I’m Don’te and I Just found out I’m dealing with Vehophobia

[VehophobiaGuy]

Glad I found this support group

Any one else going though Vehophobia? How do people respond if you tell them? Were you embarrassed to admit it?

[Hb2003]

Oh my gosh yes … i don’t even have a drivers license because I’m scared to drive . My parents and sister want me to drive but I don’t want to because of the paranoia i have people get shocked when i tell them that . I do get embarrassed about it 😞. I hopefully will drive when i go to college. And also welcome to this kind and supportive community -Hiba

[Midori in reply to Hb2003]

Hi Hiba,

Driving gives a wonderful feeling of freedom; it opens up your horizons and makes life more interesting and you get greater opportunities.

I really miss driving.

Cheers , Midori

[SoulfulSurvivor in reply to Hb2003]

Me too!!! I'm 18 and can't drive, but I need to if I really want to work...it's so sad. I really want to know how it's like to have that independence and be behind the wheel but it's nerve-wracking in a way I can't describe.

[Agora1]

Hi new friend and Welcome....I'll have to admit that I had to look up Vehophobia.. didn't know there was a name for that.

Do they have one for being a passenger in the car?? That's always been my issue.

At least you know we understand that fear is fear no matter where it comes from.

Working on solutions to the root of the cause and finding answers through other's

experiences on this forum will hopefully give you some comfort and peace in knowing

you aren't alone. I'm happy you are with us xx

[Imaaan]

Hi,

Sorry to hear that you struggle with this. I wanted to welcome you to the forum. You're amongst ppl that struggle with different health ailments and hopefully you will find some that you can bond with and relate to

[VehophobiaGuy in reply to Imaaan]

Thanks. I didn’t know it was a condition until a therapy session.I just found out about this site and it seem to be a GREAT outlet .

[Roxylox in reply to VehophobiaGuy]

I didn't know what it was till Hiba replied. Can relate just a little as I didn't develop the confidence to really learn to drive till age 36.

Still would only drive to towns, won't do cities. My bit of driving does give me great independence though.

[Midori in reply to VehophobiaGuy]

Hi there,

Welcome to the forum; I had never heard of Vehophobia before today; Is it fear of driving or fear of the actual car?

I must admit to not learning to drive until I was in my 30s; I didn't think I would be good at it, but I managed OK. My uncle, who was a specialist police driver, taught me.

I must admit to missing it now my sight is no longer good enough, loved the freedom of just being able to get away, anywhere, taking the kids camping and similar things.

Cheers, Midori

[Zimarra]

Me. I have my license but rarely drive . Best thing is though to do little trips around town 5-10 minutes at a time then slowly go out farther and farther. If you can have a friend be with you at first. It’s so hard

[VehophobiaGuy in reply to Zimarra]

My partner been driving but he hates to drive !!

[Nothing_but_books]

Hello VehophobiaGuy,

I didn't know there was a name for it. For me, it comes and goes, depending on how anxious I am. I'm not sure I should be driving anyway. A hawk making lazy circles in the sky can hold my attention just a second or two longer than safe.

Talking on cell phones while driving is illegal. Next, they better make driving and birding illegal.

🐧 🐦 🐤 🐥 🦆 🦅 🦉🐓 🦃 🦤 🦚 🦜 🦢 🦩

I know it's none of my business, but... (Don't you hate when people add a but there?)

You're young, smart, and write well. So much more than just "VehophobiaGuy". How 'bout: "Got_some_boo-boos_but_great_aside_from_that_Guy"?

Whadda ya think, huh?

[VehophobiaGuy in reply to Nothing_but_books]

Wow I needed that laugh but it’s been all I have been able to research because I also had no idea 🤷🏾‍♂️ Others were going through it ..now I’m OBSESSED with things getting better !!

[Nothing_but_books in reply to VehophobiaGuy]

YES! You go sweetheart! You've got this!

[Arniestal]

I didnt know it had a name. I passed my driving test first time 31 years ago drove acouple of times in total fear, trapped a nerve in my neck which was extremely painful. Haven't driven since. Now i really need to so trying to get up confidence to really do it now.

[Catsamaze ADAA Volunteer]

Hi there. I share the road with people who have no fear of driving and those are the people who scare me the most. They seem to forget that they are riding around in a 2-ton vehicle that can do severe damage to others if they drive irresponsibly. They are oblivious. And they are dangerous precisely because they have no fear. The very best drivers have some fear because they understand the responsibility they have behind the wheel. So I commend you for being afraid. Too much fear is paralyzing, of course, but some is extremely healthy. However much time it takes we’re all rooting for you to be comfortable enough to drive. You are someone I’ll be very happy to share the road with.

[Midori]

The ones using their phones at the wheel scare me silly. Fortunately, it's illegal in the UK, but they still do it when they think nobody's looking!

[VehophobiaGuy]

They have no regards for the road and some of them could care less ..it’s nerve wrecking

[SoulfulSurvivor]

Oh my goodness, I feel the same way! I'm 18 and can't drive and realized it's because I'm so terribly afraid to. I never established real confidence in myself. I'm afraid to get into an accident. It's so scary. I'm sorry you're going through this.