Fear of driving?: Does anyone have... - Anxiety and Depre...

Anxiety and Depression Support

93,043 members86,929 posts

Fear of driving?

issueresolver profile image
12 Replies

Does anyone have similar problem?

I start to sweat, sometimes get panic attacks. I was putting off this for a long time but now I really need to drive every day, and this anxiety is blocking me badly.

It feels like everyone learns to drive in one day, and just continue to do it without problems, and for me it's like the most difficult thing in the world...

Written by
issueresolver profile image
issueresolver
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
12 Replies
kenster1 profile image
kenster1

not a driver myself doubt I ever will be just don`t have the patience to drive.

Where I live in the USA it seems like now more than ever there are so many cars on the road that you really have to be very careful at times to watch out for what other people are doing. And then you have people who want to honk their horn at you constantly if you’re not moving fast enough for them and others you don’t want to get into any road rage with. It is nerve wracking. I was in a bad car accident years ago and I’m trying to get over it, still I tend to feel panicked and impulsive making left turns. Everyone needs to practice more patience. It is a lot of anxiety, especially around rush hour.

I do experience anxiety when driving. I am especially anxious when in unfamiliar places because I fear getting lost.

Perhaps there are things you can research about this that might offer some helpful advice. Rest assured you are not unique in this problem.

Perhaps I should take my own advice as well. I hope things get better with this.

Tealpillow profile image
Tealpillow

Yes, totally relate. When I was 16 I swerved to avoid hitting a dog and spun off the freeway at 80 mph. Im a huge animal lover so it was just second nature to avoid the dog even though the police woman told me next time just hit it because I put my life in danger. Like, duh! I did not need to be scolded on top of everything. But I still can’t get on the freeway without feeling nervous as heck. I usually just find another person going slow and stay a good distance behind them. I’m a chicken 🍗

dogandcatlover27 profile image
dogandcatlover27

I certainly had the same problem.I was so nervous having driving lessons although I did get a good Instructor eventually who helped me with my nerves.It took me 3 attempts until I passed on my 4 th.I thought I would be in the Guinness Book of Records for the most driving tests,Even now after 40 odd years of driving I still hate driving on Motorways .Which I hardly do.. So your not alone

Pitbullloverx1 profile image
Pitbullloverx1

I cannot drive alone it makes me go into a panic and when I do it scares me so badly to where I don’t do it

Perriex profile image
Perriex

I don't drive. I have deep shame over it... especially the last few years. I was in several car accidents when I was young and developed a phobia.I have looked for years for the right person to teach me... they'll have to have the patience of Job.

I am a slow learner with most things... I'm very frightened that my mind won't be quick enough to avoid the constant challenges and dangers involved.

I do want to learn now, and wish I hadn't put it off.

designguy profile image
designguy

Driving anxiety is quite common so you definitely are not alone. You might benefit from learning what is really going on with your anxiety and how best to constructively deal with it. My suggestion is that you check out the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos, I think they even have one specifically on driving anxiety. You can get over it and get on with your life.

Baconandchesse profile image
Baconandchesse

Hi, I suffer from the same problem. I had an accident in 2020 and I haven't driven since then. It really scares me. I need to drive but I don't know how to and the fear of getting into another accident really stops me from driving. I have been working on this issue with my therapist and he suggested I get a medication to help with my anxiety and I signed up for driving lessons. My case is overwhelming because I have to drive myself to college by August. I might not get the medication until June. I have about 6 weeks to learn how to drive. I totally and completely understand how you feel. I hope that everything works out.

issueresolver profile image
issueresolver

Thank you for your comments, I searched about solutions, because I am tired of this. I am also shy, so therapist is not an option. Currently taking an online course (issueresolver.online/how-to... it seems interesting, so I'll keep you all updated

petarpfc profile image
petarpfc in reply toissueresolver

Hi, you sound just like me, can you contact me, I am also interested in that course. Cheers

issueresolver profile image
issueresolver in reply topetarpfc

It is definitely helping me, at least I learned that it is not going to resolve by itself.

Cleared stage one, I have much more confidence now :)

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Fear of driving

My psychiatrist has referred me to a partial hospitalization treatment about 45 minutes away to...
OldestSibling profile image

Driving Anxiety

Just wondering if any of you get anxiety at the thought of driving. I never wanted to drive and...
Expo123 profile image

Anxiety driving

I’m new here and I really don’t know what to do. Only reason I decided to join is because I feel so...

Driving anxiety

Does anyone have any tips for anxiety and panic attacks revolving around driving? I have been...
letthelightin profile image

Anxiety while driving

Hello, I am new to this and I was actually looking up research for homework when I came across this...
V_aguila profile image

Moderation team

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.