Driving Miss Vagus

[Vagus]

I’m trying my best to get used to driving again but have to admit I do get myself in a bit of a tizz beforehand. Once I’m behind the wheel it’s not so bad but I doubt I’ll ever actually enjoy driving.
Anyone been like this and have any tips? I’m trying to drive most days, and today did a rather circuitous route back from our dog walk, just so I drove on unfamiliar roads.
And I hate being alone in the car, makes the anxiety even worse.
Help!

[barry1010]

Could you afford a short refresher with a driving instructor, just to get your confidence back?

[Redhelen72]

I dislike driving my car have absolutely no faith in it since the incident last year, but equally cannot get rid of it yet!
I love driving his car though just not at night

[gness]

I don't know if some lessons with a driving school would help you?

When I passed my driving test I thought I'd not really done enough to pass so I took an advanced driving course.
Not suggesting you do that one but a few drives with an instructor would maybe help.

[douglas9401]

Sell the car and get a travel pass.

Better for everyone in the long run.

[barry1010]

Depends where you live and the times you need to travel, Douglas.

[gness]

And why Vagus needs to return to driving.

[naomi24]

That’s true Barry. If I couldn’t drive I couldn’t live where I live.

What happened to stop you driving vagus?

[Vagus]

I got stuck in a space in a supermarket car park and had a panic attack. This made me lose confidence and I used my car less and less. I hung on to it but at the last MOT had only done about 2000 miles, so I agreed to sell it. In many ways it was a relief, and the understanding was that we’d buy me another if I felt I wanted/needed one.
That time came last year, for various reasons, and I enjoyed driving the car for a few months. Gradually the excitement of having it, and driving, has worn off.
I did consider a refresher course but didn’t/don’t think that would really help with the anxiety. I’m a competent driver, know what to do, know the rules, it’s just this very anxious feeling I get when I know I’m going to be driving.
Thank you all for your suggestions, I really do appreciate them, I think it’s something I’m just going to have to work through…and be brave! :)

[Impatiens]

My younger daughter feels great anxiety about driving after living and driving in Kingston Jamaica for two years (understandably!). A friend has suggested that the Institute of Advanced Motorists (think that’s the correct name) offers a scheme where advanced motorists will support a nervous returning driver. Could be worth exploring.

[Vagus]

Thank you for your input Impatiens, I hope your daughter gets her driving anxiety sorted out.