Fear has big eyes: How to overcome the driving phobia

All motorists can name a dozen advantages of driving a car. But not everyone may confess to the fear of driving. Anxiety and phobias arise more often in newbies, but experienced drivers sometimes also face a similar problem. In this article, you will find six practical tips on overcoming a driving phobia.

1. Buy your own car.

The fear of driving a car is often associated with the possibility of damaging it. If you buy an inexpensive used car and insure it against all possible troubles, you can stop worrying about every scratch. However, you should not buy the simplest model – a car for a beginner should be equipped with modern security systems.

2. Study the internal structure of the car

In driving courses, you can hardly learn all the necessary information about the internal structure of the vehicle. So most newbies feel lost and stressed if something goes wrong on the road. Learn as much as possible about your car or talk to experts about the mechanisms and details. For example, if you choose a car in Indianapolis, visit Indy Auto Man and ask questions about the model you want to buy.

3. Review traffic rules

Passing a theoretical exam assumes that the driver has studied traffic rules, memorized them, and is ready to follow them. But there is a fear of not remembering a certain rule, given that any situation can be stressful for a beginner. Review at least a few rules daily, or take online practice tests. This method will help you gradually remember all the rules and work them out in practice.

4. Get rid of annoying factors

Newbies often try to make their first independent trips around the city with an experienced driver sitting next to them. However, if such assistance annoys you more than help, it’s best to practice alone.

5. More driving practice

Get behind the wheel of your car whenever you need to go somewhere. Even in a nearby store. Familiar routes are preferable to get used to driving sooner. Choose locations with enough space if you are still hesitant to park. After a month or two, you will feel confident behind the wheel, and your fear of driving a car will pass.

6. Learn to drive in dry weather

Even experienced drivers struggle with weather conditions in winter when the roads are slippery, it gets dark early, and the number of accidents increases. It’s best to start practicing while the roads are still dry.

From Small Victories to Big Success

Psychologists say that the fear of driving in beginners can mean low self-esteem. Before embarking on a trip across the city, set small goals for yourself and try to achieve them. In the end, getting to the store on the next street is already a big success.

How to overcome the fear of an accident

According to psychologists, the fear of becoming a participant in an accident exists not only among beginners but also among experienced drivers. The fear is especially great for those who have already had an accident, witnessed a serious one, or are too receptive to the stories of others and the media about terrible crashes. Perhaps this fear is one of the most serious ones, but there are ways to overcome it too.

The most common excuse for people afraid of getting into an accident is the preference to use taxis or other public transport, explained by the fact that it is safer. The opinion that more experienced and responsible drivers work in public transport is often not always true. There is no evidence that the driver has a great experience, follows all the rules of the road, and will not exceed the speed limit to cover the route faster and earn more money.

When you get behind the wheel on your own, follow all traffic rules, including the speed limit, carefully change lanes, and keep your distance, you gain confidence that independent driving is safer.

If you decide that the driving skill is indispensable in your life, then don’t give up. Try to figure out where your phobia comes from in the first place, or address a psychologist for help to take each fear apart and find out what worries you the most.