To drive without fear, start with gradual exposure in quiet areas, use calming techniques like deep breathing and music, build confidence with a patient companion, practice consistently, and stay patient, remembering that overcoming anxiety is a gradual process of building skills and replacing fear with control, even seeking professional help for severe cases.
Set an intention for every drive 2. Learn to breathe more slowly and consciously 3. Prepare yourself for success like a performance 4. With self-awareness, you are in control of your emotions 5. If you feel panicky in the car, pull over when it's safe to do so, but try to stay in the car 6.
Amaxophobia, or fear of driving, is more common than you might think. About 66% of drivers will experience anxiety while on the road, and many find that their anxiety makes it challenging to engage in regular daily activities like running errands across town or visiting their friends and family.
Step-by-Step Tips to Beat Car Anxiety
Relax. Take a deep breath, chat with a companion, listen to music. Getting stressed and upset will not get you there any faster and it might shorten your life. Don't drive when you are feeling angry, upset or fatigued.
What Causes Driving Anxiety? You might experience driving anxiety if you've recently been in an accident or if you worry about getting into a fatal accident. Some people have anxiety while driving due to generally being a nervous person.
Can driving anxiety go away on its own? While some people find their anxiety lessens over time, many benefit from intentional strategies like relaxation techniques, exposure therapy, or professional support. Taking proactive steps can help you build confidence faster.
The best therapy for fear of driving is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Whether your fear of driving stems from a phobia, PTSD, or panic disorder, CBT is proven to help each of these conditions. CBT for these conditions almost always includes exposure therapy.
Music has a direct impact on heart rate and anxiety, both of which play a role in driving performance. Studies suggest that: Slow–tempo music (60–80 BPM) promotes relaxation, helping drivers maintain a steady heart rate and reducing stress levels.
There are tons of different disabilities that might impact someone's ability to drive, whether it's low vision, blindness, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, intellectual disabilities, mobility disabilities, chronic health conditions.
Some people leave it too long between bouts of driving and may just need a little push. And some are simply more prone to anxiety than others. Other reasons can include stress, moving to an unfamiliar area, or failing a driving test– perhaps more than once.
Some anxious drivers prefer an SUV for its higher driving position and a bigger presence on the road. The 2026 Kia Niro Hybrid and 2026 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid are compact SUVs that help you venture throughout your day in confidence.
Driving a car can seem daunting, especially if you are a beginner. But, with the proper guidance, you can learn how to drive safely and confidently. Here is a step-by-step guide to learning how to drive a car.
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Though it is not illegal to drive with anxiety, drivers should do so with caution. Those dealing with it may have severe physical responses like panic attacks, shaking, or even fainting, which can severely inhibit your driving ability and create a dangerous roadway.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft) or paroxetine (Paxil), are commonly prescribed to reduce anxiety symptoms associated with driving phobia.
Most new drivers begin feeling confident after around six months of consistent solo practice. Start with daytime and familiar roads before progressing to highways or nighttime driving. A defensive driving course builds skills and confidence quickly.
One report suggests it takes up to 27 seconds for the mental distraction controlling your phone via a voice command causes. Yet that is only the distraction from the action of saying, “Read message,” “Call Susan,” or whatever you command your phone to do.
By incorporating a few mindful practices, you can enjoy a smoother, more relaxed drive.
Amaxophobia (Fear of Driving) Amaxophobia (also called hamaxophobia) makes you feel anxious or fearful when you drive or ride in a vehicle, such as a car, bus or plane. With it, you have a fear of driving and may also get anxious being a passenger.
Symptoms of driving anxiety can include:
The 30-Second Reset: A Pause That Changes Everything
A short pause—just 30 seconds—gives our nervous system time to calm down and gives us space to choose how we want to show up in the moment. That might mean taking a slow, conscious breath. Relax your shoulders.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is common to treat driving anxiety. It aims to change the negative thought patterns and behaviors that often fuel anxiety. You may benefit from medication in addition to therapy if your driving anxiety is severe.