At Cowley’s School of Motoring we offer high-quality driving lessons with calm driving instructors trained in dealing with anxiety.

Learning to drive can be an exciting milestone for many people, but for those with anxiety, it can be a daunting and stressful experience. Anxiety can manifest in a variety of ways, such as feeling overwhelmed, experiencing physical symptoms like sweating or shaking, or having racing thoughts. However, there are strategies that can help you manage your anxiety and learn to drive with confidence.

1. Identify the source of your anxiety

The first step in managing anxiety is to identify the source of your anxiety. For some people, it may be the fear of making mistakes or being judged by others. For others, it may be the fear of losing control or causing an accident. Once you have identified the source of your anxiety, you can begin to address it more effectively.

2. Find a supportive instructor

Finding a supportive and understanding driving instructor is essential when learning to drive with anxiety. Look for an instructor who has experience working with anxious students and who is patient, calm, and understanding. A good instructor should be able to provide you with the guidance and support you need to overcome your anxiety.

3. Practice relaxation techniques

Learning relaxation techniques can help you manage your anxiety and stay calm while driving. There are many different relaxation techniques to choose from, such as deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualization. These techniques can help you calm your nerves and focus on the road ahead.

4. Gradual exposure

Gradual exposure is a technique that involves gradually exposing yourself to the thing that makes you anxious. For driving, this could mean starting with short, low-stress driving sessions and gradually building up to longer, more challenging drives. Gradual exposure can help you build your confidence and reduce your anxiety over time.

5. Visualize success

Visualizing success is a powerful technique that can help you overcome your anxiety and build your confidence. Take some time to visualize yourself driving confidently and safely on the road. Picture yourself handling different driving scenarios with ease and confidence. By visualizing success, you can help train your brain to focus on positive outcomes instead of negative ones.

6. Challenge negative thoughts

Negative thoughts and beliefs can contribute to anxiety and make it harder to learn to drive. Challenge negative thoughts by asking yourself if they are realistic or if there is evidence to support them. Replace negative thoughts with positive, realistic ones. For example, instead of thinking “I’ll never be able to do this,” try thinking “I can do this if I take it one step at a time.”

7. Take breaks

Taking breaks is important when learning to drive with anxiety. Preventing you from becoming overwhelmd and allowing you to put into practice some of your calming techniques.