Anxiety over Driving!?

Hi guys, I just started learning how to drive about 1 month ago. I'm taking it very slow, my dad's teaching me. Thing is, I'm terrified of driving. I've been on the roads already, and I literally have panic attacks every time a cars next to me, or pulls out in front of me, or anything! I just need advice on what to do. As my dad puts it I have 'no self confidence' in my self. He says I drive better than I give myself credit for.

I'm feeling hopeless, like I'll never be able to drive without feeling flustered..or so nervous that I want to cry. Any inspirational driving stories that could help me out? Or anything?! Thank you!

ALSO -- the car I'm using is my dad's, which is a Dodge Intrepid. It's a wide, huge car, it feels like a damn boat. Would using a smaller car help me at all? Thanks!
Additional Details
Thank you all SO much, it won't let me rate any of you for some reason..but I really appreciate all your answers, thank you so much!

chris s

u got 2 relax when i started driving about a year ago i wouldn't go on main roads i tried to stay on back roads where there is no traffic. i was scared but i eventually got used to it. some people it takes longer. heck my girlfriend cant drive in traffic without someone there and she has been driving for 2 years. u just got to build yourself up to more and more traffic. take your time and u will get the hang of it. try driving on less populated streets around your neighborhood would work where u can go slower and take your time without people getting mad at u hope this help and the best of luck

Jimeeezzzzyyyyy

A smaller car is worse for you. Having a big *** car is safer lol. But just relax theres no reason to panic the person is 99.999% chance of not hitting you. The more you panic yourself the more likely you will actully hit something. So basically have fun instead of panicing and have confidence in yourself.

JUAN FRAN$$$

Yeah only one way to get over it is to practice, practice practice every chance you get.

Get your dad to take out on little used back roads so you can practice and not have to worry about traffic.

Size of the car doesn't make that much difference.

Susan M

As you practice, you will get better and more comfortable. It can be scary at first, and I hope you keep some of that concern because driving can be dangerous. Accidents can happen really fast with a car.
Just practice driving and practice deep breathing to relax. Keep focused when you drive. You'll be OK. It does get easier and better the more you drive. Learning with a big car will always be a plus, once you master it. It will make parking a smaller car easy.

Listen and get it when your Father praises you! You are doing a good job!

If you feel like you need more practice time away from traffic, talk it over with your Dad. Go to a parking lot, like a school lot, when it's empty and practice there.

bungee

listen to your dad after all he is the one who knows how to drive, not you.................

elcamino man

Have your Dad take you to a big parking lot that has no cars. Tell your dad to get out and practice driving by your self. That's what i did with my son and he learned to drive a five speed.

Merl

i'm dealing with the same thing. my dad's been teaching me for about a month, as well. i've drove around in neighborhoods and parking lots with him but not on the real street. for me, as i passed/avoided more and more cars i became more comfortable. (i dont know if that's the same for you) when i'm scared, i tell myself, that i got a guy next to me whose been driving for at least 30 years, and he wont let anything go wrong. trust your dad, and soon you can probably be comfortable enough to trust yourself.

UCANTCME

Driving anxiety is a form of this mental disorder that is experienced by both men and women alike. However, studies in the United States and other nations have shown that women, whether young or old, are more likely to experience driving anxiety than men of the same age. So what exactly is driving anxiety? Medical practitioners explain this condition as going beyond the mere nervousness of driving, whether on a city street or a highway.

Driving anxiety may be caused by a prior traumatic experience by a motorist, such as a car accident, a collision, or others, causing him or her to be an apprehensive and unsafe driver. In some cases, a person may be affected by driving anxiety under stressful driving conditions, such as along speedy cars on a freeway, or extremely congested traffic. This is regardless of driving experience or previous accidents encountered.

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