“Fear is just a passenger. You’re still the driver.”

Posted by Jerry Dennis on Oct 16th 2025

“Fear is just a passenger. You’re still the driver.”

“Scared to Drive? I Was Too—Until My Instructor Said This…”

For nervous adults who’ve avoided the wheel


The 32-Year Panic Button

Age 32.

  • Fear: Merging onto 1604
  • Excuse: “Uber’s fine”
  • Reality: $87 surge to the airport

One night, I whispered to Google: “driving lessons for adults San Antonio nervous” Rhodes appeared: “Confidence Booster – 1st hour FREE.”


Hour 1: Empty Lot, Zero Judgment

Eckhert Location, 7 p.m. (sunset vibes)

  • Instructor Maria (calm voice, 18 years)
  • Car: 2024 Corolla, dual brakes
  • Lot: Church parking—no cars, no eyes

First 5 min:

  • Seat + mirrors
  • “Press brake… now gas… gentle
  • I giggled. Actually giggled.

The Magic Sentence

Mid-lap, hands shaking:

Maria: “The car doesn’t know you’re scared. It only knows pressure on pedals.”

Mind. Blown.

Week 2: Highway & Healing

Helotes, 6:30 a.m. (empty 1604)

  • Merge drill: 3 practice runs
  • Speed: 65 mph → smiling
  • Audio: Maria’s playlist (Lo-fi beats, zero pressure)

Breakthrough: Passed a semi. Waved.


Test Day: Calm, Not Chaos

Third-Party Test, Culebra

  • Parallel park: 14 sec
  • Examiner: “You’re the calmest adult I’ve tested.”
  • Score: 98% (lost 2 for “excessive gratitude”)

Your 4-Week Fear-to-Freedom Plan

  1. Book “Confidence Booster”eckhert@rhodesdrivingschools.com
  2. 1st hour FREE → empty lot, dual brakes
  3. 6 flexible hours → evenings/weekends
  4. Test + license → same week

Locations: Helotes, Ellison, Eckhert, Culebra


Now? I Drive Everywhere

  • Grocery runs
  • Surprise Whataburger trips
  • Teaching my best friend (paying it forward)