I can’t get over my driving anxiety

[Kimmalan]

I’m a 17 year old who got my license back in November and my driving anxiety is still high up there. I get so upset that all of my friends are so happy to drive and love it and although I don’t hate driving I hate the fear I get while driving. Getting on highways/freeways scare me to no end and the fact that I’m so bad at directions makes it worse for when I want to go to new places. I know that it hasn’t even been a year of driving yet and that I’ll get better with time but is there anyway for me not to beat myself so bad over it, it really makes me feel horrible

[gerg]

Figure out how beating yourself serves you. Dispute your self-talk that causes the anxiety.

"I am so bad at directions" to "I need to plan better when going new places" or "I sure am good at finding places that I didn't intend to go to".

"Getting on the freeway scares me to no end" to " I have some fear about getting on the freeway, but I do it pretty good".

If you drive your car as good as you drive your fears you will be just fine....

[Mena2603]

I have battled this myself. Intact I only got my license 4 years ago and I'm now 35 yeah I let it rule me and cage me up. Please don't let it do that to you you will miss out on your life. For me I had to have the radio on it helped me not be so hyper focused. I also pray every time I get in the car I ask for peace and comfort while I drive I also ask that I'd be safe and make good decisions,and then I also ask for the people around me to be equally kind and focused as I am about what we are doing. Hope this helps even just a little. Good luck

[ShellW18]

I used to be the same took me a year to feel comfortable driving. Just persevere with it. It will get better!

[HearYou]

Well, believe me, you are not alone. There are many people who just don't like to drive and/or get anxious particularly high speed highways and interstate roads. I avoid them as much as possible. Seems there is always an alternative road I can take to avoid the high speeds. And a GPS is great for finding the way to a new place. Give yourself some time and avoid driving if you can during the high traffic time. In some large cities, many people do not have a drivers license as they use buses streetcars, subways, etc.

You're going to be fine. Don't beat yourself up.

[Moriarty702]

It could just be from lack of experience. Its more calming to drive the longer you have been doing it. My recommendation would be to travel your familiar routes later in the evening with less traffic to become familiar with it. As for the anxiety surrounding your sense of direction, get a handsfree dock for a smartphone and let it tell you where to go. It could help.