Published on: October 19, 2021
Updated on: October 19, 2025
Author: Kentucky Counseling Center
Driving is often considered one of the most common activities that cause panic and fear. This specific phobia of driving has been given various names—amaxophobia, ochophobia, motorphobia, or hamaxophobia—and it stems from a persistent and extreme fear of driving or riding in a vehicle and losing control.
Different driving situations can cause distress for individuals with this phobia. They may feel anxious or fearful if they drive through a tunnel, over a bridge, on a freeway, or even simply sit in the passenger’s seat. These structures or routes may present possible road threats or challenges. Whatever the situation may be, the fear typically arises from the belief that something tragic or negative could happen at any moment.
Fear of driving is more intense and debilitating compared to anxiety in general. If left untreated, it can disrupt daily activities and lead to long-term mental health problems. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), specific phobias—including driving phobia—affect approximately 19 million adults in the United States and can significantly impact day-to-day functioning.
Causes of Driving Phobia
There are various reasons why some people become fearful drivers. One of the most common causes is the fear of having a panic attack while driving. Other causes include:
- Personally experiencing a car accident in the past
- Witnessing other cars’ tragic accidents or hearing about a car accident that involves someone close to you
- Getting lost for hours while driving without access to help
- Experiencing heavy traffic
- Lack of trust in one’s driving skills
In some cases, driving phobia may be linked to the broader category of situational phobias as recognized in the DSM-5, published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).
Signs You May Have Driving Phobia
The most common sign of driving phobia is the total avoidance of driving. Other symptoms to watch for include:
- Excessive and persistent panic
- Strongly avoiding contact with any vehicle
- Sweaty palms
- Disorientation and confusion
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Racing heartbeat while driving
The Link Between Panic Attacks and Driving Phobia
Panic attacks are short periods of intense fear that occur unexpectedly. If you have a driving phobia, you are more likely to experience these attacks, which can develop into a panic disorder if not addressed. Mental health professionals can diagnose panic attacks by asking you to describe your experiences—when and where they happened, and what you were doing at the time.
The good news is that panic attacks are treatable through interventions such as psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Recent research published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2022) supports that early intervention can greatly reduce the severity and frequency of panic attacks, especially those triggered by driving.
Overcoming the Fear of Driving
Overcoming driving phobia is not easy, but it is far from impossible. Below are several strategies and approaches you can use to conquer your fear of driving and build confidence on the road.
1. Hire a Driving Instructor
It might be surprising to learn that many people are terrified of driving on the highway simply because they lack proper driving skills. Taking lessons is an essential first step if you want to learn how to drive. It is crucial to find an understanding and patient driving instructor who will support you through the learning process.
Your instructor will guide you verbally as you drive, pointing out what is happening on the road and highlighting potential hazards. You will likely feel calmer knowing an expert is beside you. Don’t skip your driving lessons if you want to free yourself from driving anxiety.
2. Do Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy involves facing your fear or anxiety in incremental steps until you overcome it. For instance, you could start by sitting in the driver’s seat of your car for a few minutes without turning on the engine. Simply sit, feel the steering wheel with your hands, and become accustomed to being in the driver’s seat. Do this daily until you feel comfortable, then slowly add another task—such as turning on the engine.
Gradually, these incremental steps help desensitize you to fear. A 2021 systematic review published in JMIR Serious Games noted the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) Exposure Therapy for situational phobias, including the fear of driving, suggesting VR can be an excellent supplement if real-world driving is too intimidating at first.
3. Brutal Truth Method: Name Your Fears
The Brutal Truth Method involves sharing your fears with someone you trust, who can offer a more objective, positive perspective. If you are uncomfortable sharing your fears directly, consider writing them in a phobia workbook or recording them on your phone. Be honest and specific when naming your fears; identifying them clearly is the first step toward conquering them.
4. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Relaxation is essential if you truly want to drive comfortably. One of the most effective relaxation techniques is meditation, which can be practiced at home at little to no cost. Deep breathing exercises also help. If you begin to feel anxious, pull over (if you’re driving) or pause what you’re doing, and take several slow, deep breaths while listening to calming music.
5. Use Positive Affirmations
Positive affirmations are short statements that encourage self-confidence and reduce anxiety. Examples include:
“I’m scared, but I can do this.”
“I’m open to the possibility of finding driving fun and worthwhile.”
Repeat these affirmations, especially while you are driving. Roll down the window, let the fresh air in, and remind yourself that facing your fear is the only way to overcome it.
Effects on Mental Health
Driving phobia should not be taken lightly, as it can lead to risky behaviors on the road that endanger not only the driver but also passengers and other motorists. This condition may require professional intervention from therapists, clinical psychologists, or psychiatrists. A comprehensive treatment plan might include:
- Medication (such as anti-anxiety or beta-blockers)
- Psychotherapy (including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Participation in support groups
- Defensive driving classes for practical skills
Because of the intense mental stress, individuals with a driving phobia may develop long-term health risks, including cardiovascular and respiratory problems.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for driving anxiety and panic. The objective of CBT is to replace catastrophic assumptions with realistic thinking. For example:
- Avoid creating “safe” routes that you drive every day in an attempt to circumvent your fear. Doing so may reinforce your phobia rather than alleviate it.
- Challenge negative thoughts by recognizing that most driving scenarios end without incident.
- Stop emotional reasoning by reminding yourself that feeling danger does not necessarily mean danger is imminent.
By consistently facing your fear and gradually exposing yourself to challenging driving situations, you can retrain your nervous system not to enter “panic mode” automatically. Over time, CBT can help you become more mindful, practical, and self-assured behind the wheel.
CBT also helps you become aware of subtle safety behaviors that send signals to your brain implying you are only safe if those behaviors are present (e.g., constantly checking traffic updates, avoiding roads under construction, or driving far below the speed limit). Overcoming these behaviors helps build genuine confidence.
No More Panic Attacks While Driving
If you notice you’re becoming anxious or uncomfortable when driving, don’t wait for an accident to force you to seek help. Whether through therapy, medication, support groups, or a combination of treatments, professional guidance can make a significant difference in overcoming your driving phobia.
If this article helped you, Kentucky Counseling Center (KCC) can arrange a one-on-one session for you or link you to a support group. KCC offers therapy specifically designed to manage driving phobia.
