Living with Driving Phobia

Most teenagers cannot wait to turn 16, get their license, and ultimately, a car. I was not most teenagers.

Turning 16 was by far the worst thing I could ever imagine. The thought of driving scared the poop out of me. When I did turn 16 and signed up for Driver's Education class, things only got worse. I hated driving. Everything about it. I had no good reason why. I had never been in a horrific accident or had a traumatic experience. I just absolutely hated being behind the wheel.

Fast forward 10 years later. I still hate driving. The thought of sitting in the driver's seat makes me want to hurl. I can drive. I know how. I can even pretend I am comfortable doing it. But the truth is, I would rather be getting my nails pulled out of my fingertips than be behind the wheel of a car. Because of this fear, I do not even have my driver's license.

Driving phobia is very real. While it may sound absurd to most people, it is a serious affliction. Most people think nothing of hopping in their vehicle to go to the store or work or school. Those with driving phobia put off driving by making excuses or canceling appointments. It is a very inconvenient phobia, not just to those suffering from it, but also those around them because they have to act as chauffeur.

Since I do not have my license, I must depend on friends and family to get me where I am going, if I cannot get there on my own. Thankfully, I love to walk, so I do not mind using my own two feet to get from place to place. A bicycle helps as well. But there are times when a vehicle is needed.

Most people do not even know I do not have my license. I have become a master at making up reason why I cannot drive someplace, or cannot just go get a car loan to purchase a car with. I will willingly admit that driving scares me and that I am extremely nervous behind the wheel, but that is all. I am too embarrassed to admit my driving phobia.

Like all phobias, there are supposed ways to cure them. Hypnosis seems to be the front runner when dealing with driving phobia. As promising as these techniques claim to be, I do not foresee them solving my dilemma. I am perfectly okay with living a non-driving life. I know it is not traditional, but there are ways around it. I have been making do for 10 years now. I am sure I can figure out ways to stay out from the behind the wheel in the future.