Does it ever get better?

I passed my test May 2023 and got my first car last month after 18 months of saving up. I couldn't wait to finally have the freedom to travel and not have to commute to work on public transport anymore.

That was until I got the car and have been an anxious mess ever since. Knowing I have to drive somewhere puts the fear of God in my eyes. I will be panicking the entire day beforehand and won't sleep. Sometimes even having nightmares about driving. Whilst driving I'm sweating, shaking, hyperventilating at points.

I keep being told that if I just keep driving it will get better. Even had a 'confidence boosting' driving lesson in my car and she told me to just get out there and drive as I drive really well and just need to practice... but I can't because I'm utterly petrified. The biting point on my Aygo is exceptionally high and I'm really struggling to get used to it which I think is the main cause. I constantly panic about stalling it or revving it too loud to get it to set off quickly.

I'd love to hear from anyone who managed to overcome the anxiety of driving and how you did it? I need hope that there's an end to this nightmare 🥲