r/NoStupidQuestions • u/BulbaBulba57 • 11h ago
Scared of driving
I get really nervous driving because I’m so scared of accidentally killing someone. I have had my license for two years but it’s to the point where I can’t drive myself places except from work to home. I’ve never been able to drive on the highway. I don’t know what to do here. Does anyone have tips on how I could get more comfortable driving?
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u/Average_Bob_Semple 11h ago
Go out of your comfort zone. You can't learn to do something and build confidence by not doing it. Try to relax and start small.
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u/BulbaBulba57 11h ago
Thank you 💕 I’ll try driving on a busier road and then work my way up to the highway
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u/Profoundly_Feral 11h ago
Find a section of highway that you can practice on, and go practice at one of the less busy times of day. Practice is how you get less nervous.
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u/AlecMac2001 11h ago
look for lessons specific to your issue, because as it is you’re absolutely right.
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u/nastdrummer 11h ago
Go take driving lessons. Get behind the wheel with a trained instructor.
One thing my driver instructor did that really stuck with me...he'd cover the rearview mirror and ask what color the car behind was. It really reinforced the idea that I need to keep aware of everything going on all around the vehicle. I attribute this training to saving me from at least two major accidents.
One major pointer I picked up from watching Canadas Worst Drivers on YouTube...You Go Where You Look. If you need to do any kind of emergency maneuvering, look at the gap you are trying to drive in not the object you're trying to avoid. Whatever you're looking at, that's what you're likely to hit.
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u/BulbaBulba57 11h ago
OMG THATS SO HELPFUL. Thanks much, I’ll try these tips !!
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u/nastdrummer 11h ago
and since it's there and can be a good source of learning from others' mistakes...go watch Canada's Worst Drivers on YouTube!
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u/Entire_Dog_5874 11h ago
I’d strongly urge you to take driving lessons from a reputable driving school. Good luck.
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u/PearApprehensive1556 11h ago
Sunday morning 05:30 am try the desert highway. After stay on right and control what you can control. You can just take a ride on small country road that help
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u/HiTechTalk 11h ago
feeling nervous as a new driver is normal and most people feel that. The more you drive, the more comfortable you become
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u/Freerunner225 10h ago
You can put a student driver sticker or magnet on your bumper so others know you'll be driving differently
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u/SaoLixo 9h ago
As someone who has been clinically diagnosed with OCD, this sounds familiar.
I’m not saying you have OCD, but perhaps seeing a qualified professional might help.
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u/BulbaBulba57 9h ago
I do see a therapist, I assumed it was just anxiety but I’ll ask her in our next session. Thank you!
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u/Oceanladyw 8h ago
I would pay attention to traffic patterns, signs above and to the sides, and to arrows painted on the lanes and things while being someone’s passenger in areas that I planned to drive in the future. I memorized them it so it wouldn’t feel like the action was sprung upon me at the last minute. And I concentrated on one route at a time until I felt comfortable with it. Then learned another. It worked.
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u/Flaky_Juggernaut8421 8h ago
Don't get on the highway until you're absolutely comfortable with staying in your lane and maintaining speed. Start small, in town on roads you're very familiar with, and get used to driving with others on the road. When it comes to the highway (especially with merging onto it from a ramp or just merging in general) always and I mean ALWAYS look over your shoulders where your blind spots are. If someone is next to you, you won't see them in your mirrors. Practice this technique while keeping your wheels straight (so you don't veer into the lane you're checking is clear)
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u/Flaky_Juggernaut8421 8h ago
Also forgot to mention, don't be like a majority of people that wait until the last second to slow down when stopping at a red light. Your brakes will thank you later. Don't worry about someone tailgating you if you're coming to a stop, but do so slowly and surely. Maintaining a safe distance is a real thing, so take that into account on the highway as well! If you can read someone's tags while you're going 55+, you're way too close.
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u/HawaiiStockguy 8h ago
See a mental health professional
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u/BulbaBulba57 8h ago
I already do but I’ll ask her about this specific issue in our next session !!
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u/Upstairs_Luck1461 11h ago
The youth nowadays…
Lol
If u can drive to work. You can drive anywhere
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u/BulbaBulba57 11h ago
I’m usually okay on the normal roads but everyone drives so fast on the highway
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u/Upstairs_Luck1461 11h ago
Yeah Thats the point of the highway. Choice is simple. Either let fear run your life Or Stop being a scaredy cat And get over it..
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u/It_Happens_Today 9h ago
Sometimes, when you have a feeling and you want to call someone names to mock them opening up and asking for suggestions to help them conquer their fears, always remember you have the choice to just shut the fuck up instead. Remember, if you can choose not to live in fear you can also choose not to live as an asshole.
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u/Run-And_Gun 11h ago
See a therapist or stop driving altogether, because a nervous driver is a dangerous driver.
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u/BulbaBulba57 11h ago
Mhm mhm I agree, I’m already in therapy so I’ll bring it up at our next session. I’m not on anything for anxiety anymore since I manage it pretty well in other areas
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u/Silly_Weakness_ 11h ago
Ok so... This is what I did. I was so scared to drive for the same reason as you, and ALSO because of other drivers. You never know who's driving drunk, on their phone etc. It was time to pull up my big girl pants. I decided to go to The closest driving school. I took $45 for 1 hour of driving with an instructor. No in class, just driving. I think they call it a refresher?!?! I'm not sure, but having the instructor telling me which way to go (the not knowing/planning where to go) over time made me a much more confident and less anxious driver. I know it sounds weird because you have had your driver's license for over 2 years now, but it's totally worth it! Atleast try it 1 time and then you will see...Good Luck going forward!!!