Tense behind the wheel
Many people have a driver’s license, but never use it. They are so anxious behind the wheel that they avoid the car. Others still drive, but with trembling hands. What exactly is fear of driving and how do you deal with it?
1. What exactly is fear of driving?
If you have a fear of driving, you are afraid to drive a car. When you are behind the wheel, you are very tense or anxious, and you may avoid driving altogether.
Fear of driving may indicate a specific phobia and it can also coexist with panic disorder. Physical complaints that can occur with fear of driving include palpitations, tremors, nausea and diarrhea and the fear of losing control.
2. Who has a fear of driving?
About half to one million Dutch people have a driving license, but do not use it. Fear of driving is more common in women than in men.
3. What are the causes of fear of driving?
Fear of driving can have various causes. There may also be a combination of the various factors mentioned below:
- Lack of routine: if you don’t own a car or don’t get the opportunity to drive, you can become insecure and dread driving, or even stop driving at all.
- A traffic trauma. It does not matter whether you were behind the wheel or were a co-driver or spectator.
- A major event in your life: a long period of illness, a pregnancy or the loss of a loved one can make you feel differently behind the wheel.
- Prolonged stress or tension. Stress causes physical and psychological complaints, such as palpitations, sweating and reduced self-confidence. If you also feel this while driving, you may feel like you are losing control.
- An anxiety disorder or panic attack: it is possible that you also have anxious feelings while driving, or that you are afraid that after a panic attack behind the wheel you will have even more panic attacks.
4. How do I know if I have a fear of driving?
Do the fear of driving test on the website of the Mental Health Fund. The test consists of two parts. In the first part, you test whether you suffer from an increased level of tension behind the wheel. If this is the case, a second test will follow which can show whether your tension complaints have developed into an actual fear of driving.
5. How can driving anxiety be treated?
If you are afraid of something, you get into a vicious circle. You will avoid what you are afraid of and this causes your fear to increase.
If you have a mild form of fear of driving, it may be useful to take a few driving lessons. This is how you discover that you have the skills to drive a car. This can reduce your anxiety.
In a severe form of fear of driving, it is important to focus on the fear in the first place. A treatment with a psychologist who specializes in (driving) anxiety is a good choice. In the treatment you will be exposed to your fear and try to change your thoughts about driving. More information about this and what you can do yourself can be found on the website of Mental Health Fund.
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