The Fear of Driving...

[radiocaf]

So I have recently passed my driving test; three weeks ago, it took me seven attempts, and I think it is safe to say that I had a phobia of my test.

The thought of being in that confined space with someone who is there purely to judge your every move would always get my heart beating, my breath heavy and a cold sweat upon my brow.

So, naturally, I do not want to ever have to go through with my test again. And this is affecting me when driving.

I crossed a traffic light that was about to turn red, it was the only safe option and although I knew this, I worried for a week that I would get a fine through my door and three points on my license.

I live in the UK, and for the first two years, a driver is only allowed six points on their license before being disqualified from driving and having to take his test again.

Just this afternoon, I approached a speed camera at 27MPH, 30 being the limit, and, due to a bus pulling in ahead, I passed it. I was still in the camera zone, close to the exit and it wasn't until that I had safely passed that bus that I realized my speed had hit 4 miles over the limit.

Thus this new worry, The next two weeks I will be panging with the fear of having gained three points for being a safe driver. I didn't see a flash, I am almost certain I was out of the detection range for that camera, but the next two weeks are going to be hell. All thanks to this fear of the test.

I would like to know if any of you are the same, and if you have any advice on my problem. I fear I will be like this for the two years where I am limited to only two mistakes on the roads.

 

[Willwillwritehiswill]

I have a friend who's afraid of driving. But that's because she was in a rather horrible crash.

 

[Shadow Law]

I think it depends on the instructor you get for me I got a pretty easy one and passed with flying colors.

 

[VaioStreams]

I've been in some bad crashes but i love to drive. it's a passion of mine. it helps me relax when i'm stressed

 

[Svizzara]

Pick one:

Don't drive for the next two years.

Relax and continue to drive as you are, hoping that you don't make too many mistakes. Keep in mind that even if you do gain two points in the next two years, the only consequence will be that you have to take the driving test again (correct me if I'm wrong).

Be extremely patient and careful when driving. For example, in the bus scenario that you described, slow down and let it merge, instead of moving out of its way.

 

[Radelaide]

You shouldn't be too scared of driving. Once you really get into it and practice it isn't as bad as you think.

I used to be like that. I had the TINIEST accident one day and didn't drive for 6 months. But in a few days, I'm going for my P1 license and it'll be sweet. Just remember all the basic rules, if in doubt, wait. Pedestrians aren't extra points . You're only learning, it'll take some getting used too.

 

[thehoff]

Just relax and take your time. I imagine cameras are set to a little way above the speed limit anyway to deal with encounters such as yours, try not to worry about it, driving is there to be enjoyed! Just drive safe and steady.

 

[radiocaf]

Well I was facing this camera when I came towards it, and a friend has told me they can't go off when you are facing them because the flash can be blinding and make you lose control.

And it was my nerves that made me fail so many tests, and its my nerves that make me not wanna take my test again.

 

[arcainia]

Actually, I'm so scared of driving that I'm not even planning on getting a license untill I maybe move to a different country.

But that's because I live in Israel, and you have no idea how people drive here orz...

 

[Sewblon]

I had that fear the first time I took the test, but it left after I took it again and passed.

 

[radiocaf]

Well I have passed, and I'm still afraid of doing something stupid, getting disqualified, and having to do it again!

 

[KSarty]

Massachusetts law is that receiving 3 moving violations within your first year is automatic loss of license, so I was in the same situation. 6 years later though I still haven't received a single ticket. To be honest, if you are that nervous while driving, then you probably shouldn't be driving. It sounds tacky but the more you are worrying about being caught for being a bad driver, the less you are focusing on driving. Just relax and focus on driving. Within a few weeks it will just feel like part of your normal life, nothing special.

EDIT: On a sidenote I suspect I was less scared of driving then most people to begin with. 2 weeks after I got my license I hydroplaned on the freeway , spun out and smashed into a guard rail. The guard rail bounced me back into the lane facing the proper direction, so I just kept driving and took the next exit to check out the damage.

 

[radiocaf]

I don't focus on it when I'm driving, its when I realize that I may have done something wrong that I worry!!

 

[hopeneverdies]

I'm turning 16 a week from Monday and I am terrified at the thought. Any tips?

 

[Dommyboy]

I'm turning 16 a week from Monday and I am terrified at the thought. Any tips?

Study! Best tip there is. Don't worry too much though, a lot of the test is just common knowledge and sense.

 

[Gamine]

Ok..so i took out a car and drove it, i had never driven before..i scratched the car, thankgoodness...

Im too lazy to go to a driving school,

I can say conclusively that im more lazy than scared to drive.

 

[KaZZaP]

I don't really fear driving but I definitely don't like it. It just seems wrong to me, the best way I can describe it is how people riding those wacky old bikes with one huge wheel must of felt. I don't trust my life to any random person I'm driving by and would feel 1000 times safer if all car's had computers steering them instead of some 85 year old drunk on her way home from bingo.

 

[Charli]

If I can avoid driving, I will. It's so unessisary if you find somewhere to live and work within reach. I enjoy cycling and walking. I'll most likely get a licence when I can, but only for emergencies sake. (I mean if you're stranded and a car is the only way out, logically a licence would be good to have on hand.)