Visualize yourself arriving safely. Before you set off, it may help to picture yourself arriving at your destination, safe, calm, and happy. [2] X Research source Food can also help calm you down; consider grabbing a snack and a glass of water before you hit the road.
Do a quick rundown of all the buttons and levers in the car. Make sure you know what each one does and how to use them before you start driving.
Bring a cell phone and charger with you so that you’ll always have the option to ask for help if you need it.
It’s also a good idea to pick out any parking lots or rest stops along the route so you have a place to pull over if you get stressed.
Tackle driving maneuvers that seem especially daunting or stressful. For example, many teens worry about parallel parking, but you can learn how to parallel park safely in an empty lot.
Practicing on a quiet road first means there is less pressure on you to get all the rules of the road right the first time around, and you won’t have to worry about slowing down other drivers behind you.
Try challenging yourself with new routes when you feel comfortable. Take a different route to school, or drive with your parent to a different grocery store than you usually visit.
Rain, ice, and packed snow cause roads to be slippery, so learn to slow your speed and navigate roads safely. Night driving also requires you to pay extra attention to how you use your headlights and look more carefully for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers. Remember, don’t rush the process. While getting out of your comfort zone is necessary to overcome your driving anxiety, avoid entering situations that you’re unprepared for. [11] X Expert Source Simon MiyerovDriving Instructor Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
Remember: your focus should be on the road at all times! Make sure you get between 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night! A good night’s sleep will improve your focus; conversely, it’ll be hard to concentrate if you’re sleepy.
Try to avoid pulling over near busy streets or isolated areas. A populated but traffic-free street or parking lot is the best place to stop for some air. [15] X Research source
You don’t have to memorize the entire manual. However, you should be familiar with the basic road rules—it’ll help you feel less anxious behind the wheel.
Even if you know most of the basics of driving, an instructor can train you in areas that might be causing the most anxiety, like parallel parking or merging. A crash course or an intensive driving course is great if you need a confidence boost right before your driving test. These courses pack a ton of information and practice into a short period. [17] X Research source
You don’t have to talk to your parent if you’d be more comfortable with someone else. This person could be another adult relative, a school counselor, or a friend’s parent that you trust.
Driving phobia often arises following an accident, characterized by intense fear and avoidance of driving that interferes with daily functioning. If you have your license but are too afraid to drive to school, you may have a driving phobia.
