Overcoming Driving Anxiety?

@RedMouse

I totally feel you! Driving can be so intimidating! As a driver who has had a license for about 10 years now, I know firsthand that the anxiety we get from driving can come and go. But with experience, we can feel more confident about the choices we make behind the wheel.

Being cautious while driving is actually a good thing. So, youre off to a good start there. Now, to learn how to trust yourself behind the wheel, is the next step! Surprising things happen on the road but youd also be surprised at how great our reflexes work! As long as you arent texting while driving at all, or talking at length on the phone, and you are minding the speed limit, I have every bit of faith in you that youll be great.

In rural areas, its impossible to not have a car. Ive been there. Let us know how things are going! Its always a little scary at first, hope you get to enjoy the freedom! (:

@RedMouse

Congratulations on getting your license!!

Making mistakes: I'm going to let you in on a secret. People that have been driving for 30, 40 and 50+ years are still making mistakes! :) You will make mistakes. And you learn from them. And then you won't make them again. You know the rules and you're being cautious - that's great.

Getting pulled over: I have been pulled over maybe 5 times in the 30+ years I've been driving. It happens. No one likes it, but the police are decent and they're just trying to do their jobs to keep everyone safe on the roads. Some tips to not get pulled over: Make sure everything on your car is in working order: Headlights, tail lights, and if required in your location, the license plate light. Make sure your vehicle is properly registered and insured. (Have that sticker on your license.) And don't speed or drive crazy. :)

Getting into an accident: My first accident happened when I barely had my license...in my parents' BRAND NEW CAR. UGH. I learned from it. Things happen. That's what insurance and repair shops are for. Just try to be safe. Not only do you have to pay attention to what you're doing, you have to pay attention to everyone else - and that's really the hardest part of driving.

One of the things that I do each and every time I am going to be driving somewhere I'm unfamiliar with is to go to Google and visually "drive" my route. I always do this when I'm going on a vacation and I'm in a completely new city/state. Google is GREAT for that. Drop that little person icon onto the road and just click forward. They've mapped out thousand of miles of roadway that you can visually drive before you head out in your car.

Look at the roads, look at the signs. Get to know the buildings and where your turns will be. I just did this a week ago when I had to drive to a place where I'd never been, even though I'd been in the general area before. It helps so much.

Finally, take some short trips out. Drive around the block locally. Go up to the store to buy something. Just get out and take a drive. Start with familar places and go beyond them little by little. Driving is all about practice and the more you practice, the more comfortable you'll be.