Got my license but driving anxiety only skyrockets

It’s been a year of me driving so far, I finally got my license, and absolutely nothing has improved. I still am borderline panicking everytime I’m on the road, and I make enough foolish mistakes that I feel like I’m lucky to have escaped unscathed every drive. I haven’t even driven alone yet. I wish my family would honor my fears and help me navigate life without needing to drive, but they stopped driving me to work and so I had to quit my job a year ago to get a license (I respect it, but mind you work was only five minutes away. I could’ve started driving lessons while working, but they didn’t want that so now I’ve been out of work for a year). This feels like my achilles heel, where it’s only a matter of WHEN the worst outcome happens. I genuinely think not everyone is cut out for driving. I’d rather move to a city for public transport than deal with driving everyday. Not even therapy has helped me with this.

SadieCheese

Date posted: Yesterday

I'm a late driver, I got my license last year at 23 years old. My best suggestion to you to feel more comfortable is to drive familiar routes over and over again until it comes naturally. I understand how you feel, that shaking nervous break down feeling before getting behind the wheel. And remember to take it at your own pace, I practiced for about 6 months before going to get my actual license. It also helps to really customize your car to make you comfortable. My car brings me joy because I have a bunch of stuffed animals and little trinkets in it and it makes me smile. I still get anxious sometimes on the road even after a year of driving especially on unfamiliar routes. After you drive so much tho it becomes an autopilot thing, it's become such an autopilot thing for me that I've been able to drive myself to a destination WHILE having a panic attack. Here's a photo of my car cuz she brings joy to everyone who sees it :)

Mimi <3

Date posted: 17h

@SadieCheese Omg pompompurin!’ ur car is so cute 🥲❣️ Thank you so much for the advice. I was practicing a familar route yesterday and could barely handle that, even after a year, so I got really scared and concerned. I just have to keep trying 🥲 I’ll try bringing some cute plushies to put in the car next time so hopefully it’ll help. I’m hoping I can reach autopilot someday!!!! Rn I’m at a year in and so far no luck, but I’ll keep trying. Thank you again ❣️

Anonymous

Date posted: Yesterday

I experienced this too but now I drive every day with little to no fear. It’s hard but the answer is pushing yourself because you’re stronger than you think. I also think you should start driving by yourself because it takes the pressure off of feeling watched like you’re scared you will mess up and eyes are on you. When I would drive with other people I would always be stressed but then when I started driving alone I realized I could relax a bit because it takes the pressure away. I used to never drive and was too scared and now I drive every day by myself.

Mimi <3

Date posted: 17h

@Anonymous Wow that’s awesome, I want to reach that point of confidence!!! I have to start driving alone soon but I think my chief worry is making a crucial mistake that I myself won’t have the experience/response time to correct. Or what if my panic attack takes over?? At least with someone w me I can trust their expertise 🥲Idk. But you could be right. I admit every passenger I’ve had so far has not been the best at alleviating my anxiety…That’s amazing though, I really hope to reach your point someday 🥲❣️

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