How to Overcome Driving Anxiety? 5 Tips from Professionals

You can beat driving anxiety. If you feel scared to drive or get anxious on the highway, these tips can help ease your fear of driving.

Driving can make some people feel really scared and anxious. Driving anxiety isn't just being a little nervous — it can be a big problem that stops people from living their lives fully.

But if you're someone who feels anxious about driving, there are ways to help you overcome that fear and start driving with confidence again.

What is Driving Anxiety?

Driving anxiety is a strong, sometimes overpowering fear or discomfort linked to driving. People with driving anxiety are genuinely afraid to drive. It can range from feeling a bit uneasy to having serious panic attacks or avoiding driving altogether.

Everyone feels driving anxiety differently, but typical signs might include a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, or feeling like something bad is about to happen. It's important to notice these signs so you can deal with them.

But if driving anxiety is keeping you from living your life, it's a good idea to talk to a doctor to make sure there isn't another reason for how you feel. Below are some tips from our driving experts.

1.    Identify your Triggers

Understand what makes you anxious, like traffic jams, fast speeds, or driving by yourself. Once you know the cause, you can figure out ways to handle those situations better.

Sometimes, it's useful to have tools to help us understand our feelings and emotions during stressful times.

2.    Try Relaxation Techniques Before Driving

Before you start driving, doing grounding techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), or mindfulness can help calm your mind and make you less anxious.

But remember, some techniques like PMR might not be safe to do while driving, so it's best to do them before you start driving.

3.    Exercise Regularly

Exercising regularly can lower anxiety and stress. If you make exercise a part of your routine, it can help you manage your anxiety and make you feel more relaxed and in control when you're driving.

4.    Try Visualization Before You Drive

Before you start driving, try visualization techniques to get ready mentally and emotionally. Picture yourself on the road feeling calm, happy, and in control. This can help you feel more confident when you start driving.

5.    Repeat Affirmations to Boost Confidence

While you're driving, using affirmations can boost your confidence and help you stay calm. Saying things like "I am safe" or "I am in control" can make you feel better when you're behind the wheel. If you start to panic or feel unsure, find a safe spot to pull over and repeat your affirmations until you feel better.

6.    Be Patient and Compassionate

Whenever you do something while feeling anxious, you're already being incredibly brave. Facing things that scare you isn't easy, but it's a big way to take care of yourself. No matter what, be kind to yourself.

If you feel ready to drive again, celebrate that as a victory. And if you find that the self-care methods aren't helping enough, it's okay to ask for help or advice from a professional.

7.    Seek Professional Help

Having the support of a therapist or counselor who knows a lot about anxiety disorders can sometimes give you the tools and understanding you need to handle your driving anxiety better.

It might take a while to get over your driving anxiety, but with the right help, it's possible to get through it.

You can also feel anxious if you don’t know driving. So, you can consider a professional driving school like Karun Driving School in Port Coquitlam to become a confident driver.


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