[Crysis]

I'm taking my driving test in a few days, and I'm absolutely terrified. While driving with my permit I have more then once felt like just pulling over and sobbing, the other day when I got onto the highway I felt tears in my eyes because of how scared I was. Something about driving just turns me into a nervous-anxious wreck, but I've come to terms that I absolutely must drive, its just one of those things in life. How can I calm my nerves while I'm taking the test? And while I'm driving in general, it'd be nice to be able to drive to the store or movies without feeling like I'm about to have a heart attack or vomit because of how terrified I am.

[BatsAndButterflies]

I completely understand. This kept me from getting my license until I was 18 and I still don't drive often, because I don't have a car. Not that I couldn't borrow my parents' car. It gets less difficult over time. During the test... DON'T FORGET TO BREATHE!

Are there any certain places that you can drive to with no problem? For me I could easily drive to my high school or where I used to work and now I'm a little better about driving other places. It still freaks me out, but it's gotten better.

If you think you really think you cannot calm down at all and it will interfere with your driving, try asking your doctor about some performanc anxiety medication.

[kaliope]

I was going to suggest the same as BatsandButterflies. Antianxiety medication, though breathing works too. LOL. I have lots of anxiety surrounding driving over the years. It wasnt like that when i first started. Only when merging onto freeways would i panic, but this last fiften years I started having panic attacks over the idea of driving into the city on the highway, having to be near the concrete barriers. Kept me from traveling for a long time. Then I moved to the city and had to commute and the anxiety got so bad that I would "see" things that werent happening. Wont tell you cause dont want to get the ideas in your head. Finally I just got on buspar to control the anxiety i experienced driving every day and the hallucinations/psychosis, whatever it was went away. I also smoke when i drive to reduce the anxiety. smoking forces me to breathe. i dont smoke normally, but when i drive i do. i know that isnt a good option for a driving test, but the breathing part of it is. wish i could help, just really wanted to let you know you werent alone in your fears on the road.

[Soul Quake]

Get a driving instructor. Find someone (it shouldn't be hard) who understands anxious drivers.