If you have a fear of driving, you might have somehow convinced yourself that you will never sit behind the wheel at ease. Worry not as thanks to these tips, getting over a fear of driving can be possible.
The fear of driving is considered a phobia and it’s referred to by different names, such as amaxophobia, ochophobia, motorphobia, or hamaxophobia. It’s basically the fear of getting behind the wheel and losing control. It can be caused by different reasons depending on the person.
Although it is not easy getting over a fear of driving, some people recover from it and head to the road with the help of the right tools.
My Experience With Driving:
I remember when I got my driving license in 2019, I was terrified to get behind the wheel and drive knowing that I’m responsible for not only my life but also the life of other people. Not only am I in charge of controlling the car, but I’m also in charge of keeping everyone safe.
Before I set my foot inside a car, I get this sickening feeling in my stomach and a tiny voice in my head that tells me that I will be the end of everyone who is inside this car. I get very anxious but it all goes away when I put the key in the ignition! I somehow transform and all of my fears go away.
I love driving! I love being in control. Being one of the drivers in a red light makes me happy. Seeing old people driving somehow gives me joy and makes me proud of myself. That’s why I try so hard to fight those anxious thoughts and just drive.
One of the mistakes I made after getting my license was not driving right away. Thanks to Covid-19, I wasn’t able to drive and that made me lose all the motivation I had.
When I was finally able to drive, I needed an instructor to help me remember the basics and ease me into driving in busy streets. A couple of weeks later, I was able to drive perfectly.
I still need to drive with my dad in the passenger seat as I got rusty when it comes to following the “rules”. However, the more I drive, the more comfortable I feel.
Why Do Some People Develop A Fear Of Driving?
It is known that half the solution is knowing what the problem is. After identifying the root of the problem, it becomes simple and a bit easier when it comes to getting over a fear of driving.
There are different reasons that can cause this fear, such as:
- Experienced a car accident in the past.
- Loss of a close person in a car accident.
- Getting stuck in heavy traffic for hours.
- Not believing in your driving skills.
What Are The Signs Of Having a Fear Of Driving?
It is important to know the signs of the fear of driving as it’ll make getting over it easier.
One of the most common symptoms of having a fear of driving is avoiding driving at all costs. There are other signs that take place, such as:
- Shortness of breath.
- Rapid breathing.
- Sweaty palms.
- Confusion
- Dizziness.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Avoiding contact with a car.
Some people even experience panic attacks while driving and that by far is the worst place to have an attack.
Also read: How to Know Someone Is Having a Panic Attack
Getting Over a Fear Of Driving:
Overcoming this phobia is not an easy process as it requires dedication and courage. You need to step out of your comfort zone if you want to get in a car and drive.
Get a driving instructor:
One of the safest options is to get a driving instructor at first as he will guide you through driving step by step. He’ll show you how easy and comfortable driving can be. It is really comforting to have an expert sit by your side and guide you.
Try exposure therapy:
This is one of the most effective ways to help get over the fear of driving. Basically, exposure therapy is the therapy of getting exposed to what you fear little by little. It’s really effective in helping people who suffer from Arachnophobia (the fear of spiders).
You can start by getting in the passenger seat instead of the driver’s seat and just take it all in. Then slowly, you can move to the driver’s seat and try to get comfortable with your surroundings.
Once you feel comfortable with a part, you can move on to another one until you are ready to drive. Take your time with this method as it can be really effective when done properly.
Read more on Exposure therapy.
Seek therapy:
By going to a therapist or a psychologist, you can attack the root of the phobia. This way, you’ll understand why you feel the way you do when it comes to driving.
A professional will also help you figure out what methods will work best for you.
Listen to relaxing music when driving:
Relaxing music always helps calm the nerve, especially when doing something stressful. I personally like to listen to classical music when I’m anxious as it helps me reset my mood and kind of take a break from all the stress and the panic.
Make a playlist of some relaxing songs and plug it in next time you are going on a drive.
Avoid caffeine:
In reducing your caffeine intake, your brain will feel less anxious because as we all know, caffeine is a stimulant that keeps the person awake and alert. It also worsens your anxiety.
Avoid consuming caffeine before you get in your car. You already have enough on your plate, there is no need to add caffeine jitters to it.
Please note that I’m not a professional. However, I believe that if you follow these tips, you will get to drive alone without having those paralyzing negative thoughts cloud your thinking.
Also, note that this is a very dangerous phobia that must be worked on properly if you wish to drive safely. It is ok to ask for help and totally fine if you don’t overcome it. Not being able to drive is not the end of the world!
Be safe and happy driving!
–Ehssan Elmedkouri.