Driving me crazy?

[b13thy]

i have been passed my driving test for 4 years and 2 years ago passed my advanced driving test. However i always had a slight fear of heavy traffic (due to the fact that the first car i had [clio] used to stall on its own - this was evenutally fixed) and never really drove too far from home. Over the past couple of years i have become totally unable to drive my car (only driven 4 times in the past year) and its got to the point now where i am getting the bus instead of using the car. Boyfriend doesn't understand and is being most unhelpful - he thinks i am being v silly and that i should just drive (he has to drive me everywhere and i can totally understand why he cannot grasp my problem). I have never had an accident and was always a very aware and considerate motorist. Its totally getting me down and causing allsorts of problems. Has anybody else had this sort of problem? and how should i go about trying to get a solution? 

[maggie01]

I have been driving for more years than I care to remember but I can only drive if I know exactly where I am going, therefore I do not drive very far. I enjoy driving to a point. I usually only go backwards and forwards to work (about 5min away) and food shopping. The rest of the time I get a lift. Perhaps if you went out at a quiet time of the day and just tried a short distance at a time gradually trying to drive a bit further each time. Hope you get back on track soon.

[DMG]

Not quite the same, but I did PassPlus (ask any driving instructor) about six months after I passed my test because I was too nervy to go anywhere on my own. it's only the cost of 2 driving lessons (about #30 in total when I did it a couple of years ago). It really really helped - they don't really teach you unless you need it, but the instructor takes you on scary places like motorways, busy roundabouts, country roads at night, encourages you if you're doing ok and puts you straight where you need it. Well worth the money if it lets u drive on your own again. If PassPlus not your thing, try any advanced driving certificate - if you're one of the best-qualified drivers on the road, you'll feel more confident.

[dilligaf]

Forget pass plus, thats just for new drivers. Find a good instructor, preferably from recommendations, explain your problem and the instructor should, through a few lessons build up your confidence to deal with traffic conditions on all types of road.
Dont despair, you had the ability and confidence to pass a driving test the rest is a piece of cake.

[b13thy]

Should have mentioned that before i did my advanced driving test i also completed pass plus. Am thinking of contacting my old driving instructor for some 'refresher lessons'. Fingers crossed that this will sort me out. It's really odd though cos i know i can drive, its just the panic that gets me in the build up to knowing that i have to drive the car - once i'm in there everything seems very natural (haven't been able to drive by myself yet though).

[dilligaf]

The majority of ADI 's are very good at teaching a novice driver to attain the basic standard required to pass a driving test. However that standard may not be sufficient to survive on todays roads. If you have problems I would advise you to go to the DSA website or contact ROSPa or IAM who may be able to give you advice