I have a terrible fear of driving!?

Question

I feel so out of control at the wheel. I have horrible anxiety about driving but it's something I have to get over a.s.a.p! I feel like no one understands the fear I have, like they think I'm an idiot for not being able to drive...I'm fine driving around in my neighborhood with no traffic, but when other cars come around I freak out!
Am I the only one with a driving phobia?
How can I get over it already!

Answer 1

I still have that fear. It never really goes away, at least in my experience. The only way to suppress it is to remember what you've learned so far about driving, keeping focused on the road. It will prove easier the more you drive, and the farther away you travel. When someones passing you, just acknowledge that they're to your side, keeping in your lane as you were before. Sometimes driving with another person can help, if it gives you comfort to do so. Just remember that you aren't the only one, and that it will only get easier the more you drive and get accustomed to your vehicle.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

First of all you just don't get over it. It takes time. I can understand exactly how you feel with the anxiety. I suffer from motion sickness so I have to drive. I don't have a problem with it but I can understand how someone could. Usually the anxiety is a result of something traumatic but sometimes it just happens. Start out slowly. Maybe you might need some medication to help. See the doctor and start out slowly. Drive around the neighbourhood when the traffic isn't as hectic yet more than what you are normally comfortable doing. Take someone else with you. When you master that, then increase it slowly until you aren't feeling anxious anymore.

Answer 4

I got my license when I was 17 but never really drove until I was 30 years old. The only thing that helped me get over my fear was maturity + professional instruction. My teacher told me that I was right to be afraid because driving is a serious responsibility and that people like us are less likely to be in accidents once we learn all the rules of the road, what to expect, and get lots of practice. Start out by driving the same routes everyday and branch out as you gain confidence. If you really have trouble, see a psychiatrist and see about getting some medication to help you control anxiety while you learn.

Answer 5

No, my friend. You are not alone. My sister has exactly the same fear and is in a similar situation. She relocated from NY to Atl and now MUST drive. She has yet to do so. When she rides in my car or even in a bus she is silent and super alert with darting eyes and clutching the hand rests. I also had a friend with the same problem.

You know your problem better than any of us. You should drive only in places where you feel comfortable and in control or you may cause an accident and some one can be hurt.

Try hypnosis and or talk therapy or just accept your condition and make arrangement for someone to drive when you cannot.

Answer 6

The same way most people get over their's: either think of it logically or face it. So either drive around until the phobia isn't felt, or think about it this way: Very few accidents are lethal, If you can drive fine in your neighborhood with no cars, then anywhere else, you should be able to do just as well.

Answer 7

i had the same fear when i started driving...i was petrified of it.

this is a good thing. people should be nervous when driving. too many people are reckless on the road and think they are immortal - or worse that they are driving in a video game.

listen to "mom" though .... the best way to feel more comfortable is to get behind the wheel more often.

and remember, when your time is up - it is up. some people die in cars ....but some people die while walking across the street or while sleeping. just be responsible and pay attention and you'll be ok.

Answer 8

I completely understand your fears. I've had this fear before.
You just have to realize that everyone on the road is just like
you -a human behind the wheel. There's always going to be
better drivers and worse drivers than you.

To help eleviate your anxiety, you have to work your way into
the driving scene. Driving on the freeway is a good start be-
cause, you have less to think about and more control of what
you have in front of you (to traffic signals and pedestrians and
crossing traffic that you have to consider).

If you are worried about getting into traffic, you can minimize
your anxiety by going with the flow of traffic and pay attention
to your driving to make sure you don't interrupt the smooth
flow of traffic -and thus other drivers will leave you alone and
let you get to where you're going will little drama. There will
always be drivers out there that mess up this flow of traffic
which in turn will cause short-tempered drivers to start mild
cases of road rage and aggressive driving out of their own
frustrations of not being able to deal with other driver's short-
comings or just not driving the way they want them to.

A few tips... Fear of the unknown can cause anxiety, so the
more experience you have with all types of driving conditions
and on different traffic situations, the easier it will be to drive
in most types of traffic and roads. Give yourself plenty of dis-
tance between you and the car in front of you. Give yourself
plenty of time to get to your desitination so you don't feel like
you have to rush (which may cause you have less patience
and more potential for making driving mistakes that cause
some other driver's to get upset and try to take it out on you).
Also, find less travelled routes along with avoiding the peak
rush hour times if you don't need to be on the road during
these times.

The biggest point I can make is to make over your mindset
about driving with others on the road. Know that others are
just trying to do what you are trying to do when they get be-
hind the wheel -get from point A to point B. Watch other
drivers and decern whether they are trying to drive as a
team, or are driving like they are the only one on the road
and know to keep your distance from these latter drivers.
You can also avoid getting harrassed on the road, by blend-
ing in, obeying traffic laws, and not doing things that would
draw attention to yourself and your anxiety should be grad-
ually lessened over time.

H a p p y
D r i v i n g !

Answer 9

Why don't you take driving lessons with a professional who will be able to take over when you panic. The fear will subside with practice and this is a good way to get the practice and have someone who is knowledgeable and confident help you.
PS They have dual control cars if that would help.

Answer 10

It's not completely abnormal to have a fear of driving, as to how many accidents there are in a day. If you are focused most on your driving and don't have many distractions, hopefully everything will turn out fine, and it usually does.

My advice? Stop watching Scariest Police Chases.