Jennifer wrote:
I am 31 years old, and I have the worst fear of driving in the world. I actually took my written test and passed, but haven’t gotten much further. My husband and I only have a truck for me to learn in but I’m terrified because it’s huge to me, and I guess after reading all your stories I have figured out that I’m scared that I will hit something or someone, or crash, or…I’m just scared to even attempt busy traffic. People down me because of my handicap….I feel less of a person because I can’t drive. I’m afraid that the people who are teaching me will get mad if I do something wrong…idk…I’ve got to do something. I know that GOD will take my fear away…I’m just waiting..if anyone has advice, it will be appreciated.
Whitney wrote:
Hello all, I am 24 yrs old, & I have a 5 yr old Child. & I have the fear of driving. She is soon to start school, and I am so embarrassed that I only have a permit. She even tells me to get my license!! I have my own car and all, I am just fearful and I am ready to overcome it! I just wish everyone luck, and want to remind you that 2: Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. Let’s get out there People! AND DRIVE!!!!
Cindy wrote:
I feel like my whole life is the way it is because I don’t have my license. I’m 23 and terrified to drive. It has been impossible for me to find a job that fits my husband’s schedule so he can take me to work. Because of this we are living with his family right now while he works part time and goes to school. I feel so stupid when I even sit in the driver’s seat I start crying and think all these crazy things could happen. I actually picture a wheel of a semi flying off the semi and hitting me while I’m driving or me having no control over my vehicle. What’s worse is no one supports me except my husband and even he’s getting a little unsupportive. I constantly have to hear “Get over it you’re 23″. I’ve lost friends over this because I’m embarrassed about needing a ride all the time. No one understands what I’m going through and I’m just ready to get over this but I feel like I’ll never be able to drive without sweating or crying the whole time. I hate this feeling.
Our Answer:
There are no age limits on anxiety, so no need to be so hard on yourself because you think you should have had your license by a specific age. There are many adults who do not have a drivers’ license for one reason or another.
The first step is to deal with your anxiety in general. While it’s true that it will be harder to get your license the longer you wait, that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. If you have had this fear for a long time, you may need to give yourself some time to overcome it.
Start by reading more about the fears of those who do have a drivers’ license but are afraid to drive. You will probably find that the fears are the same whether you have a license or not. Then take getting your license one step at a time.
Find a driving school with a caring, compassionate instructor and take just one lesson. No one is going to force you to continue and get your license if the anxiety is overwhelming.
While you may not be able to envision a scenario in which you have a license and can drive without fear, you can probably imagine being able to take a single driving lesson. It may just be a matter of finding the right teacher and getting enough support to overcome your fear.
You might also consider going to a counselor at the same time that you are taking the steps to get your license. That way, you’ll have someone to talk to about your specific experience with driving anxiety as you go through the process of learning to drive.