Hypnosis for Driving Anxiety 

How common is driving anxiety?

A 2018 poll by Nissan* found that 39% of drivers feel anxious behind the wheel, 23% of drivers were anxious on multi-lane roads and 47% said they’d take a smaller road to avoid busy motorways. Unlike other phobias, there is no medical term for the fear of driving, but that doesn’t make it any less valid. Many people don’t like to disclose their driving anxiety for fear of judgement but unfortunately, this can make the fear even worse, perpetuating the guilt and shame associated with the phobia.

If you find yourself avoiding certain roads, areas or making excuses not to drive at all, you may be experiencing driving anxiety. Physical symptoms can include:

• Dizziness

• Sweaty palms

• Shortness of breath

• Sweating

• Heart palpitations or racing heart

• Dry mouth

Driving anxiety can be general; when we feel unable to sit behind the wheel at all or feel anxious at all times when driving. Or it can be specific to certain situations such as driving at high speeds, driving alone, driving in an unfamiliar area, driving alongside large lorries, driving in the dark, being trapped in a traffic jam, driving in adverse weather. 

What if I’m ok to drive, except on motorways? 

Motorway specific driving anxiety is also very common. The AA estimated that in just one year, UK drivers drive 66 million miles to avoid motorways.** A study conducted by the RAC suggests that 8 million brits claim they ‘hardly ever’ drive on the motorway. The high speeds, the concentration required and the intimidation of other drivers can be really overwhelming to handle, especially when we’re in a position of responsibility for our lives and potentially the lives of others. 

What are the causes of driving anxiety?

There are many possible causes for driving anxiety and they can be related to other underlying issues. Possible causes include:

• Past experience(s). One of the most common causes of driving anxiety is suffering from a bad experience. The experience of being in an accident or even witnessing one can leave us with negative feelings towards driving. If we are involved in a near-miss or have experienced driving in particularly traumatic conditions, this too can have an effect on our ability to drive without anxiety.

• Learnt behaviour. If one or both parents are fearful of driving, this fear can easily be passed on. As children, we observe our parents’ reactions and can be influenced by their fears and anxieties.

• Lack of confidence. When driving it’s easy to feel the burden of responsibility for not only our safety but the safety of our passengers and also the other drivers around us. If we are unconfident in our abilities or feel overwhelmed by the responsibility of driving, this can develop into driving anxiety.

Can hypnosis help with driving anxiety?

Hypnotherapy is an effective method to help you overcome driving anxiety. Your self-confidence can be damaged by the negative self-talk that comes with anxiety. Hypnotherapy can speak to your subconscious directly, turning the negative self-talk into positive self-talk. They will also use positive affirmations and help you to imagine a scenario where you are driving, but instead of feeling anxious, you are feeling calm and in control.

Your therapist will remove the fear and anxiety and help you associate driving with a sense of calm and confidence. As a result, you’ll be able to drive without experiencing the symptoms of anxiety.

*Source Nissan UK. A study conducted on 2000 drivers.

**Source AA study - note some drivers may be avoiding motorways for reasons other than anxiety.