Well I received my learner's permit (for driving) today. I passed my written driving test which means I can begin to practice driving officially now, even on the highway and in town. I have to practice obviously, before I am allowed to take my actual driving test. Things are far too hectic today, but Uncle promises to take me out tomorrow for a bit, and I'm very excited about it.

I have had a phobia about driving ever since my dad was teaching me to drive. That was shortly before he shot my family and I, so up until this point I have associated driving with the trauma. Then recently I was also feeling kind of weird and guilty about driving because Brian died from driving while intoxicated. I haven't wanted my family worrying about me doing something foolish. It's took a lot of effort to get up the nerve to even take the written test. I am nervous about the actual driving as well, but I have driven some of our machinery here on the acreage so I'm hoping that will help. I still have a long way to go but just taking and passing the written test finally has encouraged me.

:claps: Way to go!

That is a huge step and good for you! I'm sure once you get used to it, you'll love it.

I find with my PTSD and my meds, I'm very cautious about when I drive. If I feel a little too medicated, dizzy or anxious, I just won't drive. I think it makes me a better driver.

I have no doubt you will end up being a cautious and safe driver too from your experiences. Good luck!

bec

Wonderful darling, I am very proud of you. Like Bec I am positive you will be a good, careful driver. I would say far better than myself but knowing what a horrendous driver I am, that is not saying much!

Way to go Evie, well done and excellent work on your behalf for doing, not just thinking. Evie, welcome to independence.... you will be surprised.

You go, Evie!!!!! Screwing your courage to the sticking place can be a tough thing. And you did it. Congrats and happy driving.

Thanks everyone! It's official, Uncle said he will definitely take me driving tomorrow, so I'm really excited! I hope I don't feel too nervous. He's making me learn on a standard. :p

I hope you stay brave as you go out driving with Your Uncle Jim!!!! Being behind the wheel is a whole kind of new experience leading to an increased sense of independance..... ENJOY!!!!! SPREADING THE PEACE

What is a standard? Manual transmission I assume? As we know though, assumptions are not a good thing with PTSD, so I just ask.

Congrats!!! Good luck with driving lessons - I was doing mine up until April and am starting mine again in September... it's scary but it is fun, I think you will get a lot out of learning, and its another step with dealing another part of the PTSD and association....

Really wish you all the best with it!

Thanks wildfire and Lisa. Lisa, maybe we can compare notes since we are both practicing at the same time practically!

Yes manual transmission, it's mostly called standard transmission here, or just "standard" if your talking about a vehicle with it. I'm kind of wishing I was learning on an automatic, but my uncle says if I learn to drive a standard I can drive anything! :p