Learning to Drive at Twenty-Two

I was 23 when I finally got my drivers license. I am now 26, and this is my hand after I drive on the highway. Driving is definitely one of my biggest fears. One that I had to overcome. ⁣

⁣When I was younger, around ten, I was involved in a car accident, and I think that kind of stuck with me. ⁣When it came time to learn how to drive I could not make myself do it. I watched all my friends get their license, as I depended on my, then boyfriend now husband, and parents to drive me around. ⁣

⁣At 22, I had two kids, and still could not drive. I tried, do not get me wrong, but every time I got in a car to practice, I had a panic attack. ⁣

⁣Every time a car got behind me while I was practicing, I had to pull over and cry. ⁣

⁣When I turned 23, I decided I would book my license test, and literally force myself to learn to drive. I was not ready, but I felt very pressured to learn so I could take care of my kids independently. I needed to learn to drive. ⁣

⁣When I took my test, the instructor asked me to back up into a stall, while other cars waited around me to back in. ⁣

⁣I froze. ⁣

⁣I remember staring at all the cars waiting for me, and the instructor waiting for me to back in. She even said to me “It’s okay, just relax, you can do this.” ⁣

I sat in the middle of the parking lot in that car for a good minute before I could move. ⁣

⁣I backed in perfectly. ⁣

⁣“Well, you passed!” She said. ⁣

⁣I burst into tears. I tried to explain to her I was NOT crazy, and that this was just a huge step for me. ⁣

⁣I have been driving for three years now, and I still have my moments.⁣

⁣If I go on the highway, or somewhere I’m not familiar with the roads, I still panic. ⁣

⁣I have to hold my steering wheel so tight my hand goes numb and turns red. I clench my teeth so bad I get a headache. I get so sweaty, so I need the window down even if it’s winter and cold outside. ⁣

⁣Driving is a work in progress, and that’s okay. ⁣

I’m just sharing this to let you know that fear of driving is real. And it’s scary. ⁣It’s okay if you don’t want to drive, or don’t even have your license. ⁣

⁣Get it when YOU are ready, and comfortable. ⁣

⁣Don’t let anyone make you feel less for not driving. ⁣

⁣You will drive, one day, when you are ready.