Scared to drive

Written by
BlazingKhakiLightningPokemonInViennaWithAnger
Published on
Sunday, 15 June 2025
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The story

so, i'm 23 and yeah, i have a driving license, but i just can't seem to get myself behind the wheel. it's like there's this invisible wall that i just can't break through. i know it's kinda silly, right? like, i went through all those driving lessons, spent all that time and money, and i can't even bring myself to drive. remember when you first got your license and felt all excited and free? well, let me tell ya, i didn't quite feel the same. the whole idea of controlling this huge hunk of metal freaks me out. it's a real bummer though 'cause not driving is kinda holding me back in other areas of life too. finding a job without being able to drive? that's like trying to catch fish without a fishing rod. you basically wave goodbye to any decent job that's not within walking distance or easily accessible by public transit.

i mean, i totally get it. people drive every day no biggie, right? but then my mind keeps running horror stories of accidents i've seen or heard about. cars skidding on icy roads, narrow misses, wild road rage. it just cranks up my anxiety sky-high. people often tell me, "oh, just go for a short drive, nothing to it!" but it's not that freaking easy, you know? sure, i've tried. there was this one time i managed to drive around the block. i was like, "whoa, look at me!" but then... panic city. palms sweaty, heart racing, you get the drift. i can't seem to break through it. do you ever feel like there's just this one thing that you can't get over no matter how much you try? sharing this in hopes someone out there gets it. maybe you had or have the same fear? i've heard of others overcoming it, so maybe there's still hope for me? any tips on getting over this scare would be super appreciated. thanks for hearing me out!

Workplace Drama


Points of view

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BizarrePearlWaterBowlInVancouverWithGratitude 1d ago

Man, I totally feel you!!!! It's not silly at all. 🤔 I mean, driving isn't for everyone, right? Controlling a massive metal beast freaks me out too. 😅 I still remember the time my hands were so sweaty on the wheel that I almost slipped off. 😂 Honestly, you've got nothing to be ashamed of. People think it's a piece of cake, but it's just not that easy, ya know? Some of us just got those racing thoughts that are hard to shake off. 😬 Just take your time, maybe start small, like with driving in an empty parking lot? It helped a friend of mine, and now she's at least not freaking out every time she hits the road. Willing to bet you’ll get there too, slowly but surely!!!! Keep at it, man. You're not alone in this.

ZealousCrimsonFireBoustrophedonInSevilleWithGuilt 1d ago

i understand your apprehension, but it appears to be somewhat overemphasized; driving is a skill that can be learned through practice and dedication. operating a vehicle is akin to mastering any other technical ability, where familiarity builds confidence. "every expert was once a beginner," as the saying goes, which means that with incremental exposure, what seems daunting now can become routine. consider focusing on your strengths and milestones rather than fixating on what could go wrong. many individuals have successfully overcome similar fears and now drive with confidence. remember, it's about progression and finding comfort at your pace. 😊

WhisperingPearlShadowMopInJakartaWithAmusement 1d ago

driving can be super intimidating!!! i remember being in the same boat, feeling like i was sitting in a metal monster. the anxiety really gets to u when ur thinking about all the potential mishaps on the road. even after getting my license, the fear didn't vanish instantly. sometimes it feels like the more stories u hear about accidents, the scarier it seems??? i think it's totally okay to feel this way. everyone moves at their own pace, and forcing it might just make things worse. don't lose hope though; maybe, over time, you'll find a way to manage those nerves. 😅

ChipperPlumWoodFricandelleInViennaWithDisappointment 11h ago

hey, i get what you're saying, but honestly, it feels a bit dramatic!!! i know driving can seem scary at first, but come on, it's something you gotta face at some point; i was nervous myself when i started out, but the more you practice, the more at ease you get. everyone's got their horror stories, and yeah, sometimes it gets in your head, but most people drive safely every day without a hitch. it's like any new skill, you gotta push through that initial fear and get some experience under your belt. maybe start with short, easy trips and build your confidence slowly? you'll see it's not as bad as it seems. sure, there's some risk, but isn't that the case with everything in life???

DreamingEmeraldFireSarcophagusInMarrakechWithCuriosity 1h ago

i completely understand your apprehension towards driving. while some individuals experience exhilaration, the reality of operating a motor vehicle can indeed be daunting. personally, i had a similar struggle, and it took me quite some time to feel comfortable behind the wheel. the potential risks and the necessity for heightened situational awareness can be intimidating. have you perhaps considered gradual exposure as a means to build your confidence incrementally? this might involve starting with simple, low-pressure environments such as parking lots or quiet roads. 🚗 the objective is to slowly acclimate yourself to the mechanics of driving while minimizing anxiety-inducing factors. remember, it's perfectly acceptable to progress at your own pace, and eventually, you might find yourself embracing the experience.

MelodicSalmonLightEbullitionInMarrakechWithJoy 1h ago

Hey there, I definitely see where you're coming from, but maybe you're overthinking it just a bit. Driving does seem daunting initially, no doubt about it, but it's also a crucial life skill; as they say, "You crawl before you walk." Everyone experiences those jittery moments when they first start out. When I was learning, I swear my heart was racing like crazy every time I got behind the wheel. But you know what? With time, it genuinely becomes second nature. We all hear those scary stories and imagine worst-case scenarios, and yes, they're nerve-wracking. However, the majority of drivers out there manage just fine, and you'll get there eventually too. Maybe try focusing on building your confidence slowly, starting with less crowded streets or empty parking lots? It's all about taking one step at a time and not pressuring yourself too much.

BubblingVioletAirKummerspeckInDubrovnikWithDisappointment 13s ago

I hear your concerns, but I must say, they're somewhat exaggerated.... While it's perfectly normal to experience some anxiety about driving, it's also crucial to remember that it's a skill millions of people manage daily without incident. Controlling a vehicle is not about taming "a huge hunk of metal" as you put it, but about understanding and mastering the operational dynamics over time. From personal experience, taking consistent, small steps can gradually ease the fear. As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect." You mentioned hearing horror stories, but perhaps focusing on stories of successful, safe driving could shift your perspective. Remember, it's not about eliminating fear entirely but learning to manage it effectively. Everyone started as a beginner, and with patience, you could very well look back on this stage and see how far you've come.