[BubonicPlague]

I haven't started driving yet and I'm 17. My dad really wanted me start last year, but eventually after my anxiety got worse he decided to let me wait until I got a little bit better.

I'm thinking of starting maybe in the summer. I worry of the car running out of gas while driving and getting into a car accident.

I'll be driving my dad's old 2001 Ford and it broke down on him a few months back.

[ExistingInChanges]

Originally Posted by BubonicPlague

I haven't started driving yet and I'm 17. My dad really wanted me start last year, but eventually after my anxiety got worse he decided to let me wait until I got a little bit better.

I'm thinking of starting maybe in the summer. I worry of the car running out of gas while driving and getting into a car accident.

I'll be driving my dad's old 2001 Ford and it broke down on him a few months back.

It is kind of scarey to get an older car and to know it may not be reliable.
Have you talked to your dad about the fears of it breaking down on you?
Have the knowledge on what to do in case it does break down. Call someone for help moving it to the side of the road. My car broke down at a light before and I panicked and couldn't think clearly. If you call a family member and let them know you're broken down or a friend you trust, then that is the thing to do AFTER turning on your emergency lights.

[ExistingInChanges]

And if you get in a car accident, then call 911.

[Verity81]

You will be driving with someone with you to teach you at first so you won't be alone even if there was a breakdown.

Can't you practise driving on private land first before you go out on the road. That way you get used to the controls of the car beforehand.

[Almeera]

It's not the age of a car that matters, but how well she's maintained. She'll break down occasionally, any car does, but the odds of a major malfunction happening that would lead to a car crash are somewhere between 1% to 3% (I'm quoting this out of a textbook I have open right now).

As for the car running out of gas, that can't happen without you knowing about it well in advance. Every car has a display on-board that shows you how much gas you have left; even when you're "in the red" you can still drive a good few kilometers before the engine stops completely.

With driving, you have to remember that you control the car, not the other way around. Once you get used to it (and that doesn't take very long) it will give you a tremendous sense of control and empowerment. I speak from experience when I say that what I feel when driving is the polar opposite of anxiety.

[misskrome]

First, get you one of these: http://www.amazon.com/AAA-Piece-Expl...r+roadside+kit

I always carry my phone, spare spark plugs, jumper cables, a jack, tire iron, doughnut, spare bulbs, a first aid kit, some basic tools, oil, transmission fluid, washer fluid, tire gauge and kitty litter in my car, just in case. When I got my first car, it was sooo old. Every month, something broke on it, much of the time, leaving me stranded, once, even in a place with no cell reception Have an emergency contact in your phone. Oh, yes, and get a gas can. Forgot about that. Your anxiety is justified, even a better mindset than being cocky. Being a cautious and careful driver will help to keep your insurance rates nice and low.

[feferock]

I didn't get my liscense until I was 23 and only then because my husband was sick of driving me everywhere. I still refuse to drive anywhere I've never driven with someone a few times at least, especially flint. And going on freeways and expressways give me severe anxiety and I shake and it's just general horribleness. I'm 28 now. I've just recently been able to listen to music or chew gum while driving. That sounds weird I know but yeah. I've now been in a ditch twice(my fault) and 2 accidents(their faults) and I've learned not to be so freaked out about it. Although someone once asked me what's worst case scenario if I took a wrong turn or got lost. I immediately said car accident. They stopped what they were about to say and just stared at me then walked away. Guess not everybody feels this way

Fefe(28) -bipolar II
Hubby(28)
Son(8)-aspergers and possibly ADHD and odd
Daughter(5)

I think it is very normal to have anxiety issues about driving. Beginners or in weather or at night or in the rain..... these can all be issues that can be unsettling.

BUT - I also think with practice. You can eventually get past these. It will take time. But if you practice say twice a week for a few months. you will gain some self confidence and even a little bit of a feeling of mastery (DBT terminology).

Good luck to you.

Originally Posted by BubonicPlague

I haven't started driving yet and I'm 17. My dad really wanted me start last year, but eventually after my anxiety got worse he decided to let me wait until I got a little bit better.

I'm thinking of starting maybe in the summer. I worry of the car running out of gas while driving and getting into a car accident.

I'll be driving my dad's old 2001 Ford and it broke down on him a few months back.

I think that shows better judgment than most new drivers have.

[volatile]

I'm 25 and have never had a drivers license. My agoraphobia has never let me take the test. I have driven hundreds of times though illegally but I don't do that anymore. I plan on actually taking the test myself sometime in the coming months.
Don't worry about being late! believe me! You can do it!
I'm also afraid of accidents but more afraid of getting pulled over.
The more you drive the easier it gets. usually anyway.