Anxiety when driving

[HayleyB]

Hi everyone,

I am 18 and still on my learners licence and am trying to go for my P's but need to get my hours up, I live in the country where there isn't much traffic and lights and roundabouts and all that 'fun' stuff. My parents and just about everyone around me has been pushing and pushing for me to drive more, i've driven quite a bit but going out into the city were there are double lanes and roundabouts and traffic just stress me out so much because i know that when i get anxious over something i can only focus on one thing at a time, and with driving i know that there are many things to think about and it just makes the whole situation unpleasant.

I'm just tired of everyone having a go at me because they just don't understand, i don't just find it 'scary' as they describe i feel absolutely terrified and i just don't think that it would be best for me to be on the road stressing out and possibly causing an accident.

[white knight]

Hi Hayley, welcome

Assuming you dont have distractions in the car you're driving, eg music, phine isnt turned off,extra friends your issues could be serious enough to justify a GP chat.

However in my view practice makes perfect and even someone like me thats been driving in cities for 44 years but in the last 3 years far less city driving which has led to stress in driving in the city.

So in summary slowly practice short spurts in traffic the back out to the open road. If your anxiety seems out of CONTROL see your GP.

ps. My neice is 23yo and only got her license last year. She is no longer anxious. It might take you more time than normal which is not really a problem

Tony WK

[JellicoeGirl99]

Hi HayleyB,

I'm also 18 and still on my learners licence! I can't even remember the last time I drove, and everyone tries to push me but when they bring it up my heart starts pounding and I just want to avoid it. I keep telling myself I'll get my hours up soon, but I never got comfortable with driving so I feel I have no control behind the wheel. But if you have been driving I encourage you to keep it up and test your boundaries little by little so that your comfort grows. That way you don't have to start again like me. Like White Knight said, it might just take us a bit longer, I'm sure you'll get there!

Just wanted you to know you're not alone 🙂

JellicoeGirl