Depending on the severity of your driving anxiety, it may take a significant amount of time and effort to overcome it. Some people find that if they just get slightly nervous or anxious behind the wheel that by consciously trying to relax, such as by relaxing the muscles and taking deep breaths, they can overcome the driving anxiety. If you have a more severe case, you may need to attend therapy to work through a traumatic event or overcome the issue if it has turned into a phobia.
If you experience mild or moderate driving anxiety that causes you to avoid driving in stressful situations, such as on the highway, in a city, or making left turns at busy intersections, for example, you might begin by simply practicing driving. Start slowly and drive for short distances on routes that you know well and feel to be safe. If your anxiety begins to lessen in these situations, you may begin to try slightly more challenging situations, such as driving on busier roads. Gradually increasing the difficulty of driving you do and getting more practice is a great way to overcome driving anxiety, because you will be exposed to many different situations.
Some people find that taking a defensive driving course from a professional is a good way to overcome some driving anxiety. This course will teach you how to safely respond in certain unexpected situations, which can increase your feeling of preparedness. If the driving anxiety occurs while you are actually in the car, try to take some deep breaths and to tighten and relax muscles throughout the body. Anxiety will often cause you to breathe shallowly, worsening the anxious feelings; taking some conscious deep breaths and reminding yourself that everything is fine can help to stop the anxiety in its tracks and prevent a panic attack.
If a panic attack does occur while driving, it is best to pull over until the panic attack passes, to avoid putting yourself or anyone else in danger. If the driving anxiety is caused by a specific traumatic event, such as a bad accident, it may be necessary to visit a therapist for help in overcoming the fear. The therapist will be able to help you discuss the event and develop techniques for coping with the anxiety. It may take time to get comfortable driving again, and it is important to go at your own pace and not force yourself to do too much too fast.
