Thanks for the thread bump!
I've actually been practicing a lot more, and have been driving alone once in a blue still not enough but almost there. I've realized I am not as afraid to drive but more afraid of not knowing what to do (or blanking out). I feel that if I know all the rules and gain some experience to defend myself, I should do just fine.. of course that as well requires practice. But in the past month, I've drove in the highway and major roads (with someone next to me) but slowly getting there :-)

P.s. I've developed a new fear, driving in the snow.. but that's something I guess many more people can relate to.