Fear of driving: how to overcome it in the new year?

Confidence behind the wheel does not just mean comfort, but above all safety, yours and that of other road users. Driving without stress allows you to make better decisions, react faster and enjoy the pleasure of driving. The new year is the perfect time to leave fear behind and start building your confidence as a rider, step by step, at your own pace.

How does stress manifest itself before driving?

Pre-driving stress can have both mental and physical symptoms. The most common are tension, rapid heartbeat, sweaty hands, difficulty concentrating or a feeling of «emptiness in the head». For some drivers, fear manifests itself by avoiding driving, postponing trips or worrying excessively even before getting into the car.

The most common mistakes of novice drivers

Novice drivers often make mistakes that are not due to lack of knowledge, but excessive stress and pressure. Between the most common are driving too slowly, reacting nervously, focusing on what others think or avoiding more difficult road situations. The fear of making a mistake paradoxically increases the risk of it occurring. In the worst case scenario, driving «paralysis» can occur: due to a traffic situation, an overly stressed driver can end up causing a dangerous situation, instead of remaining calm, braking or avoiding an obstacle.

How to overcome the fear of driving?

The most important thing to overcome fear of driving it is the regular and gradual getting used to driving. Short routes, familiar places and quieter traffic times help build positive experiences. It’s also worth changing your attitude: mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and every confident driver was once a beginner. Breathing exercises and mindful concentration on what is happening here and now can also be helpful.

Do you live in an urban area and are afraid of driving in the chaos of the city? Take additional paid lessons with a driving instructor – remember that you are also responsible for the safety of other road users and be prepared for stressful situations.

How to start if the fear of driving a car is strong?

If fear of driving it’s very intense, it’s better to start small steps, without pressure. At first it can be as simple as sitting in the car, a short walk in the parking lot, or in a quiet area. A good solution is to ride with a trusted person or take extra lessons with an instructor. The most important thing is not to compare yourself to others and take your time: confidence behind the wheel comes with practice. An increasingly common practice is to improve skills car driving simulatorswhere you can safely improve your reactions to different traffic situations.

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