Jiterymom in a couple of other threads wants help in setting goals related to being evaluated for a driver's license.
I would ask you to consider how you might develop a treatment plan for that fear. A couple of things come to mind. First, practice being evaluated in other situations. What else could you do that could have people observing you and evaluating you? (for example, reading out loud, or speaking in front of a group are good places to start)
Second, is there any way you could practice having your driving evaluated? Did you take driver training courses? Have you done "mock exams" with a professional driving trainer? I know that some trainers do that.
Finally, challenge the "what if"? What is your fear? What is the worst possible thing that could happen? Is it that you would "fail" your exam? What would be so bad about that? Lots of people fail the first time, then pass the second or third time.
I understand that you don't have a driving permit at the moment, but are you banned from getting a temp permit at all? I never heard of not being able to do that.
Physicians typically do not report people to the authorities for panic disorder. There is no evidence that people who have panic are worse drivers. In fact, people with panic are probably more cautious and get into fewer accidents. The majority of accidents involve young men 16-24, driving too fast, or driving aggressively with possible alcohol involvement.
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Anne-Marie, Site Administrator
