Can Drive But Can’t Drive.

So I passed my driving test a few years ago and only driven a few times. Why?

Each time I get into the car, I have to psyche myself 20mins before hand. I’ll start shaking and even behind the wheel. Whilst driving I’ll continue to shake and then I’m still shaking at the end of the journey. The shaking got worse the more I drove and it got to the point when it became too much and I was crying before I got into the car.

What pisses me off more than anything is hardly anyone seems to understand that my anxiety/fear has stopped me driving. Having looked online, I’m not the only one who has this issue. Most of the comments come from those who drive and can’t get their heads around that someone has a fear of driving and it gets worse each time sit behind the wheel.

This anxiety/fear isn’t limited to gender and hits anyone at any point. There have been drivers who are perfectly confident and for some reason suddenly develop this anxiety. Is it because there are more and more people on the roads? More and more people who really can’t drive that are and wonder how on Earth they passed? People who have been driving ages and seem to think they own the roads, but are actually those who are more dangerous? People in a rush and think they can drive like a complete dick?

It may well be all of the above, there’s also the any mistake no matter how small, can have a consequence. Be it your own fault or one caused by another driver, driving has become dangerous. That saying from my driving instructor “you need to adhere to road rules, any mistake can have a consequence for others and turn your vehicle into a metal box of death.”

There’s so many people who cut others up, drive right up your arse – even had this learning to drive, impatient bastards, people not using indicators, not following correct route round the roundabout, going through red light, using phone etc etc.

Even walking, you have to have your wits about you. Drivers going through red lights, not waiting for you to cross at crossing, turning into a road whilst you’re crossing then swearing at you because they believe they have right of way – actually if you read the Highway Code, it clearly states a pedestrian has the right of way when crossing a road you are turning into.

It appears many drivers do not know the Highway Code: “At a junction. When crossing the road, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you. If you have started crossing and traffic wants to turn into the road, you have priority and they should give way (see Rule 170).” Rule 170 for drivers states: watch out for pedestrians crossing a road into which you are turning. If they have started to cross they have priority, so give way.

Is there a way to get over my anxiety/fear other than not driving? I’ve no idea and I’ve not discovered one. I’ve tried to work so hard to get over it by attempting to get into a car and drive but the shakes became too much and the tears flow.