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Driving - scared

So I’m 18 years old (f) and passed my driving test a few months ago (alhamdulillah) and have a car . However I’m terrrified of driving , I hate it even when u had my lessons I would just count the minutes until it was over. I have driven in my new car but I just hate it and therefore haven’t driven in a few months and don’t want to . I prefer going on trains as public transport .
I don’t know why I hate it soo much .

Does this fear ever go away ?

Reply 1

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
I’m literally terrified the whole time driving , like seriously terrified.

Why don’t you practice with a family member. On quiet roads to overcome your fear. What exactly about driving is causing you to be scared?

Reply 2

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
I h e practised with a family member r but that just makes it worse to be honest .
If someone told me to drive I would literally internally panic . I think I hate that I have control over the car and I also panic with different roads I don’t know which way to go or if I’m in the right lane etc . Some areas just confuse me .

Hmmm. What type of transmission you drive? And do you think it would be beneficial to redo your driving for yourself again for your own benefit?

Reply 3

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
I don’t know how I passed , I was terrified the whole time 🤣

Thanks to the almighty the all merciful and powerful Allah. Alhumdulliah yeah you passed probably back then it was due to confidence although knowing you’ve not driven in a few months maybe the reason why your fear risen up.

Reply 4

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
So I’m 18 years old (f) and passed my driving test a few months ago (alhamdulillah) and have a car . However I’m terrrified of driving , I hate it even when u had my lessons I would just count the minutes until it was over. I have driven in my new car but I just hate it and therefore haven’t driven in a few months and don’t want to . I prefer going on trains as public transport .
I don’t know why I hate it soo much .
Does this fear ever go away ?


Just think of it like riding a bike

Reply 5

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
I passed with manual

Try automatic then. You have less control of the car. No changing gears. The only thing you’re controlling is the gas pedal and break. There’s no clutch involved.

Reply 6

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
But I prefer automatic and I think you made a good point , I will just get extra lessons I think that will help me .

Okay brilliant I’m glad you’re building that confidence up again. May your lessons go well. And always acknowledge the almighty, merciful and powerful allah is with you. Good Luck, In Sha Allah.

Reply 7

Original post
by Sean.fl07
Just think of it like riding a bike

Yeah or a tri-cycle and how it changes to a bike.

Reply 8

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
So I’m 18 years old (f) and passed my driving test a few months ago (alhamdulillah) and have a car . However I’m terrrified of driving , I hate it even when u had my lessons I would just count the minutes until it was over. I have driven in my new car but I just hate it and therefore haven’t driven in a few months and don’t want to . I prefer going on trains as public transport .
I don’t know why I hate it soo much .
Does this fear ever go away ?


it definitely does !!! I passed last June and was honestly absolutely terrified for months and months to the point I wouldn’t ever drive or make excuses to get out of it💀

but it definitely does pass !!! :smile: I’d 100% recommend not given up , taking friends with you and practicing driving in low-stress environments, such as empty parking lots or quiet residential streets for abit and this cause exposure therapy really works ; just carry on driving as the more practice you get the easier it becomes 💕

Reply 9

One big question here - why did you learn in the first place if you hate it? Were you encouraged/pressed by parents or did you just feel it was something expected of you in general? It costs a lot to keep a car on the road and you need to know why you're doing it.

I remember being very nervous right after I passed, I didn't want to touch the car at all for a while but I knew if I didn't just grit my teeth and do it the anxiety over it would just rise, but beyond that I wanted to drive and genuinely enjoy it.

I never wanted more lessons, people in the car with me or even to switch to automatic, I really just needed to get miles on my tyres and gain more road experience and over time lots of the things that stand out as giving you the fear before just become a near automatic part of your drive.

Reply 10

Hi

Reply 11

Original post
by Anonymouse12346
So I’m 18 years old (f) and passed my driving test a few months ago (alhamdulillah) and have a car . However I’m terrrified of driving , I hate it even when u had my lessons I would just count the minutes until it was over. I have driven in my new car but I just hate it and therefore haven’t driven in a few months and don’t want to . I prefer going on trains as public transport .
I don’t know why I hate it soo much .
Does this fear ever go away ?

All you need is practice, and it’s completely normal to feel this way at the beginning. Start by driving only in good weather, only on dry roads, and only during sunny days to build your confidence. Choose quiet, familiar routes where there’s less traffic. Keep the radio and your phone off to minimize distractions.

Focus on small goals, like mastering short trips before attempting longer ones. Practice specific skills, like parking or turning, in a safe, open area if needed. Be patient with yourself—over time, driving will feel as natural as walking.

If you still feel anxious, a few more lessons with a driving instructor to gain confidence can help you feel more comfortable and in control.

Reply 12

There are sooooooo many total idiots on the Road nowadays. My one piece of advice would be NEVER EVER assume another Car Driver is going to actually do what they indicate they are going to do. i.e. If someone is indicating LEFT and you think great I can pull out now, DON'T, wait for them to actually turn left. So many people indicate and do not turn left, meaning a crash happens. The reason often is that they have forgotten to turn off the left turn indicator from previous left turn. Anyway as I say, never assume what is indicated is actually what they will do.
(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 13

I kind of understand what you're saying. I was like that too and now I drive a lot as a part of my job.

Things that helped me a lot was driving with a more experienced driver with me and boost my confidence. Once I realized that I'm actually not a bad driver I started feeling better about driving. Most of the new drivers need some experience and some confidence boost, it's OK.

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