Anyone can experience driving anxiety - whether you’ve been driving for the past twenty years, or you passed your test yesterday. Being nervous about getting in the driving seat is not something to be ashamed of. It can however, be very tricky to deal with. We have compiled a list of useful tips that should help put your mind at ease when you’re behind the wheel.
What causes driving anxiety is unique to each person – however, there are some common reasons:
Get yourself ready for a car journey before you even get in the car – if you need to, focus on your breathing or listen to music to stay calm. We recommend avoiding caffeine before a drive, especially if you’re a nervous driver, as it often triggers anxiety.
A major source of anxiety comes from the idea of breaking down in the middle of a journey. One way to set your mind at ease is to have your car regularly serviced. A car service is almost like a check up at the doctors – our technicians assess a number of car components such as brakes, oil, steering and more.
Find out more about what is included in a car service.
Anxiety about getting lost or showing up late is very common. Nowadays, there’s an easy solution – the satnav! All you need is a phone cradle and an app – simply type your destination in and the app will point you in the right direction. Be sure to set everything up before driving off, as mobile phone use is while driving is illegal!
Alternatively, most modern cars are designed with a built in sat-nav which can help you get from A to B. Hopefully hearing and seeing clear directions on your journey should offer peace of mind. A satnav also provides some company in the car if you are apprehensive about driving alone.
In the same way that a clean desk or a clean study can improve your focus, a clean car can help you feel less stressed on the road. If you leave junk like old scraps of paper and flimsy shopping bags in your car, why not take a bin bag and clear your car of all rubbish? You’ll feel much better for it!
If fear of the unknown is fuelling your nerves, you may find it easier to stick to routes you know. Build your confidence by travelling on familiar roads – the more driving you do on them, the less daunting they will seem. Once you feel more confident, you can start branching out and taking other routes to familiar places.
This might be a luxury, particularly if you travel for work, but try to follow well known routes like travelling to the same supermarket every day.
Anxiety is often perpetuated by a feeling of guilt or stress. If you do make a mistake or get lost, try to remember that everyone makes mistakes on the road, and be kind to yourself!
If you find that you’re still struggling with driving anxiety it might be worth seeing your GP. There are a number of medical techniques, such as stress management, which may be able to calm your nerves. Alternatively, you can get in touch with a member of our helpful team or visit us at your local Setyres branch today for answers to your motoring queries.