#19f

EDUCACIÓN SEXUAL PARA DECIDIR, ANTICONCEPTIVOS PARA NO ABORTAR Y ABORTO LEGAL, GRATUITO Y SEGURO PARA NO MORIR.💜💚💜💚

19f driving anxiety ?

unlike most of my friends, i didn’t learn how to drive and get my license when i turned sixteen, but now i really wish i had. i’ve been scared of driving since i was a kid, i always used to have nightmares about losing control of a car and i’ve never been the most coordinated person to say the least. now i’m 19 and i have my learner’s permit, and i know i need to learn and practice, but it’s tough. i get so anxious whenever i get in the driver’s seat and that feeling skyrockets when i see another car or a pedestrian nearby. i’m scared to go above like 20 mph, and so i only ever practice on very empty streets. i thought it would get better with time, as i’ve had my permit for a while, but i don’t feel myself getting any better or less nervous when i’m driving. what makes it worse is that i’m constantly getting comments from my friends and family about how i cant drive yet and they make me feel awful. i hate asking people for rides and being a burden and i feel embarrassed when my parents have to take me anywhere, i just want to be able to drive myself around and stop being a nuisance but everyone acts like im not even trying or that i dont care. i just don’t know what to do and it’s getting to the point where i’d rather just stay at home alone instead of making arrangements to meet with my friends and having to bother them. sorry this is kind of a rant haha, but if you happen to have any advice for any part of this whole mess i’d appreciate it so much <3 thank you

hey there friend! 

I was just like you! I didn’t get my license until I was 18 because the thought of driving terrified me. It’s completely understandable and driving should be treated with some caution because there is some danger to it. BUT! Don’t let your fears hold you back. I’ve been driving for a few years now and I’ve never been in an accident and I’m 1000x more comfortable behind the wheel. You will get there too but it will take some time and patience. I would say, it took me about 2 years after I had my license to feel really comfortable with my driving. I really noticed myself getting more comfortable once I was driving all the time. Almost every single day. As they say, practice makes perfect. 

I think you should sit down with your friends and family about how you’re feeling! Their comments are only going to hold you back. They should understand and help you, not keep making rude comments. You said, they think you’re not trying, so let them know you are! See if someone is willing to drive around with you. Give you encouragement and tips on what to do. It can be nice knowing there’s someone there to tell you what to do in case you aren’t sure. Make sure it’s someone you trust and who won’t make rude comments, that will only hurt your progress. Also, remember that when you’re driving, no matter where you are if you have to, you can pull over and take a breath! Just put your hazards on or pull into the nearest parking lot and calm down. Don’t drive while you’re stressed out. 

Try just spending time in a car driving around a parking lot. Listen to music and try to relax. If you feel yourself stressing, park the car and just listen to some music or whatever you need to do to calm down, then try driving again. Driving around roads that aren’t busy is a great thing to do also. Keep at it until you feel comfortable! If you see a pedestrian just slow and give them as much space as you can. It’s okay to go slow and build up going to streets with higher speed limits. Maybe try just going around the block every day until that becomes easy for you. It’s okay to take baby steps. I spent 3 months driving almost every day under 20 mph before I was able to go outside of my neighborhood. 

Just give yourself some time and keep at it! You will get there one day, but don’t try to rush yourself or give up because of what people are saying. Just because it’s taking you longer to learn/ get comfortable behind the wheel doesn’t mean you should give up.

I hope I could help!