Published on 12, July, 2020
I've been taking driving lessons for nearly 2 years now. From an outside point of view I'm a good driver with a few clearance issues, my instructor even says I'm test ready. What people don't see is the near paralysing fear I feel every time I get in the car. I'm so safe because I'm terrified. I've gotten pretty good at hiding how I feel, unless it gets too stressful and then I cry, but my instructor only really sees that fear and frustration maybe once a month. I'm also good because my instructor takes me on the same route every time, if it isn't that route then its another I've done before, but the test examiner could take me on a different route so any skill I have will go out the window if I get taken on a different route.
I'm considering stopping my lessons. I've spent way way too much money on it for the past 2 years and the fear hasn't gone away. It's unpredictable, scary, hard to read because there's some sort of unspoken road language, there's so much stuff to manage all at once, I honestly hate it. I got pushed into doing it and feel like I'll let people down and be a burden on my parents if I can't drive myself places. I dont wanna do that but it seems more and more likely after every lesson that that will happen. I'm wondering if continuing is even worth the time, money and effort anymore.
Anyone have any opinions or advice? How do yall find driving?
I always pull in to allow people the chance to overtake when I drive on unfamiliar 'A' and 'B' roads if someone is driving too close to me, and rarely overtake on the 'M' roads, they have to be seriously slow. I always leave 50% earlier than I have to, and have an alternative route mapped out (I write the road numbers on post-it notes with how to recognise the places to turn off, either a new road number or a destination name and stick it to the windscreen or the visor). I am always vigilant with my mirrors, and only had one accident in 30 years, at low speed. I drive with the car very cool to keep my focus, keep sunglasses close by, and a sippy bottle of water beside me, calm music (or no music) on the stereo, a snack in case of traffic jam. I also have a car that doesn't beep all the time!
Seriously good & useful post,