Did you know that the fear of driving is called amaxophobia? A high percentage of people suffer from it, so don’t think that overnight people are happy in vehicles and listening to music: it’s a process of adaptation. Like everything in life, confidence is fostered through practice.
That anxiety, the emptiness in your stomach before you get into the vehicle, or the nerves that run through your hands, can be caused by a previous trauma related to driving, or it is simply a matter of giving up the comfort of being a co-driver. The good news is that the fear of driving can be overcome.
Fear in itself is not a bad thing, remember that it is one of the most fundamental emotions of human beings to survive and stay out of harm’s way. However, the fear of driving means that we overestimate these situations and feel incapable, when in fact, we can solve everyday problems that are much more complex than driving.
udrive has over 35 years of experience, forging new drivers, so share these tips that will be useful when you start your driving lessons.
You know, your mind and your body are in tune, so try to stay at peace and transmit that serenity. The mind is powerful and will be your main ally to overcome fear of driving. Of course, from your reading space you’ll counter with a “yes, it’s easy to say it from there”, but remember: as udrive, we have more than three decades of forging drivers.
Our experience has shown us that one step towards independence is a calm attitude in the face of this challenge. Don’t worry, a team of professionals is ready to support you and we know how to do it. We will be pleased to guide you and, above all, to keep you on your toes when you take the wheel to suggest actions that will allow you to drive like a professional from day one.
You have to know, the fear of driving manifests itself in three ways. With cognitive, physiological and observable symptoms. Cognitive refers to negative thoughts, lack of concentration, worry, for example. Observable symptoms refer to sweating, nervous movements in the hands, for example. While the physiological symptoms are related to aspects such as emptiness in the stomach, tiredness without apparent cause, dizziness, and definitely affect.
You know, you need to analyze and identify what makes you think driving is a threat. Do you think you’ll lose control? Confuse the pedals? Feel overwhelmed controlling the mirrors, pedals and leverage? Can’t judge distances in the lane?
Now driving is not so complicated, even the vehicles come equipped with security cameras to broadcast live the spaces you have to maneuver. Identify your fears and try to neutralize them, if you do you are closer to the experience of enjoying driving.
Driving is not only synonymous with responsibility: it also gives you independence, relaxation, autonomy. These are positive feelings that can help you neutralize the fear of driving.
What would you do if you drove? Would you stop spending hours waiting for them to pick you up? Would you visit your loved ones often? Would you stop using staff transportation to optimize time? Would you take your loved ones to the hospital in an emergency?
Knowing how to drive is a skill that can even save someone’s life. So it’s time for you to increase your self-confidence to overcome your fear of driving. Challenging yourself will help you get through this stage.
It is incalculable how much time you spend when you move around on public or rental transport. A trip that could take you 30 minutes by car costs you twice as much. It can also translate into not getting a job because you lack this skill, so it’s time to start taking charge of your life with determination.
Learning to drive is a process. You may see other people slipping between vehicles or doing calculation maneuvers without effort and feel that you can’t do it, don’t worry, in time you will drive like this. In the first months you take the wheel an exercise that will help you overcome the fear of driving will be to design your routes before you leave. If possible, drive with a person who is understanding and who knows how to advise you without getting upset.
At udrive we are aware that your guide’s temperament will encourage self-confidence. Taking lessons with our team of professionals will inspire you to drive.
You may have followed the above advice, but even so, when you go out on the road, the fear of driving torments you and makes it impossible. Contrary to what you may think, fear of driving is not exclusive to women, although they are the ones who recognize it the most.
At the udrive, we will provide you with techniques so that little by little you will be able to make driving a pleasant experience.
Yes, the fear of driving may want to make an appearance from time to time, but remember: you already have various skills that are the tools you will use to respond on the road, so it’s time to take the wheel and drive slowly and defensively.
All the knowledge acquired with our professionals must be put into practice. As the days go by you will become more skilled and the fears will disappear.
Of course, when you sit behind the wheel you may need to mentally practice the six steps above to achieve self-control. At udrive we believe that practice makes perfect, so our learning programs are divided into beginner and refresher programs.