Does anyone have any advice for a teenager with a driving phobia?

Most people my age rush out to get their licenses, I however, could have had it nearly a year ago. I have been struggling from the day i got my permit to get over this fear of driving, but every time i get behind the wheel, or even think about it, i tense up and panic. The lack of control you have while on the road scares the hell out of me, and my parents and friends certainly haven't been helping with the excessive pressure. I know i'm missing out on alot of things due to my lack of license, and i certainly want to learn how to drive, but I'm so uncomfortable with it. I notoriously do not get along with my parents, and have no one else willing to teach me. Tips? Advice?Does anyone have any advice for a teenager with a driving phobia?
If you have panic attacks due to driving, then you should really look into getting help with that, it's probably a warning sign of a serious anxiety disorder. However, I'm sure a lot of teens have problems with the stress and pressure to do well on their driving exam and not get into accidents, I know I did when I was first learning to drive.Does anyone have any advice for a teenager with a driving phobia?
I have the same prob, you not the only one
I was really scared at first, too. See if there is a new subdivision anywhere near your house that has the streets in, but no houses and therefore no traffic. Then go there with a parent or a friend's parent and just go as slow as you like with nothing to worry about. That is what I practiced on at first. After you get a feel for it, if you are still scared about other cars, have a freind drive very slowly the other direction towards you and get used to it slowly. You actually do have alot of control, but you have to learn it and get used to it.





My dad taught me alot in empty parking lots, having me slam on my brakes to see how it felt. He took me in an icy empty place and taught me to drive on ice. You have to get the feel for things, and then you can be more relaxed (while still alert). But try to find a place where you can not worry about it or about people watching for the first few times.





Once you get used to a car moving and you steering, and you are still nervous, try a driving school. I am sure they have had nervous people before.
First of all, not everyone enjoys driving. I didn't get my license until I was 19 and I'm 44 and still afraid to drive. This doesn't mean it will get worse. Second, you don't get along with your parents will put more pressure than pleasure of driving.


Here's some ideas:


1. Pretend you're driving on a chair.


2. Walk along the streets and take notice of the surroundings.


3. Watch movies about driving.


4. Go to an Arcade and drive one of those simulators.


5. Write your fears of driving.





Basically, what I'm trying to say is get familiar with the street signs, widen of the road, children nearby, stop signs, or buildings. This will help you not fear the driving. Also, pretend that you're driving your friends to a pizza place or a mall. This is what I use to do to ease my fears. What works for some may not work for others. This is why I say write down what really bothers you about driving. Could it be the people? Hitting children as they play or running a stop sign. A lot of these may just be examples but they do happen. My sister has a fear of driving cause she was involved in a car accident as a young child and a teenager. Did you experience a car accident or a friend in a car accident? If so, this could be the main reason you fear driving. This doesn't mean you have mental issues. So, don't allow others to judge before they get the story correct. Be patient. Driving is fun.
You just got to relax http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h鈥?/a>
Practice with someone in a large parking lot.
I have the same problem. I can't really give you any tips though since I haven't gotten over it myself. First you need to practice driving with someone you feel comfortable with. If you're having trouble with your parents, maybe you have an older brother or sister or an aunt or someone who is closer to your age or might be more understanding. Good luck and I hope you can get over it.