Today, I have two decades of existing under my belt, yet I still can't drive. The idea of trusting yourself and others to not be dumbasses when you're moving at high speeds is not at all appealing to my anxiety-ridden brain. I can't even ride a bike properly. How the hell am I ever going to live independently? FML
Collection
Halloween
A failed costume, stolen candy and a very real scare: Halloween, the one night when fear is allowed.
Today, my parents still won't let me drive in the dark. I'm 30 years-old. FML
Today, it occurred to me just how dependent I am on my parents, and that I would be totally fucked if something happened to them. The state of the world right now makes it impossible for young people to get anywhere. Especially one who can't drive and can barely talk to anyone without having a panic attack. AKA: Me. FML
Today, I went driving for the first time with my mom. When she wasn't screaming, she gave great advice like, "Stop at the red light" and "Don't crash into cars". I need to drive 50 hours with her. FML
Today, I realized I've been driving for almost two years and still get excited when I park between the lines on my first try. FML
Today, my dad trusted me to go driving by myself in his car. I foolishly celebrated by doing a jump heel click, landed awkwardly, threw my hand out to stop myself falling, and scraped the whole bunch of keys down the driver's door. He trusted me for like 3 seconds and I blew it. FML
Today, I told my mom about the severe phobia I've developed towards driving. She was very supportive and even made me an appointment to see a psychologist. His office is two hours away. I have to drive to see my doctor about my fear of driving. FML
Today, I took my road test. I'd never had driver's training and my mom taught me how to drive. I failed the test so badly, and when I got home my mom admitted to having taught me how to drive completely wrong because she didn't want me to get my license as she thinks I'm too young. I'm 18. FML
Today, my mother said she trusted me enough to go with me for my first drive in my new car. As soon as we got in the car, she started hyperventilating and screaming we're going to crash. I didn't even start the engine. FML
Today, while driving on the streets for the first time, my mom decided that it would be an appropriate time to yell at me for every single mistake I’ve ever made in my life. This stressed me out so much I began driving against traffic. FML
Today, I realized I don't know anything about driving if the instructor isn't sitting beside me. I realized it two minutes into my driving test, which I failed miserably. FML
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Top comments
core01 30
The trick is to over-train. Take the advanced maneuvers and defensive driving courses til you can handle a car like it's part of you.
Brightside86 31
The trick with safe driving is assume no one else is paying attention. Most accidents are avoidable if you just focus and anticipate distracted/aggressive/incompetent drivers. Regarding speed, it only feels fast at first, eventually even 60 MPH will feel like the speed of a brisk jog.
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Comments (11)
Chazzster 32
All of us somehow find the way to do those things that are important to us. OP, you can do this - But you need professional driving instruction. Driving a car is almost nothing like riding a bike - No balancing is required... It is very difficult to live independently in most parts of the USA without driving. It opens up your options. It is one of the necessary first steps in becoming independent... One mistake people make is thinking that if you can drive you can teach another person to drive too. But not all combinations work - I had to pay for driving lessons for both of my children after trying to teach them myself.
core01 30
The trick is to over-train. Take the advanced maneuvers and defensive driving courses til you can handle a car like it's part of you.
Justkidding100 41
this is really a good answer. the amount of people that are on their phones nonstop....you have to learn to predict and dodge others. this also applies to biking in a way, but that's mostly a balance issue!
Brightside86 31
The trick with safe driving is assume no one else is paying attention. Most accidents are avoidable if you just focus and anticipate distracted/aggressive/incompetent drivers. Regarding speed, it only feels fast at first, eventually even 60 MPH will feel like the speed of a brisk jog.
MxCrix3333 10
Hey, I'm sorry. I get it though. My friend always says, "humans were not meant to have cars." But, the thing is, many people do, and they're fine. You can drive a car your whole life and be just fine. A little anxiety while driving is a good thing, too. Studies have found that those who think they're not a great driver tend to be the best drivers because they're extra vigilant. But if your anxiety is getting in the way of doing things you want to do, like driving or biking, then maybe your anxiety is the issue, not the driving. You may want to look into therapy to find some relief and empowerment.
luvlu444 24
I was 20 when I got my licence because I had the EXACT same thought process as you. Everyone pressured me to learn to drive, but I wasn’t ready, and the anxiety made me an unsafe driver. chat with a professional driving instructor and wait until the idea feels more comfortable for you. You’ll know when you’re ready 🤍
Crowned Sataness 12
you don't trust people to not be dumbasses. you assume everyone is a dumbass and drive defensively. watch everybody.
Shzusuziq11 12
There are many people in the cities that don't drive. Try to live near a subway or bus route
Wadlaen 24
I can tell you, you don't even have to drive at high speed for shit to happen; I was on my way out in a crossing, in low speed, when a drunk driver crashed into my driver's door between 80 and 90 km/h, and nearly killed me. But it will make driving much more enjoyable, and safer if you're able to not think about that when driving.
IHaveThePower 18
Most big cities have decent bus systems and good jobs--you might consider moving. I can highly recommend California cities, plus CA has a great economy.
Gubbon 17
I live independently and don't drive. It's not a big deal.