Thanks, Moderator. I just took the test and the results were that my problems are not a result of anxiety. However, as I mentioned before, I have had anxiety in the past - I was even taking a medication, as needed when the anxiety was bad. I think the defensive driving course would be a good idea. I think my biggest concern is having an accident - even before this happened. I have had near misses with other cars previously and so I think about the odds and think that it is bound to happen. If I had to go out right now and drive, I could. But I don't think I'll ever be able to go somewhere without first mapping out the route with my husband - highway entrances, exits, turns, etc. I have way too much fear of the unknown. I don't have the independence I was hoping to have by driving, and I'm not sure I ever will.

Hi Catlover. Welcome to the site. That was an unfortunate experience. When I was new to driving, I too had that tunnel vision. My problem was that the point in the road I focused on was too close to the car instead of a little further away. Have you taken our free anxiety test? I wonder too if you've considered investing in a defensive driving course? It may well be worth the money. I'd urge you to investigate it in any case. The library may have some videos on it. This could help reduce your anxiety level behind the wheel. All the best.

I am a new member. I apologize upfront for this being a long message. I've been searching all over for info on fear of driving. I don't think what I have is full blown panic attacks - although I have had some while driving, and in other situations in the past. My real problem is that I am a new driver, having learned later in life, and it does not come natural to me. I feel clumsy, unsure of myself and fearful. I practice ALOT and I have had my license for over 8 months. I was even driving back and forth to a job for almost 4 months - 35 minutes each way, on highways and even doing a traffic circle. But every time I think of getting in a car, I feel dread. Short trips too - the supermarket, parking lots, busy times of day. I am afraid of turns and merges and lane changes. I had an accident a few weeks ago - I actually hit a pedestrian while I was making a left turn, in the rain - she was not severely injured and although I was definitely at fault - she was a bit out of the crosswalk...but I get sick to my stomach when I visualize it, realizing I could have killed someone. Even crossing the street as a pedestrian myself, I am now more nervous. My husband calls what I have 'tunnel vision' and the way he describes it is true. I see mostly what's in front of me, because I'm so busy concentrating. When I'm on new roads my eye can't perceive the curves of the road, I can't always follow the lines depicting the lanes - sometimes I end up getting into a turning lane, thinking that I'm in the right lane and not realizing an additional turning lane came into play, and I didnt' notice it. When I look to merge onto a highway, and I look at oncoming traffic trying to judge when to enter, I'm not sure what I see. I'll wait for someone to pass, and as he approaches I'll realize he was in the left lane, and I had a clear shot at entering, but I couldn't tell which lane he was in. It feels like the more experience I have, the worse it gets. I need to drive to make a living, at least a few times a week the next few months,to an office that's about an hour away, and at least 3 highways and busy roads. After that the bulk of my work will involve a train commute so I keep telling myself I just have to get through this period. My self-esteem is shot and I always feel li

There is supposed to be a driving simulator at a nearby university. If you live near a major university they may also have one. The problem for me is getting there. It will have to be on the back roads when I am laid off or something.

Hi Coco. The only way to overcome it is to face it. You had a bad scare, but in fact you didn't crash, nor did you hurt someone. All careful drivers are on the alert. Have you considered taking a defensive driving course?

Miss Daisy, I can identify with you also. I have always had phobias of bridges, hills and deep curves but it never bothered me to the point where I could not drive until last year. I cannot get to work without driving over a bridge or a road with hills and deep curves. I was driving to work on the freeway until they started construction and put up those barriers which made the lanes much smaller it seemd to me. But I started fearing people driving behind me and it made me so nervous I would pull off to the side of the road and let the traffice go by because I was afraid I would cause an accident. I am on medication but it doesn't seem to help and now I am going to try a counselor. I must overcome this and I am sure in time you will too.

Hello, I do feel your pain as I read your post. I wish I knew why there are so many of us with the same problem, Fear of Driving. My problems started last year about this time. I still don't know what happened to start it. I was 56 at the time and had been driving for years with no problems and then all of a sudden it happened one day. I have never given up though. I have just kept on trying. I had to start from square one. Driving in my neighborhood and then finally on other major streets. I finally got to the place where I could drive myself to work. My husband had knee replacement surgery last December and I had to force myself to drive to the hospital and to drive him to the doctors for his appointments. About a month ago I had a panic attack while driving and almost lost control of my car. It scared me to the point that I stopped driving and my husband has had to drive me everywhere. I am so afraid I am going to kill myself or someone else while driving. I have prayed, cried and everthing else. I am finally going to see a counselor next week. My friends tells me that until I go I am never going to get over it. I can't imagine living the rest of my life like this. I do have hope that one day this too shall pass. Keep at it!

I am trying the new glasses soon. I avoid driving at night except in areas that are well light. Technically, polarized glasses are not for night but I have found a very light grey tint that might work. It is like having a light tint in your glasses, but polarized, which should reduce some of the glare. I will let you know as the glasses are a special order.

Michele - Sounds like you have night blindness, I have it too. I still haven't found anything that really helps. I try to avoid night driving but when I do I try to take routes I am very familiar with and well lit so I am ok. It seems to get progressively worse with age. Let me know if you find something that works. I never wore sunglasses until recently but had to get a pair because it is really bright where I live and the reflection from other cars were causing me to see spots, like when a flash from a camera goes off. The sunglasses have helped that tremendously and reduced some of my driving anxiety as well.

Dear Anne-Marie: Ha, ha! Thank you. I will wear my [color=Blue]blue ribbon[/color] with pride!!! Dale :)