Hello

[Creative_Amy]

I'm almost 20 years old, and I am scared senseless of driving. I've had my temporary license for 4 years (and taken the test 4 times because they expire after a year) I can pass the written test for the temporary license, but I'm just too scared to actually get behind the wheel and drive (think Spongebob where he can take his written boating test like nothing, but freezes up when he goes to drive)
When I go to drive I get very nervous, my palms get all sweaty, and I get shaky. I've driven maybe a total of two hours, and that's only in an empty parking lot going no faster than maybe 12 mph (and that's with a lot of pushing from my dad!) My dad keeps saying that if I really wanted to drive, I would, but it's not like I don't want to, it's that I am just to scared to. I constantly hear things like "if so and so with the intelligence of a flea can drive, you can", and that's part of the problem, even if I am a careful driver, I could be hit by someone that isn't such a careful driver! I'm fairly independent, I ride my bike if I need to go somewhere besides school or work (then I get a ride since my mom isn't comfortable with me riding my bike at night when I get out of work, and my school is a bit too far to bike to with all my books) I hate having to rely on others, but I can't seem to get over my fear.
I'm hopefully going to start a driving school where they teach you behind the wheel, instead of in a classroom, and hopefully it'll help (but gosh, I can't even drive with family members, I don't know how much worse it's going to be with someone I don't even know!) These people have probably seen it all though, so maybe they might be able to help!

[Rich Presta]

Phobias have nothing to do with logic or intelligence. I think you'll find better help with your fear here than with a driving school, they just aren't usually equipped to handle this sort of thing.
Rich

[Fiore]

Hi Creative Amy and welcome to the Forum.

Rich is right, phobias/fear have nothing to do with logic or intelligence (if you read through various posts on this forum, it isn't hard to spot that there are some highly intelligent people working through phobias/fears).

Some people just aren't equipped to cope well with a person who needs the right type of support when dealing with our issues, and I'm afraid your father sounds like one of them. I'm sure he only wants the best for you, but my advice would be to gain your confidence with driving without your father's involvement.

There was a time when I thought I was losing control driving at 12 mph. I found what helped me was to cover the speedo so you shift your focus away from the speed you are doing. Being able to increase your speed will happen over time as you gain your confidence.

Keep us posted as to your progress and all the best.

Fiore

[teaser]

Hi creative amy :)

Maybe a great first step for you would be to just "sit in the car." I had to do a ton of "thought popping" with the idea of even "going driving." It still bites my butt every once in a while.

Hang in there and keep on posting!

teaser