means to combat ADD anyway! (Nutrition, exercise, lifestyle changes etc!)