Quote:
Originally Posted by lillib
@ Access Denied
I hold a driver's license for now. I'm slated to go to the new DMV in the new state and exchange it and get a new one, after taking the written exam. Although I haven't owned a car in about 15 years, I manage to maintain my driver's license just in case there are emergencies that require my need to drive.
However, after years of not driving (even though I have and maintain a driver's license), I'm terrified of purchasing a vehicle and driving. I'm terrified of having a bad record if I make mistakes, and I'm terrified of getting into a car accident. I've never actually been in a car accident.
That said, I am considering taking a regular driving course, even though I already have my driver's license. Now, after you shared your post, I'm considering taking the defensive driving course immediately after the regular driving course. I will not purchase or rent a vehicle until I take those two courses, even though I have the basic requirements for me to hold a driver's license right now.
THANK YOU!
Oh, and (((((safe hugs))))) I'm so sorry that you went through all that! That must have been scary. The air bags scare me because I'm short, and I've always wondered about my head becoming decapitated. I have a morbid sense of anxiety, but still, I worry. Then again, I've seen my old peers who were in car accidents get completely disfigured - one lost half of his face, the other had to undergo brain surgery twice. Both were driving under the influence, however, so that may have had a lot to do with their accidents, I'm sure, but still. You never know what accidents will happen on the road, including other drunk drivers, sinkholes, earthquakes, a tornado, flooding, hydroplaning, landslides, swamp-like mud, skating on ice, heavy snowfall, blizzards, hurricanes, tsunamis, a family of ducks, a deer caught in the headlights, a bear on the loose, a disoriented bird, bullets flying from gang-involved road rage, a police pursuit in progress, and more. Roads can be dangerous, and it is always best to be prepared, even though some others might do the whole rational-irrational thinking exercise and insist that chances are unlikely, thereby minimizing our concerns, even though we are anxious. I'd rather err on the side of caution and be prepared. |
Hi @
lillib
Your regular driving course instructor will help you through the first hurdles of relearning your roadcraft. They are specially trained to assist nervous drivers, so no worries. I suggest you buy a DMV roadcraft book to read at home; choose the one that reads well from the first page onwards.
Your confidence will increase as your regular DMV continues. There is no rush; just take your time and pace yourself. Since so many years ago you'll learn from any mistakes, and your driving instructor will praise and guide.
Your commencing the defensive driving course immediately after your regular driving course is a good tactic, your specialist instructor will continue helping you manage your fears, just like mine had. The advanced roadcraft will reveal totally new driving skills, and in no time at all you'll be 'reading' the road ahead, and be taught evasive action. These skills will come with time. Learning to remember traffic signs is another skillset, for you'll be taught well and get to enjoy your advanced driver's course.
When I had my Porsche, stupid boy racers would tailgate me, but I pulled over to let them pass and ignored their jibes. The training I received instilled a new confidence, so my fears melted away under great guidance. Ironically one of the boy racers ended up in A&E. He recognised me and went beetroot when I said hello.
