I have a fear of driving(help needed)

So, I have a major fear of driving.


Reasons:
-Im Close to legally blind and must wear glasses while driving
-I've driven ~5 times and each drive is under 5-10 minutes.
-I dont like the responsibility that if I hit someone, I go to jail, Thats scary af.
-I'm also fearful of making mistakes, not stopping in time etc, 1 mistake could cost me my life.


What I've done:
-Got my temps(expires in 1 month)
-Went through driving school


What I need to do:
-4 2 hour long drives
-Driving test


I'm suppose to do a 2 hour drive tomorrow and am literally shaking at the thought, Is there anything to help deal with this?


I have very little experince and have been diagnosed with severe anxiety( I literally cannot think about anything else, having panic attacks, putting stress on my heart etc).


Help please ;c.

 

Take it in small steps, get used to being on the road and in control of something. Start with a bicycle? Then maybe a scooter/moped or something slower and smaller, get used to being on the road and get comfortable with it and stopping etc.

I would recommend BETA blockers. Your doctor can prescribe them for nervousness or stress; I know hundreds of people who've used them for driving tests and exams.

 

Driving is honestly common sense, just think it about driving like everyone else it trying to kill you, how would you avoid it?

 

My advice is drive slower than the speed limit in some places. Don't go on the highway unless someone else is driving you just to be safe, and what Roary said get anxiety medicine to calm your nerves.

 

Update: I did my first drive today in neighborhoods/ a couple main streets and survived, scheduled my next one 1 week from today!

 

If you are going to get anxiety meds be ABSOLUTELY sure that they are not going to impede you ability to function on the road at all. You can't have a medication that is going to slow your reaction time, that is dangerous for you, your passengers and everyone else on the road. Make sure you explain to your doctor what the meds would be used in conjunction with. I don't know off the top of my head if there are any anxiety meds on the market that don't cause a little drowsiness. I will look into that for you.

Edit: I have been looking through my literature and there isn't much in terms of anxiolytics that are non-benzodiazepinic, that don't have drowsiness and dizziness . It seems that the only drug that matches that classification would be Nembutal (pentobarbital), but I think that you would have drowsiness but at least no dizziness.

 

Glasses are no biggy, many people wear them, and a lot of people put them on solely while driving. Second, to learn, you have to practice and feel you're in control. This only happens when you practice, even in small lots, and progress to the regular jam packed roads. Don't drive in fear, drive with safety, there's a difference.

 

Honestly its all just about practice. After a while it'll be second nature and you'll wonder how you ever lived without knowing how to drive. Have someone you trust and who is calm sit next to you (not someone who will scream when you do something wrong behind the wheel). Practice on local roads where there's not alot of traffic. Hell, just driving in an empty lot without anything will help you get the feel of the car

 

You seem to have money so if you can afford it look into a driving tutor. Not just any do defense driving they will help you soo damn well. I can't think of any better way to learn, other than just driving but with a professional driver teaching you you'll excel fast