Anxious about learning to drive

Have you considered learning to drive in an automatic car ? I first started lessons a few years ago in a manual and stopped due to anxiety and struggling with how many different things I had to do at once. I recently took up driving just over a year ago this time in an automatic. Personally I have found this really helpful and I’m nearly ready for my practical test. Could be worth looking  :) 

I learned to drive in my late 30s. I’d always wanted to but hadn’t been able to afford it before. Found learning to drive very hard and took 3 goes to pass the test but got there in the end. Still a nervous driver as I don’t do it enough and other drivers are reckless. I learned to drive a manual, but would recommend automatic if you begin and struggle - just one less thing to worry about.

I had to learn to drive. In the area I grew up public transport was non existent so it was non optional. 

It took me several years. Around three times as long as my brother. I am an extremely cautious driver.

My recommendations would be: take your time. Don't feel rushed to finish it by a certain time. I had my first few lessons in centres rather than on public roads, that helped me a lot. I also had more lessons after I passed my test to help me further gain confidence.

For theory tests, you can get apps that have a 'if you do xyz and still don't pass we'll refund you the test fee' that helped me gain confidence a lot. 

I didn't learn until I was 36, I was terrified, I'd never been a road user before, not even a bicycle, so I had no idea, I eventually found my fourth driving instructor who was willing to take the time to listen to me and develop strategies to help me.

Always remember that you are the customer, you are paying them for a service, if you don't like them or feel uncomfortable with how they're teaching you, then find someone else. Talk to them before you book your first lesson, if you don't' feel heard or you feel like your being rushed into booking a lesson, then find someone else.

I had a small herbal appothacary shop in my handbag that I took with me every driving lesson, it included Rescue Remedy and chocolate and was used quite a lot until my confidence grew more. One thing I found was that I drove better at night than during the day, it wasn't particularly less busy, it was differently busy, but I'm more of a night person.

Hi DW,

Thank you for sharing your concerns about driving with the online community. 

You may want to look at our resource on driving, this provide information about driving licences, tests, fitness rules, and the Blue Badge scheme. We also have advice about financial help that may be available to you: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/transport/driving 

I hope this is helpful.

Kind Regards,

Rosie Mod

So for me, I mostly swore off cars after briefly learning in my Early 20's because I was stuck at home most of my time anyways and didn't need to drive. Now (28M) i've come to the conclusion I will almost certainly need one at some point due to where I will live practically requiring one to do anything of substance. I don't know where you live, but if you need an anxiety boosting motivator that could be one for you.

That being said when I get home and I take the plunge into learning, I won't lie I will be right there with you suffering through the anxiety of the tests that come with the learning.  I think ultimately you have to consider what will make you happy in the long-term and if being able to do all of the great things you just described means a bit of anxiety in the short-term, I would think that is worth the tradeoff no?

I understand this fear. I am currently 25 and debating whether or not I want to learn to drive or not. I'm leaning more towards yes but my agoraphobia has me in a chokehold. 

I am using an app to study called 'Theory 4 in 1' and I spent £4.99 (I think, I can't remember) and I've been learning so much from it. So I would look into studying things that you need to know before learning to drive and see how you get on with that first.

Also, you don't have a time limit so don't rush yourself into it. If you push yourself too hard you are going to get burned out. There's no such thing as leaving it too late, you can live your life at your own pace. 27 is still young, you've got plenty of time ahead of you.

I'd definitely recommend studying about the process of learning to drive and see if it is for you. 

I understand totally.

I hated everything about learing to drive. BUT... I am glad that I stuck with it. I don't drive much these days, but I am glad that I can call on it when I need to.

My only real advice is to shop around for an instructor (not organisation) who you feel comfortable with.