Too scared to book a driving lesson.

I'm so worried about driving. I really want to learn because I hate being the passenger ( I've got emetophobia so I have a phobia of sick, I don't get travel sick - touch wood- but I still worry about it) I was so excited about turning 17 and learning to drive, but I'm just so worried now. I'm worried I won't be able to get into the car, that ill have a panic attack or ill be driving along and then suddenly freak out and not be able to drive. Everyone saying ill be fine after my first lesson but I can't get book it I'm so scared. I'm scared to take my theory test as well because I'm worried it'll be claustrophobic and ill freak out :frown:

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Reply 1

Jadelyndsey

I think it's just one of those things that you have to do. It's like ripping off a plaster. In about 99% of cases, people love driving though so I don't see it becoming a long term issue. That being said, pretty sure 100% of statistics are made up or exaggerated :wink:

Reply 2

dean01234

look for some recommendations from people you trust, it might make you feel more at ease if the instructor is nice.

Reply 3

Rascacielos

Find a driving instructor in your area who is well-established and recommended. Talk to him about your worries and he'll take it as slowly as you need. You can just spend the whole of your first lesson sat in the driving seat, getting used to the controls. There's no rush.

As for the theory test - I'm not quite sure what you mean about being claustrophobic. It's essentially in a room with lots of computers - you're not locked in the room, you can leave it if you really want to.

Reply 4

Gallifreyan95

Ive been told for the last year that I need to get mine booked by ever-more irritated parents, but I still haven't. It takes me a long time to pluck courage up.....

Reply 5

F1's Finest

I've booked my first driving lesson for this Thursday! I'm excited! :woo:

I'm doing driving lessons because I badly want to be more independent. It will give me a sense of freedom :biggrin:

.Sometimes it's best asking yourself, what is the motive behind wanting to drive?

(edited 11 years ago)

Reply 6

Walkin'Butterfly

Find a instructor who specialises with nervous drivers, also practising sitting in the drivers seat for periods of time just to get used to it will help your claustrophobia :smile:

Reply 7

smudge_moon

Original post by Walkin'Butterfly

Find a instructor who specialises with nervous drivers, also practising sitting in the drivers seat for periods of time just to get used to it will help your claustrophobia :smile:

I live in north devon, so not really anywhere big.. All the drivers have said they've taught nervous people but idk... There's nervous... Then theirs me.

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Reply 8

Where'sPerry?

Original post by smudge_moon

I live in north devon, so not really anywhere big.. All the drivers have said they've taught nervous people but idk... There's nervous... Then theirs me.

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And then, there's also me. :tongue:

I would easily be willing to bet money that I'm the most terrified and awful driver my instructor's ever had. I'm scared of junctions, roundabouts, other drivers, traffic lights, hills, stopping, starting, moving. I won't even tell you how many lessons I've had, it's embarrassing, but my point is, you're probably going to be a better driver than me! :tongue:

My instructor is so nice about my concerns and he always tells me every lesson that I'm slowly improving (it's true, but just very, very slowly :colondollar:

). If the people you've spoken to say they've taught nervous drivers, they will definitely have a pretty good idea of what to expect.

I do feel somewhat stressed about learning to drive, I won't lie, but that's just because I have a limited amount of money to learn with (I pay for my own lessons) and I am concerned about the pace I learn at. I'm no longer petrified about my next lesson from the moment my last lesson ends and I've found I'm decent at manoeuvres (probably because I get to go slowly!).

I would advise you not to book a large block of lessons with payment in advance in case you find your chosen instructor isn't sympathetic to your worries. It's more awkward if you want to stop learning with them because you've got to get your money back (I'm not even sure if some instructors will give you the refund). There's no harm in having numerous taster lessons with different instructors either, this will probably give you the best chance at finding someone you get on with.

Best of luck for your first lesson, you can do it! :dumbells:

Reply 9

hannahisasmit

Original post by smudge_moon

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I was really nervous my first lesson too and it didn't go great, but trust me it is true, it does get better after the first lesson. A nice/decent driving instructor is important. If it helps make your parents book for you.

Also if you don't try you'll never know, the theory test is fine it was a big room for me anyway. Also in the actual test room its quite relaxing. :smile:

Reply 10

SillyEddy

As a driver, you won't get travel sick. You can see the road clearly and you know when the car will speed up or slow down (because you're the one at the pedals) so you can predict all the movements and you won't become ill.

Besides, the instructor will have controls in his side of the car - They won't let you get into a bad spot because they'll stop the car or help you with the gears if they have to.

Provided you pick a highly qualified instructor and take your time, you should be fine. You might as well just see how it goes.