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Don’t let the fear of driving hold you back

23rd April 2014 Print

Driving is a skill that serves many purposes, but there are people who are afraid of getting behind the wheel. A fear of driving can be caused by an unpleasant or traumatic experience on the road, such as witnessing or being involved in a car accident, being a victim of road rage, or even getting yelled at while learning how to drive. Whatever the cause, the ensuing anxiety or phobia that follows prevents people from driving again.

A fear of driving is not something to be ashamed about, but it can be detrimental to one’s life because it prevents you from doing things you need to do, and even interfere with opportunities that can improve your life. For instance, there are jobs that require driving, and there may also be emergencies that can only be addressed by driving to your destination.

If driving anxiety is stopping you from taking the wheel, the only way to get rid of it is to face it. Once you get past your fear, you will be able to reap the rewards of being able to drive with confidence. A way of building confidence is to understand, 100%, the rules of the road, and there are a number of online practice tests available to assist with this.

How do I get rid of my driving phobia?

A driving phobia can arise quickly—triggered by an event such as being in an accident, or almost hitting a pedestrian—or it can develop gradually, such as when witnessing road accidents as a child and throughout adulthood. The first thing to do to get rid of the phobia is to acknowledge it, and seek help.

If your phobia is preventing you from functioning as a driver, you can undergo therapy and even take defensive driving classes to help you gain your confidence back. There are driving schools with programs that specialize in helping anxiety-laden drivers get back on the road, and the instructors will stay with you every step of the way. Drive gradually, starting from roads familiar to you and where you feel comfortable. When you’re ready, slowly ease your way into roads with more traffic to build up your confidence.

Easing your way back

Here are a few more tips to get you back on the road:

Get in the car and re-familiarise yourself with the controls. Make yourself comfortable and imagine yourself driving. Turn the ignition on, flick the switches, and go through the motions of driving. Practise looking in the mirrors.

If you live in the city, practise driving during off-peak hours.

Bring a trusted friend along, someone who can help you stay calm and focused, and won’t make fun of you.

Sign up for extra hours in your defensive driving class. Extra hours with an instructor can help you gain more experience in different driving conditions and traffic situations, such as merging lanes and motorway driving.

Things to look forward to

Driving can give you plenty of opportunities, whether for fun, practicality, or as a career. There are times when taking public transportation or riding a bike becomes impractical, especially if you have a lot of errands or have to take your children to school or a football game. The convenience of being able to drive also gives you the opportunity to go on a road trip with friends or family, and even get a job in the next city.

Driving would also give you the independence to go places without relying on others to drive you there, especially when public transportation is not available. Driving improves one’s lifestyle and provides opportunities that walking, riding a bike, riding a bus, or hitching a ride cannot give, so don’t be afraid to face your fears and get back behind the wheel!