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Stuck in an endless cycle and afraid I'll never learn how to drive

Cymbeline
Community Member

I have been trying to learn how to drive for years, but I'm too anxious to learn. For years I have been in a cycle of doing lessons with an instructor or relative for a few months, and eventually having a panic attack behind the wheel. I stop for a long time, and then try again with a new instructor, only for the same thing to happen. I have tried many different strategies and I feel like my psychologist has done everything she can to help me. I have contacted all the mental health services in my area and am certain there is no local driving course or instructor that specialises in anxiety. I want to stop trying to learn to drive, but it's necessary for the career I want and the area I currently live in. Everyone in my life keeps telling me that if I persist, I'll get there, but my most recent instructor told me that I'm nowhere near ready to go for the test, even after all the time, money and effort I've put into it.

1 Reply 1

quirkywords
Community Champion
Community Champion

Cymbeline welcome to the forum and thanks for your story.

In some ways i5 is mine but at age 50, I am over 60 now I decided that after trying instructors hundreds of lessons paid and unpaid over 25 years  and 2 faiked attempts at driving test I was giving up. 
i was worried more than anxious and totally uncoordinated. I only kep trying fir so long as people kept telling me to. 
At 50 I realised I would n3ver get my license and it was a relief, Of course being able to drive would have made my life easier but I am far happier now nit feeling the pressure to learn. 

We are all different if you really want to keep trying that is your choice. 
I hope you make a choice that reduces your anxiety.