Driving anxiety

I completely know how you feel. I’ve not driven in 2 years because of my crippling anxiety around it. I’ve been on medication to try and help and it didn’t work. I’ve tried therapy and self help books 😔 I hope someone has useful advice

I have driven for years with no issues and last summer I started having panic attacks and had to go on anxiety meds because I get so anxious driving especially on highways. Right now I just stick to side roads and I’m working my way up to highways. Try to start small, practice in empty parking lots or somewhere you feel comfortable and gradually work up. It’s definitely easier said than done. I am still having trouble getting on highways and it’s been months. :(

Sorry to hear that @Melissa. If I get anywhere with it I'll share my progress with you. But I'm struggling with the absolute basics at the mo 😩

Thanks @Haley - that's good advice. I know I need to persevere but it's making me so miserable that I naturally just want to avoid it altogether. I hope you get back to where you were soon

I passed 8 months ago, I crashed within the first week, was literally a scrap as my breaks were leaking so didn't work properly, but to me it felt like the end of the world. Since I've had extreme anxiety with driving however I've found going out for drives with a confident driver helps alot, and p plates! Sometimes people are dickheads but most wont make you reverse if your head on ect on small streets, ive recently been going out on my own and worrying less! It will happen just take your time, you passed and have insurance, you will be okay x

That sounds tough @Meesha, sorry you went through that 😞 sounds like you're getting there though. P plates is a good idea I think - impatient drivers make the situation so much worse... I almost wish there was some kind of anxious driver sticker I could get but not sure that'd help 😆 thanks for the encouragement

I have driving anxiety but due to work I have had to drive past my comfort zone. For me it became easier doing short trips daily with my husband in the car for reassurance if I needed it. I still haven't tackled the motorway 8 years driving but I have come a long way since I have passed. Keep at it it will get easier with time good luck

@Jade thank you - yes I think that's the best way. Annoyingly I don't have to drive anywhere as I work from home, so avoiding it is even easier. But I'm TTC and am trying to think of a possible future baby, I'll need to drive if that happens. So I think I need to start doing something. I'm even considering getting in touch with my instructor and seeing if he'll accompany me in this car a couple of times just cos I'm finding the difference so tricky. We'll see - thanks for the advice and I'm glad it's got easier for you

I have a road test on the 11th and have extremely bad anxiety. I failed my first test due to running the stop sign from being so anxious I beat myself way to much. I know this time around I'll be anxious again but hoping that since it's an area I'm more comfortable with it won't be so bad. I do great with my driving instructor when I can afford him but can't seem to shake my anxiety about the test itself

I feel you @Elizabeth, I failed my first test because I was so ridiculously anxious I went way too fast round a bend - not something I'd done in any lessons. Second time round was better, so I do think having done it once helps a bit. You got this - good luck!

I really hope so because I just want it done and over with, but not ready for the anxiety that'll come when having my family in the car once i do get done with the test. Like logically I know I'll be fine but mentally I can't shake something horrible happening