Ideas to help you overcome a fear of driving

No matter how long you’ve been driving, nerves behind the wheel can make even a short journey feel like a challenge best avoided. It is a common and understandable fear – a lot of people have it, especially after a bad experience or a long break. If you want to keep driving, there are practical steps you can take to help your confidence.  

Understand where your fear has come from 

When did it start? For me it was having my son – when he was a baby he hated being in the car. He could cry for entire journeys, and I’d dread traffic lights because stopping made it even worse. For some people it can be accidents they have been in or heard about or general anxieties about the car or the road such as getting lost or motorways. Knowing what has caused or enhanced your fear gives you something to focus on and work through. 

Start small 

Take each step one at a time and move on when you feel comfortable. 

1. Sit in a parked car  
2. Start the engine without going anywhere 
3. Drive somewhere quiet and empty like a carpark 
4. Practice short drives  
5. Increase the challenge slowly by taking more time, using different routes and driving during busier times 

Consider refresher lessons 

I took a refresher lesson with the AA and found it helpful. As we pulled up outside my house, the instructor told me that my driving was fine. He said I drove like someone who has been on the road for years. The only thing he pointed out was that I should check my mirrors more often — but, as he added, that’s something most drivers could improve on.  Hearing his feedback boosted my confidence. It made me realise that my driving skills were as good as the confident people; I just needed to believe in myself more (and check my mirrors more often!)  

Bring somebody with you 

This can be nerve-wracking but having somebody you trust with you can keep you calm, and they can give feedback on your progress. Make sure it is the right person for this as the wrong one could make you feel worse.  

Deal with the physical anxiety 

Feeling anxious about driving can make your body react which makes starting the car even harder. There are some ways you can calm your body before you start your journey. 

• deep breathing – in for 4 counts and hold for 4 then out for 6 
• grounding techniques – take in what’s around you 
• listen to music you find relaxing 

Prepare for each journey 

Check a map or set up your sat nav so you can familiarise yourself with the route and know what to expect. This also means you can allow the correct amount of time without being stressed and rushing. You can also see where you can park before you leave so that isn’t on your mind. 

Consistency  

Try and drive at least every other day until it feels less scary. I had no choice, as I needed to take my children to swimming lessons and other various clubs and this helped make it feel more routine and less intimidating. 

Look into cognitive behavioural techniques and read wider 

• work with a therapist who specialises in anxieties or phobias if this would be beneficial. 
• I read: How to Overcome Fear of Driving: The Road to Driving Confidence by Joanne Mallon which had a lot of good ideas and had a structure which made sense  

Celebrate small wins 

Every milestone is important. Celebrate your wins and feel proud of how far you’ve come at every step. Driving still isn’t my favourite thing to do, but I feel confident and have driven on motorways for hours with no anxiety (just boredom!)