Do AvPD People Drive?

I don't have car and I don't have a driving license. I am 34 and people around don't understand why I don't do anything about it. But I am AvPD and social phobic and know my limitations.

I wonder if people who have AvPD drive and if not, why?

I don't really see the link between AvPD and driving? I don't have a car because I can't afford one and it wouldn't really be practical in the city, but I do have my driver's license and I used to drive a lot before I moved here.

I'm afraid to get into traffic. Even though Ignace both car and motorcycle license.

I procrastinate in traffic so I prefer to find other means of transportation.

But as the topic states, I don't really see a connection to APV.

I was briefly diagnosed with it by a both psychiatrist and psychologist woman and the whole time I just kept daydreaming that she ......likes me?

I'm sorry but I'm still confused by it. Even though my research into it, makes me feel invalid.

I can't help but look at people's facial expressions and see if..

I think I need to poop haha

Are you familiar enough with what it is like having AvPD and social anxiety?

Here are a few scenarios that can trigger the symptoms:

- When driving there is a higher chance of exposure to people

- There is a higher chance that unknown can happen and you will be anxious

- You are worrying if you are driving too slow

- People beep from behind and you wonder whether there's something wrong with you

- Situation can happen when there are changes to route/construction and you won't know how to respond in order to get to your destination

- If someone bumps into you because you stopped fast on red light there can be a conflict where you and another driver will shout and will trigger social anxiety

And I could go on with this.

But doesn't driving actually lessen your exposure to people? You are in your own little world in a car. You run into far more people using public transport or even just walking. Unless you compare driving to not leaving the house at all. Are you agoraphobic?

None of the things you mention are specific AvPD fears. Social anxiety maybe for some, but it sounds more like general anxiety.

The most difficult part in driving with AvPD for me personally was taking driving lessons, and of course my driving test. Being in a car with another person who is closely observing what you do..... That made me feel pressured. And I admit, I hate driving through cities with lots of traffic, especially if I don't know the way. But so do tons of other people without AvPD.

In the 12 years I've had my license, I have never had a conflict with another driver. No one has bumped into me at a red light. You take lessons to know how to handle different situations. Of course I wouldn't enjoy getting yelled at by another driver, but the chance of that happening is so small. There's a bigger chance of getting yelled at by someone walking down the road than driving.

I don't currently drive, but that is more because I never learned how to parallel park which is required for my driver's test more than anything.

I definitely felt anxious about how other drivers perceived my driving though, if I was going too slow, people beeping their horns, etc. In a sense you don't have to interact with people when you are driving because you're in your car, but there's still a social situation when you are driving on roads with traffic because there are other drivers involved. It just wasn't as bad for me as my main problem has always been more interpersonal avoidance.

I didn't get my license until I was 33. Prior to then, my self-esteem was so poor that I didn't think I was capable of learning to drive. I was also terrified of the possibility of hurting someone and feared the extreme embarrassment of having an accident. Being able to eventually work through these feelings and earn my license has been valuable to my self-esteem.

I drive. My issues are more with being afraid to get close to people emotionally. I don't seem to have much social anxiety-what you describe sounds (in my opinion-not a diagnosis) more like social anxiety.

I agree with Breakforthelight here, for me it is a great way of "getting out there" without having to talk with people. I love driving around in my car, turning up the volume, listening to my favourite music and daydream while i look at the world pass by. I guess it might be a bit different for you realizer since you are 34 and have never had a license. You just need to start driving and within a month or two you will be comfortable with it. WHat are the alternatives, riding with other people, bus, train, taxi etc. much much MUCH worse in my opinion!