Driving anxiety is more common than you might expect. According to a survey 23% felt anxious about using motorways while 39% felt uneasy or scared behind the wheel.

It can be very distressing to experience anxiety when you need to get behind the wheel. But, as a new driver, it could also make it difficult for you to pass your driving test. 

What causes anxiety?

There are a few things that can cause anxiety in driving, including the fear of driving into another car or crashing it.

“Some people panic when they drive and then fear that it will happen again. And some people stop driving completely because of this.

You may also be experiencing anxiety about driving.

• Experiences with car accidents in the past
• Being lost
• Traveling through heavy traffic
• A bad car accident is shown on television
• A friend or family member who is involved in an accident
• Lack of trust in your driving abilities

What are some signs of anxiety?

Most likely, you have experienced driving anxiety at some point in your life. If you aren’t sure if driving anxiety is what you’re feeling, here’s a list of the most common symptoms.

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Panic and fear are often exaggerated, persistent, and unreasonable.
• Strong desire to get rid of the car
• Racing heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• Sweaty palms
• Disorientation

How to overcome anxiety driving

Depending on how anxious you are, certain things might help. However, most of the time driving anxiety can be overcome or reduced by gaining more experience and spending more time on roads. This is often true of learners and newly licensed drivers.

It can be hard for learners who suffer from anxiety about driving or are anxious about the upcoming test. We at pass first go have witnessed nerves take over students during driving tests so we created a unique course that Pass First Go Driving Instructors will deliver to help them reduce their anxiety and ensure they pass their driving test.

These tips are for experienced drivers suffering from anxiety about driving.

Avoid caffeine and empty stomachs. A reduction or complete elimination of caffeine can have a surprisingly positive impact on anxiety. Don’t drive if hungry or sleep-deprived.

Stress management – Long-term or prolonged high levels of stress can lead to anxiety. So do your best to manage your stress. It is possible to reduce anxiety and stress using some standard methods, such as regular breaks at work, exercise, yoga, meditation, and finding time for it.

Desensitization is one of the many therapeutic techniques. It involves taking small steps to place yourself in situations that can trigger anxiety. This allows you to become more familiar with the situation, and then to desensitize yourself to these triggers. One example would be to simply sit in a parked vehicle while the engine is running.

Maintaining your focus in the car is important for driving safely. However, it can also help you keep other worries away. You can keep your mobile phone safe and slow down if it helps. The faster you drive the more information you will need.

Consider sharing your lift – sometimes the stress of getting in your car every single day can cause you to lose motivation and make it harder to stay on track. You might consider sharing the load with a colleague, friend, or group who are also traveling in the same area. Perhaps your time as a passenger will help you see things differently.

Breathing-Practice your breathing technique while driving to ease anxiety- You can simply breathe in deeply for 5 seconds, then out for 5 seconds. Continue this process for 3 minutes, or until you feel the sensation disappear.