To get over hating driving, start with mindset shifts and small changes like listening to music or audiobooks, then build confidence by practicing in calm areas, using relaxation techniques like square breathing for anxiety, gradually tackling more complex situations, and consider professional help like CBT if fear is severe. Focus on making the experience positive, plan routes meticulously, and gradually increase exposure to become a more confident and comfortable driver.
Start small and build confidence step by step. Begin by driving in empty parking lots, then move to quiet streets. Gradually increase the challenge as you get more comfortable. You could also try taking a few driving lessons with a professional instructor who can provide guidance and reassurance.
Keep driving until you're comfortable. Anxiety slowly goes away when you become accustomed to the experience. Sitting around and thinking about it will only reinforce your anxiety.
Recovering from a car accident can be tough, especially when emotional scars remain. Driving PTSD symptoms are a serious concern that may arise after a traumatic crash, causing intrusive thoughts, avoidance, mood changes, and heightened anxiety.
Specific Phobias: Some people may have a specific phobia related to driving, such as a fear of highways, bridges, tunnels, or driving in heavy traffic. Social Anxiety: For some individuals, driving anxiety may be related to concerns about being judged by other drivers or passengers.
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.
Through CBT, you can learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that fuel the fear. One of the main techniques used in CBT for driving anxiety is exposure therapy. This involves gradually exposing you to driving situations that trigger anxiety.
PTSD involves stress responses like: Anxiety, depressed mood, or feelings of guilt or shame. Having flashbacks or nightmares. Avoiding situations, places and activities related to the traumatic event.
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.
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.
Create a calm driving environment.
Keep your car clean, adjust your seat and mirrors ahead of time and avoid distractions. Play calming music or listen to a favorite podcast to help ease your nerves. Avoid caffeine before you drive because it can heighten anxiety symptoms like jitteriness or a racing heart.
Mazdas are reliable and easy to familiarize yourself with, so you won't be intimidated by an overload of tricky features. Driving a Mazda is a smooth experience, and you'll feel safe despite your reservations. The Mazda 3 makes drivers, even those less experienced or more anxious, feel completely secure.
There are plenty of ways you can build your confidence when driving.
Steps to help you overcome your fears
Arousal and reactivity symptoms
In univariate analyses, all 5 forms of childhood trauma in this study (ie, witnessing violence, physical neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse) demonstrated statistically significant relationships with the number of different aggressive behaviors reported in adulthood.
Feeling like the trauma is happening again (flashbacks)
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.
Anxiety medications like alprazolam (Xanax)
Some are also used for insomnia. But they can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and distorted vision that may impair your driving.
Practice relaxation techniques
Set Achievable Goals
One of the best ways to stay motivated when learning to drive is by setting yourself small, achievable goals. For example, if you're struggling with parallel parking, make it your mission to master this skill by the end of your next driving lesson.
Being trapped and having a panic attack
People with existing anxiety about being trapped, such as claustrophobia, may become anxious while stationary in traffic. Additionally, people who have had a previous panic attack may fear that they will have one again while driving.
Benzodiazepines such as Klonopin (clonazepam), Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Ativan (lorazepam) are rapidly acting benzodiazepine medications that treat anxiety symptoms while they are occurring. 1 These medications can also be taken right before you ride in a car to help you feel calmer.