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How Can I Get Over a Fear of Driving My Car?

There could be many reasons why someone is afraid to drive their car. Most often, people develop anxiety about driving after they have been in a car accident, especially if they have suffered a significant injury. Driving anxiety may also occur after someone close to you has been in a serious car accident. Others may have a fear of getting lost and not finding their way home or doubt their driving skills. Whatever the root of any fears, driving anxiety can be overcome.

Things You'll Need

  • car
  • CD tapes
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Instructions

  1. Determine The Root Of Your Fear

    • 1

      Investigate potential causes of your fear of driving because understanding the root of your anxiety may be helpful in overcoming it. When you have been in an accident, witnessed a bad accident, or know someone who has experienced a serious accident, you may feel less anxiety if you make your car feel more safe. Choose to drive a car that has air bags, an anti-lock braking system and accident alert system, and review cars to see which models fare best in accidents.

    • 2

      Take driving lessons if you are concerned about your driving ability. Even if you have driven a car for years, anyone would benefit from taking driver's lessons to refresh all aspects of driving. A driving instructor sitting beside you, especially if they can control the brakes when you are in his car, should reduce anxiety.

    • 3

      Build up your confidence about driving gradually. Drive around parking lots or on low-traffic straight routes and at a lower speed until you feel more sure of your driving ability. Alternatively, let a friend drive you somewhere you wish to go so that you see how they manage any challenges while you are the passenger. Another option is for you to drive with a friend or loved one in the car to make you feel more at ease.

    • 4

      Make a trip in the car more relaxing and enjoyable. If you enjoy music, put on your favorite radio station or CD, but not so loud that it is distracting. You could even put on CDs that play natural sounds like a babbling brook and bird chirping if nature sounds make you feel less tense. You could even make a tape with your own voice of relaxing affirmations such as "I can do this" and "I'm doing fine" and "I am relaxed at the wheel as I drive."

    • 5

      Do mental imagery exercises at home. Sit in a comfortable chair, relax and close your eyes. Take some deep breaths and exhale each one slowly. Picture yourself driving in the car smiling, feeling confident, making turns, speeding up and driving in different locations. While driving in the car, start the deep breathing exercise any time you even begin to feel tense.

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