How to overcome fear of driving?

I'm 16, turning 17 really soon and I only have my permit. I'm currently enrolled in Driver's Ed ( we start driving tomorrow ) and I'm freaking out just thinking about it !

I've only driven a little bit ( on small streets, once on the highway ) and I never ever drive fast. ( 40 is my limit ) The reason why I'm scared is obviously the fear of crashing. ( I'm afraid to drive fast because I feel like I'm going to lose control of the car. ) I do have anxiety ( I've had anxiety ever since I was young )

We start driving tomorrow and I'm scared I'm going to screw up not only front of my instructor and my friends ( There's only 4 kids plus my ex. ) They all have driven nearly 50 hours, and love to drive. I'm the only one who's scared and nervous.

How do I overcome this fear ? Especially since I'm driving tomorrow. I asked my mom to take me out driving later but I don't think she'll pull through because of my baby sister ( she's 4, and constantly needs to be watched. ) I'd drive with my sister, but I get really really nervous/scared when she's in the car.

bell430

There are only two things you can do. Either confront it or postpone it.
The most recommended way would be to confront it, sooner or later you have to and once you get through the first experiences its going to get easier. If it is too much cancel it and try to relax, you may want to see your doctor and tell him about your panic attack and he would prescribe xanax which is a relaxant not really recommended but it will relax you and get you through the anxiety.
But mostly you are afraid of what people might think of you, you just have to get an "I don't care what people think of me/ who cares" attitude. Or better still focus on what you are doing and don't think of anyone else, assume they are not watching you, except the instructor of course.
Nobody cares if you screw up that's only human it happens to everybody.
Hope it helps

blah

i just finished it today.
i was freaking out the first day but it is not bad at all.
you forget you are going fast.
the passenger side of the car has a brake.
so if you are not slowing down enough they will say brake.
then if you dont then they will start braking.
you will not crash since they have brakes too.
they can also grab the wheel to avoid stuff.
today i went 75 in a 70 interstate. haaa
but the first day i was scared at 20.
so it gets better and you wont noitice.

good luck

UCANTCME

Get comfortable with the vehicle. Sit in the driver's seat and learn about that particular vehicle.

Find all of the basic controls, such as the windshield wiper function, the lights, seatbelts, blinker, and pedals.

Adjust your seat, seatbelt, and mirrors. First, slide the seat forward or backward so that you can reach all the pedals with the correct feet.

Then buckle yourself in, and if the seatbelt is adjustable, make sure it isn't too high on your neck.

The mirrors should be adjusted every time you enter the vehicle, beginning with the rear-view mirror.

Tilt the mirror so you can see clearly out the back windshield, and make sure your night-vision function is off. Both side mirrors should be turned so that you can see your car on the inside of the mirror, and anything behind or beside you should be on the outside of the mirror.

Remember that driving should be fun, once you get the hang of it. Don't treat the vehicle like an enemy - it will get you wherever you want to go, if you know how.

Watch out for other drivers. We can be a crazy lot and don't always know when another driver needs some leeway.

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