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Anxious about learning to drive

DW

I’m in two minds whether to learn to drive or not. I want to do it but as with most things in my life anxiety is stopping me from going for it. I want to, and I really do but when I get anxious I can’t help but give in to it.

I’ll be 30 in 3 years and I’m starting to realise how much of life I’m missing out on. When my family go on holiday or in to town shopping, I always stay at home but I’ve always said I would go if I had my own car which I believe is true. I like cars, I’ve always had an interest in them and I love the idea of driving and the freedom that comes with it but I am anxious about it and worry I wouldn’t be able to do the theory tests and that I’d fail the driving test.

Anxiety always stops me.

Part of me wants to just go for it but I don’t know if I’m strong enough to do it. My family are always supportive and say to wait until I'm ready but time is going by, feels more fast than ever right now and I worry I'll leave it too late.

Parents

  • 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

  • in reply to Rosie Mod

    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.

Reply
  • in reply to Rosie Mod

    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.

Children
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