Driving lesson nerves???

6

I wouldn't say I'm anxious while doing my driving lessons but I've notices that my stomach turns and I feel sick whenever I'm anticipating it. I've also noticed that after my lessons I break down and start sobbing and I cant ever catch my breath for over an hour each time. I dont know how to stop this, please please help

Reply 1

a.rajn

3

Original post by DynamightLiar

I wouldn't say I'm anxious while doing my driving lessons but I've notices that my stomach turns and I feel sick whenever I'm anticipating it. I've also noticed that after my lessons I break down and start sobbing and I cant ever catch my breath for over an hour each time. I dont know how to stop this, please please help

Hey there. It sounds like you struggle with anxiety. Maybe try to find out what thoughts trigger your symptoms. For example: are you nervous about not doing it right or does your instructor make you feel uncomfortable or are you scared of the final exam. The feeling that you described of your stomach turning is likely to be because you are mentally stressed. The symptoms you have after the lessons are probably because your mind and body have gone through severe stress during the whole process and it all comes after you are not in the survive mode anymore. I really recommend you seeing a professional as it has helped me a lot with my anxiety and it can help you understand a lot. Lots of love <3

Reply 2

Kallisto

Entertainment Forum Helper, Life & Style Forum Helper

22

If you are struggling so much with driving and you can't get rid your anxiety for this off, you should think about driving again whether it is worth for you in the long run.

Reply 3

Muttly

20

I would first question whether you ned to try a different driving instructor? If you are feeling overly stressed or out of your depth it's probably because you are. Your instructor should have noticed this a long time ago approaching test and ensured the level at which you train and drive matches your confidence and ability level. Often it is caused by rushing through lessons regardless of the need to repeat them. n aspiration is to feel totally confident on any road anywhere. yes it can be done. If you go back to taking extra time to get the basics right, of being able to judge, speed, distance and the width of your car then learning is easy.

Ask around to find out which instructors are good locally with student anxiety. When you are confident that you can drive in any situation and settled you will be in a much better head space to do your driving test where you just drive some random person around safely for 40 mins. The Web site 'Safer Driving for Life' also has some good free advice for learners and for students getting ready to take their test.

Reply 4

Newtothis_24

13

Original post by DynamightLiar

I wouldn't say I'm anxious while doing my driving lessons but I've notices that my stomach turns and I feel sick whenever I'm anticipating it. I've also noticed that after my lessons I break down and start sobbing and I cant ever catch my breath for over an hour each time. I dont know how to stop this, please please help

Hey I was in this position myself when I was a learner. It took me a good while to learn (I’m talking almost 2 years) and about a year into it I got so stressed that I wanted to quit.

I had to take a few months off due to an injury anyways but I discovered that I was feeling this way because my driving instructor wasn’t the most patient with me and would make me feel stressed. Could that be a possible reason for you? When I changed instructors I found that being honest with them about what I was struggling with really truly helped.

If it’s just about the driving aspect of it maybe consider doing some private practice with a family member? You don’t even need to start out on roads at first, you can go to a local industrial estate and practice the basics there till you feel more comfortable. That’s what I used to do with my mum then once I got more comfortable I’d drive the short journey back home. Best thing to do imo as it really will boost your confidence

Reply 5

Crimsonglow

4

Original post by DynamightLiar

I wouldn't say I'm anxious while doing my driving lessons but I've notices that my stomach turns and I feel sick whenever I'm anticipating it. I've also noticed that after my lessons I break down and start sobbing and I cant ever catch my breath for over an hour each time. I dont know how to stop this, please please help

First a certain level of anxiety or nerves is normal for lots of things not just driving. Think of having to stand up in a room full of people to do a presentation! So first accept the feeling. It's also releasing alot of endorphins and adrenaline. A trigger of fight or flight response to your brain worrying about a perceived threat. This is why afterwards you get that burst of tears release.
How many lessons have you done? It should ease. Maybe try some relaxation meditation off youtube before hand too to calm yourself. Also maybe try some herbal remedy calming drops? Also maybe write down just what are you worried about? Is it fear of having an accident? Or more just fear of other people judging you if you stall or drive slow etc? Once you know you should tell your instructor and they might help by taking you quieter areas to build up your confidence first.
With driving there is two parts. Learning the controls. And being aware of your surroundings. With practise the learning controls becomes more automatic and that helps with paying better attention to your surroundings. Which in turn makes you less likely to make mistakes. Haha but hey I've been driving over ten years and still stall or go into wrong gear! So cut yourself some slack. Chin up and get used to the controls first!

Driving lesson nerves???

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