Mikey here

[warrenpeace]

Hi,
My name is Mikey and I live in Southern California. I'm 25 and been driving after the age 18 but have a real phobia about driving on the Freeway. Some people know about this embarassing phobia but some people don't. If I do get out of my town its only because I have a shauffer all the time (ie. cousin, friend, brother, sister, etc). I've tried to get over this phobia but never could drive alone on the Freeway. I even paid for Freeway driving lessons 2 or 3 years ago, but haven't been on the Freeway since. It is a real problem because of the constant lying (finding excuses why I can't go somewhere), avoiding, and missing planned events. Also, since I'm an aspired performer all the auditions are out in LA or OC. I'm still said to be young, but find it embarassing when my younger sister and younger cousins can drive out of town and I can't. I'm also one to be independent when it comes to doing things by myself but this phobia is keeping me from living my life (in a way). Hope there is someone who can suggest something to help me with this phobia. I really want to live...

[Rich Presta]

I can relate because my driving phobia stated when I was young as well, but the good news is that you don't have to endure it for as long as I did.
As far as my advice goes, I'd recommend checking out the blog and articles on my main site, and reading through the other posts here, as well as the Driving Fear Program.
There's just way to much to summarize in a simple post and make a difference, especially when you're starting out.

You're in the right place.

Rich