I don't think it's age. I too have lost my confidence. I'm so sad about it as it is effecting all aspects of my life.
Hugs, Sandi

I used to drive everywhere all the time also. Now I have a hard time driving, or even riding with someone a distance. I will be 67 this week...

funny you should post this today!!! I was never a confident driver until I had to be. a little over 3 years ago. my husband drove every where. except when I went to work or whatever locally. I learned and did well . I always avoid freeways lol. been venturing out and everyone is amazed , until today I went to fort snelling where my husband is buried . the route takes me through the twin cities and is about an hour from my northern suburban home. for whatever reason I had tons of anxiety and made some mistakes. my confidence totally shaken. never so glad to be home. what the heck happened???

I have experienced two car accidents within last three years, for this reason, my fears of driving had been well founded. One accident was not my fault, the second , I made an error misjudging the distance, and got hit hard in my left side.
6 months after the December 2015 accident, I still experience some residual anxiety in a heavy traffic, and when I observe ruthless speeding and cut-offs around me.

To remove my fear response of this phobia, I use a relaxation response.
First, I have been teaching a deep muscle relaxation technique and breathing exercises. E.g. control over breathing, muscle de-tensioning or meditation. I use positive self-talk recounting my years of a stellar driving record, my perfect hearing , relatively good sight,
I tried to never listen to the regular radio because ads drive me crazy. Instead, I have the nicest sweet CD in my car and listen to that music instead.
Secondly, I took my car for a service and some problems were detected, so I spend the money and time but fixed those worrying issues.
I do feel like those steps have been helping me. I hope you found it helpful.
Good luck!

It has been a few months past six years since I lost my husband; I was 59. During our time together (27 years), we made many car trips from our home in Maryland to his home place in Illinois. We always broke the trip up and stayed overnight in Indiana. Although I sometimes would share the driving, John did the majority; since he knew the way, I never paid much attention to exactly where he turned/exited. After he passed away, his sister wanted me to come out to visit as we always had done. I have made three trips since 2010 and have made out fine. My little dog is my traveling companion. I don't like stopping at the rest areas and make it as brief as possible. I stop at a pet-friendly motel to stay overnight but grab something to eat to take to the room before settling in so that I am not out after dark. It is such a different trip than when John and I would stop early enough to go to a nice restaurant and then enjoy a dip in the pool. Driving around Indianapolis is the worst part of the trip, but I plug in my GPS so that I keep on course since there are so many lanes of traffic. I always feel very satisfied with myself when I am able to get there and back home. Once I retire, I hope to do some traveling. I am not a flier so will travel by car. I just hope that I can keep the confidence that I have now to drive wherever. I hope that you regain yours so that you aren't restricted in where you'd enjoy going. This sure is a different life than I thought I would be living at age 65, soon to be 66. It has been difficult for me to "move on," but I am trying to find my way without my beloved John. I wish you the best.

My husband did the driving when we went out together, but I was confident taking my friends on shopping trips and even girls weekend aways. I was 60 when Don died and I found driving kind of relaxing. The solitude and freedom to stop at will was common. I have noticed that as the years pass I prefer not to drive, even locally. I don't think it's fear, I just found I have little desire to. I am glad to hear I'm not alone. Sharon

i have many vision problems and my husband did all the driving, i have now found my safe zones. i go to the familiar places and rarely outside of them

I was 45 then and now 50 and i do not think its age, its very hard to get used to

My late husband lost his vision years before he died, and I had to take over the wheel. Truthfully, I hate driving at the best of times. I'd rather look at the passing scenery - so I'm lucky I have a bus I can take to get to work.
That said, I'm just finding I'm a bit more self-conscious about my personal safety ALL the time. I can do stuff, and I do stuff on my own all the time, but my confidence is a bit shakier than it once was.

I find sometimes now that I feel invisible - I was talking with my beau about that recently. I'll try to find help in a store (especially a hardware store) and I get ignored. I was never a woman to attract much attention before, being overweight, but now no one takes notice of me! Like I've blended into the landscape. That, in and of itself, is shaking my confidence.

My husband did all the driving when we took trips. I drove around town and to work. After he passed away I was fearful of night driving till I had a surprise visit from my son one weekend. I decided to ask him to accompany me while I tried driving in the dark. i did great. I prefer not to drive the interstate and am selective as to how far and what routes I take. I guess my limit is 40 miles. When I travel I find other means of transportation. I'm planning a trip to see a friend 150 miles away and will ride a Greyhound. bus plus the price is right. At 76 I'm happy to do what I do.

Jacqui, Go to a Home Improvement store and practice on those people who are shaking your confidence. March right up to them and say "EXCUSE ME, I NEED HELP WITH SUCH AND SUCH" Love and Hugs, Dolores

I just have to add this. Went to Home Depot walked up and said I need someone to show me how to do this.
I have to pulled a section of carpet out, put up a new frame and pour some more decorative type cement to make a newer wider pellet stove pad. The rock/cement one I have is too small for my new pellet stove.
So this summer here I go. This guy is going to show me how to mix cement mixtures/get me lumber & show me how to cut to frame and take out the carpet....I am waiting for school to be out he said to come back as I get into it if I need help. YEAH!!!