You’re sitting in the car your heart is pounding, you’re sweating, you’re hyperventilating, images of terrible car crashes are running through your mind, and you have a sickening and overwhelming feeling of anxiety. Your want to turn on the car and drive but you just can’t. If this sounds familiar you are probably struggling with a fear of driving. A fear of driving would be considered a specific phobia.
Fear of Driving
Physical Symptoms
Fear of driving comes along with many physical symptoms, similar to a panic attack or anxiety. This includes sweating, hyperventilating, and a rapid heartbeat.
Limited Opportunities
A fear of driving can limit your ability to get to different places you want to go. It can also impact job opportunities, as not everywhere is easily accessible without a vehicle.
Dependence on Others
If you don’t drive, you will need to rely on others to get you where you need to go. This can be friends, family, coworkers, or public transit.
What Are Symptoms of Fear of Driving?
Looking at symptoms on the internet can be alarming. Please keep in mind that symptoms are viewed as one part of a broad picture involving many factors - the presence or absence of the listed symptoms does not mean you are or aren't experiencing a fear of driving.
Cognitive Symptoms
Feelings of terror when sitting in or driving in a car
Fear of getting into a car accident
Thinking of the worst-case scenarios regarding driving such as dying in a car accident
Behavioural Symptoms
Avoiding getting your license, practicing driving, or driving yourself places
Fearing and avoiding certain aspects of driving such as highway driving or driving at night
Somatic Symptoms
Panic attacks
Treating a Fear of Driving
Phobias, including the fear of driving, are often treated with exposure therapy. Learn more about exposure therapy below:
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy involves making a list of what is anxiety provoking about driving starting with the least anxiety provoking activity and ending with the most anxiety provoking activity. For example, driving in a parking lot, driving on a side street, all the way up to driving on the highway. Then you learn some grounding and coping strategies to use when you engage in these activities. Finally, you expose yourself to the first activity on the list until you can engage in that activity without feeling any anxiety. If this sounds difficult and uncomfortable that’s because it definitely will be, but it also works
Therapists Who Can Help
Check out our experienced team of therapists specializing in phobias and find the perfect fit for you.
6 Ways to Conquer Your Fear of Driving
Read this helpful article from Psychology Today that outlines tips for improving fear and anxiety around driving.
Cycle of Anxiety
Learn about the cycle of anxiety and how it can contribute to worse and prolonged anxiety over time.
CBT Exercise Sheet
Use this helpful worksheet to identify situations that cause you fear, how you cope with them, and what your distress levels are.
