Scared sh*tless of driving.

[Tsuroki]

I'm scared. It's something I don't admit to often, but I'll say it now - I'm f*cking scared of driving. I'm 17, and the time for me to get my license is now - I need it, and I'm being pressured by everyone to get it. Most people would be more than willing to get their license in my situation, but I'm not.

 

I'm scared. I'm f*cking sh*tting my pants in fear at the thought of getting behind the wheel. But it's something I need to get over. I just don't know how to get over it.

 

Insurance cost, gas prices, maintenance fees, it's all so much so sudden. And chances of me having any financial support is like most of the things in my life - non-existant. It'll all have to come out of my pocket from a grill job at McD's.

 

 

Anyway... if anyone can give me any words of advice to get over this fear... at all... please do. I'm scared of crashing into something, someone, or dying in an accident.

[tuff_luv_capo]

Have you ever driven a car before in your life? If not, I suggest you not worry so much because really- worrying makes you a bad driver. I remember my friend never drove a day in his life, and when he got his permit-he would always be jerking the wheel ever so slightly, trying stay PERFECTLY between the yellow and white lines, as if people were monitoring him. I admit I did the same for a bit, but now, I drive with one hand on the wheel, the other on the shifter, and basically just let the flow of the car carry me. I never even think of it.

 

The minute you start acting like the car controls you, is the minute you start f*cking things up. I know when I switched to driving the beast I drive now, it was like learning to drive all over again, but then I realized it will only do what I tell it to do, and if I know what I am doing then that's what I will do.

 

As for paying for it all- trust me, that part bites. Between gas, insurance, car payments and maintenance, your car is like the most expensive girlfriend that never puts out. It gets annoying.

 

Right now I am paying 344 a month on the car, 281 on insurance, and about 400 on gas. How do I do it?

 

 

By selling your soul to the bank. Sure I may be paying 70,000 on a 36,000 car in the end, but it's all I can do. I like my car.

 

PS: Grill at McDonald's? Come on, man. Seriously. Your dignity is at stake.

[Bartleby]

I'm not exactly fond of driving either; matter of fact, I'm scared to complete my final driving lesson this coming month where I have to cruise on the highway. I've only driven maybe five times in my life, and I don't really like it that much.

 

If your permit has an expiration on it though, I would advise you to go in and get your liscence before you have to go through all the steps of driver training again.

[mikeman1346]

im 16 ive driven many cars and every time ive got in a car to begin with im like sh*t sh*t im sh*ttin it! but after a few seconds it all goes away and im in auto pilot just doing things off the top of my head, mosty people drive like this after having their licence for a few months or so, i guess it comes naturally to me, i can drive with or without hands 1 knee on the steering wheel, it works wonders....epecially on the dodgems best advice i can give you is to get some practice in a BIG open space with NO obsicles and i mean NO obsicles. also have a qualified driver with you in the passenger seat. and if a manual really seems to hard then try an automatic, accelerator and break, theres nothing to it, well exept speed limits and such im sure youll be fine after the first few minutes

[Mafia Righthand_Man]

Insurance and gas money are definitely the things which will put a hole in your pocket. When you get a job, tell them you are getting a car and need to pay for insurance, etc. and try to get as many hours as you can. Keep your grades up in school too. Most insurance companies will offer a big discount on insurance for A's and B's.

 

Driving can be really scary at first. The day I got my permit, I was too scared to drive off the sidestreets because we have some bad drivers in our area who haul ass on the main drags. However, I think once you have enough driving experience and become more skilled, you will feel a lot more confident in yourself and you'll know how to react to near-accidents.

 

If there's anything else you'd like to know, just post.

 

 

 

[Majestic]

play gran turismo 4. no, seriously

and like, go drive around an empty parking lot with your dad or something. usually parents are bad teachers, but a driving instructor is less patient

[Iminicus]

I'm 18 and don't have a learners/permit. Yeah go me. I just reallly can't be arsed getting it. I live walking distance ( which is a good thing ) to town. I have a ride to work and home. If I need to go to the city up the road, I have several options:

 

1. Bussing it. Tickets are either $5 or $10

2. Grabbing a ride from my mum, dad, sis, or from my sis's partner.

3. The ultimate thrill..... Hitchhike.

 

The joys of not driving are well joyous things. I don't have to worry about insurance, gas prices, maintance, etc.

 

Driving may equal the win, but not needing to drive is the own.

[Dalpura]

It's something you've just got to do to get used to it Tsuro. When I first started driving, I was scared. I refused to drive in certain areas, main roads, etc at first, but now I've been driving about 10 months, and I'll go anywhere. The first time I went on a big road (three lanes) my arms were f*cking stiff holding the wheel, very nervous. Now it's a relaxed more just guiding the wheel gently, rather than a tight grip.

 

You'll get used to it, just put up with being scared and it'll pass. Not sure how it works in Canada, if you have to go with a licenced driver but if not, I would anyway. Passengers are just a second set of eyes, and can only make you feel more confident. Hope that helps in some way, and good luck to you.

[tuff_luv_capo]

Driving may equal the win, but not needing to drive is the own.

Not needing the drive but being able to afford to do it anyways is the pwn.

[mikeman1346]

living in england where PETROL prices and insurence have always been high is tEh PuRe OwNaGe!11!

[Bernard Jazz]

get a motorbike instead..?

[Pancho the great]

living in england where PETROL prices and insurence have always been high is tEh PuRe OwNaGe!11!

your not even old enought to drive.

 

 

SO youve not felt the cruelty of having your hard earned money taken by that bastard I call Mr.BP.

 

lol

 

 

Tsuro best advice I can give you is always keep calm. Remember everyone who can drive has been in your situaiton, and aslong as you dotn act like a prick when your driving youll be fine.

 

[JJHW]

I absolutely love driving, I can't wait until I can actaully get a license...

+FF7F24+

[Otter]

Tsuroki - I feel you, I really do. But unless you want to end up like me... (24, and no license) GET ON IT.

 

Just f*cking do it.

[uzer]

Here in zee states you must do 6 hours of behind the wheel instruction before getting your license. My first time ever driving was in a POS cavalier, at night, in a snowstorm, on the highway. Teh interesting.

 

Seriously though, you'd probably feel a lot safer w/ a driving instructor knowing he'd be able to brake for you if necessary.

[holdenrulz]

Tsuroki if it really scares you that much see if you can find a closed course driver education place, many defensive driver course have closed curcuits and can boost your confidence.

That and this is the one that helps the most driving every day with a supervised driver.

Hell I drive to school every morning(10 minute drive in morning traffic) since march and those first few weeks my knuckles hurt and I would start shaking as soon as I got out of the car but now I can drive highway @ 100 km/h or back roads at 80 km/h(The speed limit of course).

The best way to learn to drive is frequantly(sp?)taking short trips gradually increasing in lenght when you comfortable. But taking driving lessons will also help alot.

 

Our school took our year level to a advanced driving center and a friend of mine had not had any experience in a car at all and by the end of the day he was driving better than my mates both who had more experience in driving a car.

 

Edited September 29, 2005 by holdenrulz

[MindCorrupt]

 

Driving comes naturally to some and not to others, its just part of life. Take it easy and go out driving in calm areas to get your confidence up. I was the same for a while but after a while it just all comes to you without you even noticing.

 

With petrol prices, just minimise your driving time man, if its not nessicary to drive, dont or use public transport. You'll see the difference at the end of the week, let me assure you.

 

With insurance, im pretty sure my car is insured under my folks name and im listed as a driver of the car. But I cant remember. Try and come to some kind of deal with your parents when it comes to it.

 

[Dup]

Scared of driving, or scared of not getting your license?

 

All that pressure must be a pain. I was gonna get my drivers license at 17 but I decided to get a Scooter instead. After all, I wasn't going to be travelling on motorways or going too far.

 

It prepared me for anything. After 2 years on the scooters and bikes I have all the road sense I could ever need. I passed my (very strict) UK driving test first time with 4 minor faults (for telling some c*nt to get out the f*cking way who opened his door on me) and that was that.

 

I've never been scared on the road. Not even with the scooter etc. Im not a confident person. I hate being watched by ppl and being minded by someone to learn something. I like to learn how its done then practise on my own. But I got there pretty quick.

 

Driving technique is a lot simpler than it seems. You just gotta find some open space, get someone to watch you and just find your limits and learn basic control. The rest should come naturally as you won't have to concentrate on the control of the car that much.

[anus]

Honestly, I was never scared of driving at all. Actually, when i was a kid I wanted to grow up just to drive so I was really looking forward to it.

 

Just drive around your house roads, streets until you get the hang of it and feel comfortable. Then when you feel that you're ready start driving.

 

Get a car depending on your salary, if it's a high one, you could get a very good car, if it's a low one get a small car (Citroen Saxo, Peugeot 206, Nissan Micra, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Golf) as these cars are small and don't cost much to insure, since you don't get paid much with your current job get a smaller car.

 

Smaller cars take less fuel than sedans and other types. So, get a extremely fuel efficient car and you won't have to suffer for the cash. Even if the vehicle is a bit expensive, but still offers better MPG (miles per gallon), then buy it as it's totally worth it.

 

And as for maintenance, if you love your car and take good care of it, your maintenance costs will be very low. Try as much as possible to maintain it from what you know. It's also wise to ask a mechanic or someone how to fix certain things as this'll come handy as there will be no garage fees if you can get it done by yourself.

 

Good luck, mate. Have fun!

 

 

[Omen of Death]

One thing I suggest:Always have your mind made up, don't hesitate, if you are debating whither to go past that yellow light, turn into a lane, etc. it's probably too late.

The will not to fail can be helpful and hurtful. Unless theres a minmum speed limit, take it easy, and let the other drivers pass you while you decide what you are going to do in the upcoming seconds, knowing a plan of what you are going to do relieves some stress for me.

[tommy vercetti guy]

I DROVE A CAR ONCE!

 

 

 

 

Well, a bumper car auctually

[tuff_luv_capo]

I DROVE A CAR ONCE!

 

 

 

 

Well, a bumper car auctually

Don't cry. Being carliterate isn't a crime.

[millermagic]

It isn't that hard. I was a little scared at first, but I learned quick. I had already driven in parking lots and slid around in parking lots. The first 5 times I drove on a real road was either during a snow storm or ice storm. My parents figured there wouldn't be a better time. Anyway, it isn't too bad. Right now, the only thing I'm really worried about after having my license for 6 months is getting roadrage and not being able to control myself. I have all I can do to not lay on the horn and yell vulgarities out the window when someone cuts me off or passes me going 20 above the speed limit.

[tuff_luv_capo]

It isn't that hard. I was a little scared at first, but I learned quick. I had already driven in parking lots and slid around in parking lots. The first 5 times I drove on a real road was either during a snow storm or ice storm. My parents figured there wouldn't be a better time. Anyway, it isn't too bad. Right now, the only thing I'm really worried about after having my license for 6 months is getting roadrage and not being able to control myself. I have all I can do to not lay on the horn and yell vulgarities out the window when someone cuts me off or passes me going 20 above the speed limit.

If someone passes you going 20 over the speed limit, it is not your problem. Atleast now you don't have to have him on your ass anymore, and if he wrecks- then one less bad driver.

 

Seriously, I never had road rage. People who do have some sub-emotional social issues they need to work out. Like thinking you are the sh*t in highschool, then getting on the road and realizing you're not and there's nothing you can do about it.

[holdenrulz]

 

If someone passes you going 20 over the speed limit, it is not your problem. Atleast now you don't have to have him on your ass anymore, and if he wrecks- then one less bad driver.

 

Seriously, I never had road rage. People who do have some sub-emotional social issues they need to work out. Like thinking you are the sh*t in highschool, then getting on the road and realizing you're not and there's nothing you can do about it.

I don't know about sub-emotional issues being the sole factor of road rage. I believe it depends of the personallity(sp?) of the person in the first place.

For Example my Father has issues expressing himself mainly that if you do anything wrong he starts yelling. Now He suffers from "Low Level" Road Rage. Always going on about idiot drivers etc etc.

Now I For example can Express myself fairly well and only yell in context, e.g angry, fighting, etc. Now I too suffer from low level Road Rage.

I think that road rage is learnt from your parents the same way that bullies learnt their behavior from their parents. But factors such a levels of aggression in that person are also a factor as well as the forementioned personality issues

 

I agree with Tuff Luv Capo being passed by someone going 20 (Mp/h ??) over the limit is nothing. I once had to pass a truck around 50 km/h above the limit, and being that the longer you take in some circumstances the more chance of you being taken out by another oncoming car that was merely a precaution.

Hell one morning I was overtaken by an ambulance going nearly a 100km/h in a 40km/h school zone of course the road was fairly empty and the was no school children about.

[tuff_luv_capo]

Bumped to get an update on Tsuroki's scaredednesses. Did you get over it yet?

[Logic3]

Talk to your parents, friends, relatives, the driving instructors, they'll all help you calm down about it

[nathan360]

It can be a bit overwhelming for a beginner. Just relax and know that alot of people feel nervous or scared when they are first starting out. However, after you gain some experience, you will start feeling alot more comfortable about it all. It is entirely normal to feel scared and anxious about all of the issues that surround driving. Take a deep breath and go read as much information you can about automobiles, driving technique, and insurance policies. Keep in mind that they "scared feeling" behind the wheel will fade away as you have more experience.

 

 

-Nathan

[Tsuroki]

Bumped to get an update on Tsuroki's scaredednesses. Did you get over it yet?

Yeah, I've gotten over it. Just need to suck it up and realize that I can't possibly be worse than the foreign immigrants who can't even speak English. Now I just need to get my G1 so I can actually get behind the wheel of the car.