I've had a lifelong fear of driving. At 35, I'm determined to get over it and get my driver's license.

• I grew up in New York City and it didn't feel necessary to get my driver's license.
• The idea also made me anxious. However, when I moved to Italy at 24, it started to feel necessary.

Growing up in New York City had its advantages. I had access to everything and anything at the drop of a hat: late-night Chinese takeout, dry cleaning, and 24/7 pharmacies — you name it. But one of the best things about living there was the public transportation. No matter where I needed to go, I had multiple ways to get there. I could take the bus, the subway, the railroad, or a cab. Because of all these great and convenient ways to get around, I forgot to do something important: learn to drive and get my driver's license.

Okay, so it's not quite that I forgot, I just figured it wasn't necessary. When all of my friends who lived in the suburbs were getting their learner permits, I always thought, "What's the point?" I could get anywhere I needed to at the drop of the hat. My friends who lived in New Jersey or Long Island needed to learn how to drive to get to school or the grocery store, but living where I did, I either walked everywhere or used public transportation.

When I was younger, I could never imagine leaving New York City, so quite frankly, learning to drive was never a priority. That all changed when I decided to move away at the age of 24.

When I moved abroad, not having my license was inconvenient

When I was 24, I moved to Italy. I moved to a small town where everyone had a car and drove everywhere, even if it wasn't necessary. Here, unless you live in a big city like Rome or Milan, having a car is a necessity. Quite frankly, it seems a little excessive to me, as a New Yorker. A lot of people drive to get somewhere that is just a 10-minute walk.

Besides not feeling the need to learn to drive when I was younger, I also struggled with anxiety, and the idea of learning to drive was terrifying. I had a fear of driving, and I felt it would be dangerous for me and for those on the road. When you're driving, it's not just your safety you take in your hands; it's also those around you, and you have to consider everything. I didn't want that responsibility, and honestly, there's still a part of me that doesn't.

But as I've gotten older, I've started to feel like something needs to change. Now that I've adjusted to life as a mom of two here in Italy, I want to learn to adapt in other ways, and one of the things I'm tackling is finally learning to drive.

I'm facing my fear and enrolled in driving school

I know getting my driver's license will offer major benefits to my family and me. For one thing, I will no longer be completely dependent on my husband to get me around since where we live, Uber is not a thing. That in itself will be a game changer for me. I will be able to go out by myself or with my children whenever I want, and having that independence will really boost my mental health.

Yes, I am scared about learning to drive so late in life at the age of 35, and there is a part of me that's concerned I won't be able to follow through. But this upcoming year, I'm enrolling in driving school. Who knows? Maybe I will surprise myself and actually enjoy driving.

I'm trying to remind myself that I can't let fear get in the way of living. If I always let fear dictate my actions, I probably never would have moved at such a young age to a country where I didn't know anyone or speak the language. That decision worked out well for me, and hopefully, so will this next step.