I'm not getting any driving experience except with the instructor. My parents refuse to take me driving on the streets.  They have a point- the instructor has that brake and has experience with student drivers.  If anyhing were to happen, it's on him and the driving school.
This sounds great in theory but I really don't see the "country road practice" thing happening. Even if I had a theoretical person that's willing to drive with me, how would I get there in order to have my lesson?
I do my best to concentrate and observe everything but it's really hard. (It goes without saying that I'm not going to be talking on the phone while driving) I know I don't notice everything I should be and I make mistakes but as it is I'm exhausted towards the end of the lesson. I don't concentrate this hard on math tests.
Private lessons is essentially the same thing. I suggest you keep taking those lessons until your fear/anxiety lessen considerably. Also, since you have a learner's permit, you should also drive with someone you think is a good driver on more suburban or country roads.
And here are my little tidbits of advice on driving. Driving is not really that hard as long as you just pay attention. If you pay attention to the cars and signs, you have more information, which gives you more options to avoide problems when something amiss occurs. Also, be a defensive driver, because most accidents are caused by people who don't pay attention. That really helps avoid problems. Finally, avoid distractions. Turn off the radio. DO NOT use the phone. Keep talk to passengers at a minimum.
The more you drive like that, the more confidence you'll get. At some point, you'll wonder why you were ever anxious about driving.
			
		
	
	This sounds great in theory but I really don't see the "country road practice" thing happening. Even if I had a theoretical person that's willing to drive with me, how would I get there in order to have my lesson?
I do my best to concentrate and observe everything but it's really hard. (It goes without saying that I'm not going to be talking on the phone while driving) I know I don't notice everything I should be and I make mistakes but as it is I'm exhausted towards the end of the lesson. I don't concentrate this hard on math tests.
I'm 18+ so I'm not subject to the pretty strict requirements that 17 year olds have.  I've been taking private lessons with an instructor who is with a driving school and I also attended a one time driving safety lecture/presentation, which is mandatory for all prospective drivers.   Oh, and I also sat for the written test to get a learner's permit.  Twice.
Private lessons is essentially the same thing. I suggest you keep taking those lessons until your fear/anxiety lessen considerably. Also, since you have a learner's permit, you should also drive with someone you think is a good driver on more suburban or country roads.
And here are my little tidbits of advice on driving. Driving is not really that hard as long as you just pay attention. If you pay attention to the cars and signs, you have more information, which gives you more options to avoide problems when something amiss occurs. Also, be a defensive driver, because most accidents are caused by people who don't pay attention. That really helps avoid problems. Finally, avoid distractions. Turn off the radio. DO NOT use the phone. Keep talk to passengers at a minimum.
The more you drive like that, the more confidence you'll get. At some point, you'll wonder why you were ever anxious about driving.
			NSSP: Driving
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 05:15:41 PM
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			I'm tempted to take this opportunity to poke fun at New Yorkers.
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 05:20:14 PM
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			Re: I'm tempted to take this opportunity to poke fun at New Yorkers.
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 09:58:55 PM
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			Re: I'm tempted to take this opportunity to poke fun at New Yorkers.
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 10:37:47 PM
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			Re: I'm tempted to take this opportunity to poke fun at New Yorkers.
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 10:50:38 PM
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			I failed my first test.
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 05:49:58 PM
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			I had to take the driving test 3 time before I passed (posted at the wrong place  )
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 11:43:44 PM
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	         - 13/12/2011 11:43:44 PM
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	     )
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 11:43:44 PM
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	         - 13/12/2011 11:43:44 PM
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			13 yrs old.
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 06:02:22 PM
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			Seriously? Why? At 13 you should have had some awareness of the danger you were posing to others
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 10:27:59 PM
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			Re: Seriously? Why? At 13 you should have had some awareness of the danger you were posing to others
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 10:37:41 PM
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			Probably just a difference in perspective. Kids sneaking a vehicle for a jor ride is pretty common.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 03:51:30 AM
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			It must be harder to overcome that natural fear in NYC.
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 06:44:28 PM
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			Isn't it traditional to fail your first test? Or is that just around here?
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 08:14:01 PM
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			I wouldn't think so
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 08:25:36 PM
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			It's rare to pass on the first try here.  (according to driving instructor)
	    
	         - 13/12/2011 09:44:39 PM
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			I know Texas talked about doing away with it because the failure rate was so low
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 03:15:11 AM
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			I wonder how many people that have been driving for years and years would fail if they had to take
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 12:03:55 AM
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			Oh I think most people with years' worth of driving experience be fine.
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 12:27:09 AM
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			I was even rather nervous about taking lessons and failed my first
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 08:30:25 AM
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			I love driving.
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 03:24:59 PM
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			Me, too.
	    
	         - 18/12/2011 04:31:29 AM
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			Re: Me, three.
	    
	         - 18/12/2011 07:37:55 PM
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			Did you ever attend a driving school? *NM*
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 05:29:33 PM
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			I don't think so.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 05:22:09 AM
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			Yes, you did.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 04:44:48 PM
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			Re: Yes, you did.
		
	         - 16/12/2011 12:25:30 AM
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			That's not a sign.
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 05:29:36 PM
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			Whoa.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 07:21:52 AM
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			Fewer cars on the road. Fewer double-parked cars. *NM*
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 06:25:21 PM
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			Also, you can tell when there's someone around the corner, because of the headlights.
	    
	         - 19/12/2011 04:18:26 PM
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			Oooh, that's a good point.
	    
	         - 19/12/2011 05:17:16 PM
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			It's more pronounced and important in the countryside where there are no streetlights.
	    
	         - 19/12/2011 05:51:25 PM
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			In the country there are deer
	    
	         - 20/12/2011 05:53:17 AM
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			Oh yeah, forgot about those. We don't have that many left, and only up in the Highlands. *NM*
	    
	         - 20/12/2011 10:18:41 AM
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			Driving tests are far harder in the Netherlands, from what I understand
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 05:34:38 PM
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			don't worry i fluffed my practical test up today
	    
	         - 14/12/2011 08:24:56 PM
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			I'm older than you  and there's no way I would have willingly gotten behind the wheel at 17.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 05:12:29 AM
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 and there's no way I would have willingly gotten behind the wheel at 17.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 05:12:29 AM
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	     and there's no way I would have willingly gotten behind the wheel at 17.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 05:12:29 AM
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 and there's no way I would have willingly gotten behind the wheel at 17.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 05:12:29 AM
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			I found driving nervewracking until I got to do it by myself. NZ has a great system, IMO.
	    
	         - 15/12/2011 01:48:19 PM
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			Amusing (to me) comparison to sex risks.  - 17/12/2011 05:50:16 PM
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	         - 17/12/2011 05:50:16 PM
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	     - 17/12/2011 05:50:16 PM
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	         - 17/12/2011 05:50:16 PM
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			Re: Amusing (to me) comparison to sex risks.  - 17/12/2011 06:07:51 PM
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	         - 17/12/2011 06:07:51 PM
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	     - 17/12/2011 06:07:51 PM
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	         - 17/12/2011 06:07:51 PM
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			No.  But it is true that my risk aversion coefficient is too high.
	    
	         - 17/12/2011 06:49:33 PM
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			Isn't learning to drive in NYC sort of like
	    
	         - 18/12/2011 04:21:47 AM
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			Don't worry about it it. I'm sure you'll get over it eventually.
	    
	         - 18/12/2011 09:58:59 AM
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  *NM*
 *NM*