How do I get over my fear of driving?

I would suggest seeing a therapist. They can help you to get in control of your fears. I would rather see someone be too afraid of hurting someone else then the people who just jump in and start driving crazy. You are a good person and your fears are valid. I think you should enlist the help of a parent. They can help you to take baby steps. Good luck and please don't be so hard on yourself.

Take a deep breath. I would like to point out some things to you, if you don't mind.

1) Cars are safer now than they have ever been. Accidents may look bad from the photos: you know the ones, the car is torn to shreds and all that is left is the frame? But! -- cars are designed to do that. The impact from a collision, the inertia and energy transferred from car to car, is absorbed by the car around you. The frame absorbs the shock and sends it to the outer shell and the car will seemingly disintegrate when the energy is transferred to it. The occupants inside the frame are left with minor cuts and scrapes, if that.

2) You have nothing to fear from driving. Cars are designed to protect the people inside them. Most in-town driving is limited to 35 MPH - most cars are only superficially damaged at those speeds. As long as you are vigilant and pay attention to other drivers - driving defensively, as it's called - you truly have nothing to fear.

3) If you ever need to drive on the highway and it is still a problem of being nervous for you, get up to the speed limit (most areas it is 65/70mph) and put your cruise control on. Stay in the far right lane, the one you're in when you enter. If people come flying up behind you or beside you, don't get worked up. You are in the "slow traffic" lane and they can merge to the left to go around you. You have nothing to worry about except staying in your lane until you get to your exit.

If it is possible I would encourage you to enroll in driver's ed. Having an instructor in the car while doing general in-town driving (at first, highway later) will help you boost your confidence. Remember to always remain calm and pay attention. YOU are your first line of defense when driving. YOU can avoid most accidents by being careful.

Other than that, it is a matter of getting you comfortable and used to the idea of driving. Go out and sit in the driver's seat of a vehicle. Buckle yourself in, adjust the mirrors, etc; but don't put the keys in the ignition. Just sit there. Sit there until you feel your heartbeat settle down, until you calm down. Repeat the process until you are adjusted to being in the driver's seat. Maybe the next time your parents/sister need to move the cars around, volunteer to do it. Take it slow, take your time, but get yourself used to being behind the wheel while a car is in motion. Gradually increase the distances you go each time - for this you may need your parents/driving instructor/other adult licensed driver in the car with you while you go. Keep working at it and get yourself used to it to build your confidence and get rid of the nerves.

HelloThat sounds really tough. I'm not sure how to help, but one thing I would suggest is thinking about what you would think if you met someone at a party that said they didn't drive? I'm sure you wouldn't be as harsh on them as you are on yourself. A lot of people don't drive these days for environmental reasons, financial reasons, all sorts. This adventurer guy doesn't drive and he's my hero ;) http://www.davecornthwaite.com/It does sound like driving brings up alot of anxiety and it may be worth seeking the help of a professional cbt therapist to help you identify the thoughts that are creating the strong reactions. They may be able to help you challenge and test those thoughts. It must be horrible to feel that stressed and you really shouldn't have to go through that. Did you feel the same way when having driving lessons? Would having extra driving tuition help or finding people that can help with your driving anxities? I'm sure it's a pretty common thing. You describe it as a phobia and the strong reactions suggest it could be, so perhaps find someone that is an expert in phobias. If they are broken down and tackled carefully in the right way, I am sure they can be overcome. Sorry I can't help more, but good luck and please don't beat yourself up so much over it. I am sure with the right help, support and guidance you can overcome this challenge.

thank you so much you guys!!!!!!!!

I had this fear when i was like 12. I was raised on a farm so my dad made me drive ofton. i was driving tractors before i got my liscenes. what i would do is so in a HUGE open area and practice parking and turning and going around stuff. somthing like that. drive in little areas your comfortable with like around the block. do that everyday so you can get comfortable with the driving part of it. see if that helps.