Lost confidence in driving

I felt like this when I moved from Wales to Surrey a few years ago. It is daunting finding your way around a new area after knowing another one all your life. I still don’t know my way around further afield as much as I’d like but use the location app on my phone when I’m not sure, I have a holder for it and it works like a mini sized sat nav , I find this helps.

I drive back regularly to Wales and am fine on the M25/M4 going “home”. ( or I did until Covid haven’t been back since Dec ) but I’ll go when I can and that doesn’t bother me

I do think it’s the new move that’s the main point although do regular short drives that you know to get used to your new car. Maybe practice parking etc somewhere really quiet. Good luck I do understand how you feel.

Those narrow Devon roads with their high banks really are a challenge. Try to plan your routes so you are on wider roads with better vision and clear markings and signage.

Keep at it, take it a little at a time.

I don't like driving either, and do it out of necessity. I agree that the change in your life is probably what has caused you to lose confidence.
Are you otherwise well?
Can you share your concern with DH - would he be helpful?

I second getting a 'confidence boosting' lesson - I know several people who have done this.

Useful tip if you don't want to share with anyone else - this is something I do every so often, to keep me aware 7 alert as a driver:
go out on your own, begin on familiar ground, and narrate your driving as if you were talking to an instructor "I am going to turn left, I look in the mirror, am aware of a car some distance behind, I signal, I look ahead, glance to the inside, .......I see traffic lights ahead, they are green, I take my foot off the pedal, aware they may change, I check the cars near me...."
Keep going as you take a slightly less familiar route.

I only want to drive local places really. Always let DH drive if we’re going far. That’s bad, I know, because if anything were to happen to him, I would be stuffed.

Passed my test at 17, 60 odd years ago, but driving has always been a necessity, not a pleasure.

You're not alone though. I feel I've lost a lot of confidence in my driving. I don't know why, as I used to drive all over the place. I find myself avoiding going to certain places because I'll have to drive. I had quite a bit of time off driving after my knee ops but even so I don't understand my new attitude to driving. I know several others who feel the same. No excuse. No new area or new car.

Could be a combination of new car, new territory and stress of moving as the others have said just keep doing and the newness of those things will gradually die down and taking a course also may help. Don’t give up keep going.

Hello TrishaJ, I think your lack of confidence might be linked to your move to Devon? I know from experience that new territory can be a bit challenging/daunting until you get used to the rythms & foibles of the roads around your new place & further afield. Why not get a Satnav which I find very useful when driving somewhere unfamiliar. I also agree with the up post about taking a course. No doubt a local driving school would know how best to help your confidence? 'Use it or lose it"... .isn't that what we're told? You go girl. Get out there and enjoy the new wonderful Devon scenery. Good luck.

You could take some driving lessons or do the advanced driving course which I believe is run under the auspices of the police.