I'm thinking of learning how to drive.

[rbnyc]

What do you think of THAT?

Background: I'm 37. I have had a mild car phobia which became severe after horrible accident. I was excused from Behind-the-wheel when I was in High School because the instructor refused to ride with me. I tried to learn to drive in my early 20s but I scared the crap out of all my friends and almost caused a couple of accidents, so I decided it was the responsibility of bad drivers to take themselves off the road, and haven't tried to drive since.

I just got back from a driving trip, mostly HWY 1 in CA, and I wasn't scared! It was too beautiful to be scared. I'm feeling very trapped in the city and am ready for a change. I think if I learn to drive I will have more options.

Should I go for it? Should I get a friend or family member to teach me or take a class?

Don't you think I should avoid driving in NYC until I get some experience?

EDIT: typo

[KitchenWitch]

1. Take a class

It is never a good idea to try to learn how to drive from someone you love...(My dad tried to teach me...it was not pretty).

[radwriter0555]

2. Hire a professional driving instructor. It's not expensive at all, and

well worth it.

My friend who migrated from Romania never drove until 1.5 years ago at age 37. She's pretty darned good now!!!!

[rbnyc]

4. Cool.

Yeah, I tend to agree with both of you about an instructor. My marriage is on shaky ground as it is.

[LeftyMom]

3. I'm learning too

Well I went and got my permit, I haven't actually had a lesson yet. I'm taking a class, I figure I'll be more comfortable if I take a few lessons from a professional and I won't be so embarassed if I screw up.

[rbnyc]

5. I'll be in good company then.

Don't we have a lot of other stiff in common too?

[Taverner]

6. CA driving is way different than NYC driving

CA you are doing mainly highway driving, less stops and more fluidity.

NYC its stop and go, urban driving. More jerky and less fluid.

I would wait until you get to CA or get upstate...

[qnr]

7. Friends and family get too emotional, from what I've heard. n/t

[Left Is Write]

8. I would definitely take a class, and/or use a private teacher.

Good luck, and I hope you achieve your goal!

(If it makes you feel better, I have a 42-year-old sister who still doesn't drive, though she revisits the idea from time to time).

[skygazer]

9. I would definitely take a class

A professional instructor will be able to work with your fears better than a friend or family member. Be sure to explain your history to them - they will be able to tailor your lessons to fit your needs.

Only those with nerves of steel should drive in NYC (I LOVE to drive in NYC - I'm a country girl at heart but as soon as I hit Manhattan, I become one with them - one hand on the horn, the other out the window in a one-fingered salute).

Good luck! Overcoming a phobia is hard but it can be done. I suffered a lot of fear after an accident and it wasn't even a bad one, as I know yours was. The mind tries to protect us in some odd ways. :hug:

[hopein08]

10. Thank you for this thread, rbnyc!!!

I was in a bad accident (when the family member who was teaching me to drive decided that I was ready to go on the road WAY before I thought I was ready, and the family member was hurt) and now I'm almost 24 and don't drive yet. And my family keeps asking me when I'm going to drive. But I think I'd be way too nervous if the a family member was teaching me after what happened before. So I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one going though this. I also hadn't realized that getting a private teacher was so readily available. I'll have to look into that! I had been looking to go to graduate school in D.C. or somewhere with a subway/metro/good public transportation system to avoid driving. You'd be amazed with the excuses I can come up with!!:blush:

But again, thanks for starting this thread and giving me a bit of peace of mind on this subject:hug: :hug:

[rbnyc]

11. Hi!

I wish you all the luck in the world. Cars are dangerous and driving is not to be taken lightly, but we can do it!!