“My confidence was knocked”

Doulla Manolas,

46, is from London. I’d always taken great joy in driving since passing my test at 18. However, two years ago I was involved in a car accident that changed that. I was on a main road when another driver went into the back of me and sadly wrote off my beloved Mini Cooper. Coincidentally, around the same time, I had been diagnosed with MS, so my mental focus and physical wellbeing was being tested when I drove, but I hadn’t wanted it to hold me back. Initially, I didn’t think the accident would affect me too much but, for some reason, maybe because of everything going on at the time, my confidence was knocked.

Luckily, I could commute to work and meet friends using public transport, so avoiding driving was relatively easy. However, when I got a new job, which required me to drive a company car, I was worried, so I booked a refresher course with ReD Driving School.

My friends couldn’t understand why I needed to as I had a licence already, but inside I felt it was the best option for me. I was so nervous when I first got behind the wheel. It felt like going back to school, but my driving instructor was so supportive. I remember him saying, “Doulla you can drive” in such a matter-of-fact way that restored my self-belief.

It took me two two-hour sessions to get back to where I was before. I now drive every day for work and feel extremely safe behind the wheel.