Kristen,

I was one in the same boat. I had major issues relating to previous experiences within cars and therefore developed a phobia for driving. I felt like driving was one of the most judgmental things possible and that those all around me sniggered behind my back because i couldn’t drive. I put off learning, I always used the excuse that I didn’t have the time or it was pointless as i wouldn’t be buying a car anyway.

I don’t have a remedy for you unfortunately but what i can say is everybody’s different, all of us on this thread could supply you with a solution and some may work better than others, what you need to grasp is its your mind that is stopping you and it will be your mind that will get you started again. One of these solutions may work perfectly – if your mind lets it. What you need to stop doing as I have been and still am guilty of is CARING – as strange as it sounds. I cared so much about what everybody else was thinking, saying, doing. I compare my life to others all the time as you sound like you are with your brothers, i hated the fact all my friends could drive and i couldn’t, i felt useless.

About 6 months ago I really did let it all get to me and i really just had no answers, i actually started reading these sites and took in some of the knowledge and wisdom and have been trying ever since to stop caring so much and to just do everything i want to do. The first thing was driving, you may find it easier or worse but i dedicated a week towards it – i paid for a intensive week and explained openly to the instructor i was very nervous. What worked for me all week was my thoughts – or lack of them. When i went driving, i thought about driving, i didn’t bring anything else with me to the car, no thoughts about what others would think, i didn’t bring thoughts of doubt into the car, i purely concentrated on driving and learning and improving. Friday came and I had no nerves which i found odd, i sat my test and passed first time with one minor. That was 3 months ago and I was 22 when i passed, I’m no longer afraid of the judgement i will receive from people when i state that and i hope your the same.

If there is one thing i would suggest it would be to grasp your chances now, don’t wait until tomorrow because tomorrow never comes. I put things off and missed out, not anymore!

Hope this helps, I’ve scouted this website for months but have created an account because you sound just like me, like i said i have no remedy but i always feel listening to others can help me create my own solution.

Let us know WHEN you pass..

Dale