Maria D., Consider that there are lots of new citizens who have to go through the permit procedure, no matter how old they are. There are older drivers too who have to go to apply for permits and those who go to get new plates, change their address, etc. That you're going for it is cause to be proud, yes? Try to focus on the goal and not who's in the room.
A older friend of mine who suffers from PA went through a driver's ed course. She said she would be quiet in class and would use humor if she had to, but she got through it fine and is now driving.
Add some good "what if's" to your thinking, like what if I meet someone there who will turn out to be a friend? What if they're all really nice?