[SpoopyPumpkin]

Ok so right now I am freaking out because I have to go driving with my drivers Ed teacher tomorrow. We just got a new teacher so it isn't the same as the one I actually learned everything with. Not to mention the fact that I have an EXTREME phobia of driving. I am horrible at everything. I can't concentrate on that many steps. Turn signal, speed limit, hand over hand turning, stopping slowly enough to feel a jerk, etc. I can only concentrate on about 2 of these things at a time and he rushes me all the time. He doesn't try to teach me he just pushes me to drive places I have never been. I have only driven about 30 min or so total in my entire life and he expects me to know how to do everything perfectly. I am just so scared that I want to die right now. It's not even an exaggeration. I hate this panicking feeling and I hate driving. I am so bad at it....

[kaliope]

first off, change your language. you are not so bad, you are inexperienced. it takes time and practice to build confidence in what you are doing. as you said, there are many steps involved. dont think about them all at once. your main concerns are gas, brake, stearing and checking your mirrors. you only have to worry about bringing those other steps in when you are turning. dont worry about them until the time comes. your hands are right there on the stearing where so flicking the turn signal isnt really a step, it is a matter of flicking your pinkie up or down. it becomes natural. just a brief thought. dont let it overwhelm you. the hand over hand is just as natural as that is what it takes to turn the steering wheel around a corner. your brain is just overloaded on trying to translate a book process into a natural flow process. i will admit the most challenging part is the braking process. judging those distances and learning how to come to a smooth stop. getting used to the pressure of the brake. and it is different in all cars. having someone take you out to a parking lot so you can do it over and over and over again is the best way to get over that anxiety and build your confidence. good luck