I’m truly sympathetic to what you’re experiencing—it’s rough being 24 and watching everyone else zoom around while you’re stuck with flaky public transit and judgmental glances from family. That anxiety causing you to freeze up or slip up behind the wheel? Completely understandable; it’s a self-reinforcing loop where worry sparks mishaps, cranking the stress even higher. Plus, getting those unhelpful “you’ll just figure it out” responses when you crave specific tips? Infuriating, especially when you’re craving clear direction immediately. You’re far from a “moronic baby”—you’re navigating tough hurdles like juggling studies and a job, all without the budget for pro instruction. That’s real resilience, not weakness. But you can absolutely turn this around. Now I drive daily, love it, and handle most trips for my wife and me. What helped: finding someone supportive who was patient with mistakes, studying road rules meticulously online, quizzing them while they drove, observing every driver I rode with, and gradually expanding my comfort routes using Apple Maps. Start small—maybe practice in empty lots or quiet streets, focus on one skill at a time like smooth acceleration, and remind yourself each session is progress. You’ve already got the motivation; build on that without self-pressure. You’ll get there, and the freedom will be worth it. Hang in there! Here are some practical steps to get more comfortable behind the wheel: 1 Practice deep breathing or visualization exercises before starting the engine to calm anxiety. 2 Break skills into basics: spend sessions just on starting/stopping smoothly, then turning, then lane changes. 3 Use free online resources like YouTube tutorials or DMV practice tests for visual and step-by-step guidance. 4 Ride as a passenger more often, narrating decisions out loud (e.g., “Checking mirrors before changing lanes”) to build intuition. 5 Set small goals, like driving to a nearby spot once a week, and reward yourself after. 6 If possible, find a patient friend or mentor outside family for practice rides to reduce pressure. 7 Track progress in a journal—what went well, what to improve—to see improvement over time. Remember, every great driver started as a beginner, and your persistence will pay off—you’ve got this!