For the first time in 35 years, I now a fully licensed driver in the state of Washington!
I’ve struggled with an anxiety disorder for most of my life. Driving terrified me. I started out in a parking lot and took baby steps, working my way up to even highway driving. I worked hard, practiced a TON and when I had setbacks I got back up on that horse! (So to speak.) I honestly never thought I could actually drive.
Now of you’ll excuse me, I need to go to the store to get milk. 
Congratulations. Please don’t end up on Judge Judy.
Congrats!
Care to share some of the tactics (both mental and behind the wheel) that helped you with your anxiety about driving? I drive, but am anxious about it. Mr. Neville is so anxious about driving that he doesn’t, for all intents and purposes, though he does have a driver’s license.
Baby steps. I spent at least 20 hours practicing just in a parking lot. Wait til your anxiety goes down. Keep driving. Anxiety goes down a little bit more. Now do something slightly harder. Tell yourself that what your feeling is natural. And keep at it, even if you have a bad drive, or make mistake.
If I can do it, anyone can! And I really mean that. This can be, if not “beaten” then at least, coped with. I was so bad I couldn’t even sit behind the wheel of a car without shaking.
Congratulations! Be safe and enjoy!
Good for you! That’s sounds like a ton of hard (emotional) work, and you did it!
Congratulations! I didn’t get my license until I was in my mid-20s, in great part because of anxiety issues. I actually took driving lessons at that relatively advanced age so I would have objective evidence that I knew what I was doing. I was especially terrified of freeway driving, so having a driving instructor guide me through the process of merging, lane changes, etc., was invaluable.
IME, the more you drive the less anxious you’ll feel, so get out there and see the world (or at least the immediate vicinity).
Congratulations!
(I’ll get out of the way…)
And how are you enjoying the island life and Washington in particular, esp. today? Man, it is a YUKFEST out there today…Congrats on your license!!
So far, I freakin love it out here. I have ducks in the pond in my front yard and Chum Salmon in my backyard. We’re right on Manzinita Bay. It is beautiful out here. Never thought I’d actually want to live on the water. Oh and we were in Port Orchard last week. My driving instructor was based out there. He was great. He is currently a cop and does driving instruction part time. He went through everything on the test and gave me a great confidence boost. Can’t recommend him enough.
You did it!
I had been wondering how you were doing up there. I’m so happy for you and I’m so glad you’ll be able to enjoy Washington whenever/wherever/however you feel like it.
GOOD JOB!!!
I just got my G license too (Ontario - graduated licensing, G is the full license) and I’m 38. I was terrified of driving before and long story short now I feel like if there’s one thing in this world I do well it’s drive my Jeep.
CONGRATULATIONS!!! Enjoy your newfound confidence.
That’s heartwarming - congrats on getting over your anxiety, or, at least, coping with it. That first time merging onto the highway … I bet you’ll never forget it!
I wish everyone would get a good, licensed instructor to teach them to drive - their confidence would go way up, and I suspect collisions would go way down.
Congratulations! My son is 16 and just got his permit. We’re teaching him to drive and he’s doing pretty well so far. He claims that it’s “scary” but he does just fine. He’s been on the interstate and everything. I can’t imagine trying to learn to drive as an adult. It would be so much harder! Anyway, I’m happy for you that you have passed this major milestone!
Oh, I am sooo delighted to hear this It really is a gorgeous area and there’s tons to do, especially now that you’ve got your driver’s license! Downtown Port Orchard has fun shops to wander around and explore, and you live in a really pretty part of the area on Manzanita Bay! Welcome to the Northwest - Very very glad to hear everything has worked out! Is Mr. CWJ enjoying the commute by ferry? And way to go, driving instructor guy, representin’ for the community!
Yay!! A coworker of mine just recently got her license, too. Enjoy the freedom!
I’m actually in your shoes right now. My problem is that I lack confidence and have a shitty sense of direction, plus I get panicky whenever something unexpected happens. I don’t have my license yet, but my test is scheduled for December 29th. I’ve taken the damn thing twice, and I’m scared shitless for this next one. But dammit, I just don’t want to do this anymore. I want to be DONE with all of the bureaucracy, and actually have the power to go somewhere.
Kinda feelin like a big loser lately. Because I STILL haven’t driven on my own yet. I’ve been avoiding it for the last two days. And I know I shouldnt do that. It just kinda seems like a big step. Dunno why it’s such a big deal. I guess I always think that my husband will keep me from making a mistake.
I’m like you Maiira, I get panicked by the least little unexpected thing. I think I simply have to start small, like drive 5 minutes to the park and back and go from there.
Yeah, I think it’s the “driving by myself” bit that scares me the most, too (again, because of the shitty sense of direction).
The plan you proposed (starting small) sounds good. You can do it!
A shitty sense of direction is what a GPS is for. Get one. It will be one less thing to be scared about.