Secret to overcoming anxiety of driving

[@1stdrive]

To clarify the point in this video, too many people focus on doing something new to beat their fear of driving. This is wrong in two ways. Firstly, you don't have to do anything new; the solution is not in some strange ritual that magically releases the problem. You don't have to hold a banana above your head and dance around the room backwards at midnight. You don't have to change anything about your driving because driving anxiety has nothing to do with driving. The way you fix a fear of driving is to find out what the problem really is. I can guarantee you 100% that your driving anxiety has NOTHING to do with driving. The more you insist it does, the further from fixing it you'll be. Driving anxiety is just a symptom, it's how another problem is showing itself. Sometimes a car crash can activate the problem but the crash isn't the cause, it just set something else off and that's what needs fixing. Everyone focuses on the crash though and that's why you can't fix it. You're looking in the wrong place. I once worked with someone that had been in a car crash immediately before their driving anxiety began. Surely the crash was the cause? No. The cause was that at the time they were supposed to have been driving with their partner who, by chance, had not gotten into the car and decided to stay at home. This detail had long been forgotten by them but came up during hypnosis which was brought on without me even speaking. No counting down staircases or telling them to relax, it just happened because I know what I'm doing. Their fear of driving was actually because their mind was thinking they were going to lose their partner each time they drove. They had never thought of that before and once they said it out loud they started laughing and smiling at how preposterous it was. The problem slowly eased and months later they were back out driving hundreds of miles at high speed like before. Secondly, you don't beat the fear. You don't conquer the fear. Those terms make it sound as though you're battling some evil enemy and you're not. As in the case study above, you need to reconfigure the way your mind views a past event. This event giving you driving anxiety will make perfect sense to your subconscious mind but it won't to your conscious mind. Once the two meet...hypnosis happens and a solution is found, NOT given. You always find the answer and anyone telling you they have the solution is wrong. They merely help you find it. I didn't add my usual website graphic to this video but if you want to work with me to discover the cause of your problem you can learn more and contact me at www.1stdrive.com/how-to-overcome-driving-anxiety/. There are many other pages full of info to help you too.

[@realthing1859]

At such an empty road I'm not really having the driving anxiety. It's in the big cities with complicated infrastructure and lots of vehicles!

[@1stdrive]

I use these roads so they don't trigger people. In some of my highway videos I show what does cause anxiety and it can set off an attack just by watching, which is actually a good sign because it means it'll be easier to work with. There will be a video on city centres coming in a few weeks.

[@Why_Knott_Me]

I went through TWO roundabouts yesterday. Panic activated! (It went fine)😊

[@violetta40]

Highways and roundabouts start my anxiety a week ahead of knowing that I have to drive on it.

[@MsLanegirl]

I have to admit. I am 25 and have yet to start driving. Not only I am autistic and have ADHD, but I suffer from crippling anxiety that prevent me from being able to drive. I have had two traumatic experiences with motor accidents and it made an impact on my mental state in being able to drive. Of course, I know the pedals (left brake, right gas) and the steering. But the problem is me being spooked behind the wheel, especially when there are rude drivers and maniacs on the road. That’s why I am planning to go beyond my comfort zone and practice driving to overcome my fears and since university is starting at fall; might as well learn how to commute from my home to school. I gotta do what I have to do.

[@poetrygirl5309]

You will do what you need to because it's necessary. I wish you well.🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@ThomasTheG77]

I’m exactly the same. It sucks

[@Shinelikealways]

26 and same thing here. We'll get there!

[@KateCaradonna-z3d]

Do you feel more confident now?

[@hismom5600]

Im 32. And I'm determined to get this fear under my feet❤

[@theoneandonly15]

My main fear is hurting others or my family, driving is a dangerous activity, YOU have every reason and every right to have some type of fear.

[@1stdrive]

That's what many people with driving anxiety think and it usually comes from a lack of trust. Not many people want to hurt themselves or others but they trust themselves not to. You must always have some amount of fear to be safe but when it gets to the point that it stops you from doing things completely you need to find out what stops you from trusting yourself or others.

[@user-pc9yb9vi5k]

@@1stdrive Thank you for this comment, it's really given me a new insight. I trust myself but I don't trust others! This is actually an issue that extends throughout my life...

[@mafikdew78]

Not having any fear make someone reckless but having too much fear and possibly do the same thing. Crazy stuff

[@daviddahl83]

within the first two minutes you answered it for me. I had to find what's causing this anxiety. It's self doubt, hopelessness, a feeling that I have never been loved or had friends and have always been neglected and abused by others, so this irrational fear and anxiety actually is quite rational given my personal life experience. I always thought it's irrational and I need to do something to overcome it, what I need to overcome it is love and support or to just not need those things. Unfortunately for now I do need those things, or at least I believe I do. I don't feel worthy because I have never been valued or respected by others.

[@1stdrive]

I'm pleased this helped! What you mentioned are likely to be the causes but I can tell you from experience that there will be more hidden under the surface. You need to delve into those things in detail and extract every bit of detail about them because if you miss one thing then it can come back so it's not quite as easy as it seems. One thing to know is you won't fix the problem by actually doing what you think, for example finding love won't help if you've never had love, but that's for another video...

[@saturdaysierrasky9548]

i definitely feel exactly what you just described. i got in a t bone crash where an old lady ran a stop sign, and ever since, i’ve always thought everyone’s out to get me when i’m on the road. anyone can crash into me at any time. i’ve had two close calls with two s/o’s this year. one with us running a stop sign and another with us running thru the train lights. it keeps my fear and anxiety for driving so high, but now i think, i was always the passenger in all those situations. maybe they are just bad drivers and i can learn to be the best driver i can be. after my first crash, i didn’t have any family there to comfort me since they are in a different country. my bf at the time was moving into his ex gf’s house that day and never showed up to the hospital. my best friend and roommate and the one that was driving during the crash had unfriended me after the crash, not because of the crash, but because she was racist against my new bf. thank you guys for helping me work through this, genuinely. i feel a weight lifted off my chest.

[@BlazedApples]

I have my licence but I barely drive because of the crippling fear and anxiety

[@isolatedanonymous1979]

Same

[@kellytapley9525]

Me too 😔

[@lexbeltran1354]

You're not alone.

[@tin8060]

Me too sadly

[@Putri-nl2gg]

How are you getting on now?

[@konyiaa]

The fact that you can talk and drive is amazing lol I can’t wait to get to this point. I’m old (26) and just got my first car and only go short distances, no music and don’t talk to me 😂 I just remind myself I’m in control of me and if I stay in my lane I’ll be okay

[@1stdrive]

Driving is harder if you think about it, that's why learners struggle. It's best to focus on anything else and let your subconscious do the driving because it's much quicker and more resourceful than your conscious mind can ever be. It takes time to do it but I remember it happening after about 14 hours of lessons and then again several times soon after I started driving alone.

[@Lost_Girl777]

I don't fear driving, I fear getting panic attacks behind the wheel with no escape. I get lightheaded and sweat and disoriented and feel as though I am going to wreck. I don't want to put myself or others in danger.

[@babyzelda1621]

Omg I’ve never met anyone who feels just like I do and fear no one would help during it

[@1stdrive]

This is common for many people. You need to find out what the cause of the panic attack is and then it won't strike when you drive because your mind will reconfigure. An example of a client I had with this is someone who was locked in a cupboard as a child and had a panic attack because they thought they'd suffocate in there. Once we found that and dealt with it, their problem driving vanished within days. It isn't quite that simple and you need to work with someone who knows what they're doing. Too many people expect to fix this themselves and that isn't going to happen because you're too stuck in the problem to see what it is and finding the original cause takes some experience and skill.

[@shaunavaughn1407]

Me too! Have you tried anything that helps? I just can’t push myself to even attempt it. I’m 29. And have been driving since I was 17. And all of a sudden 2 years ago something just ticked and haven’t drive since

[@CKSNAILS]

Me too I started having panic attacks 5 months ago and I haven’t drove in 3 months and I just fear hurting someone or myself so I avoid driving in general At this point and I have panic disorder w agoraphobia so I don’t know how to force myself to drive again

[@laurw7643]

I'm not sure how this all started with me but lately I will get really hot and sweaty and lightheaded well I'm driving it's the scariest thing ever I have kids and this is limiting me and them😢

[@stev5293]

I honestly don't know whether there has been an event in my life that's made me scared of driving - for me personally I think the scariest thing is the feeling that I am getting in the way of traffic behind me. This has made me do stupid stuff like stalling at traffic lights on a flat road because I was rushing too much to get going. Also feeling pressured to speed up when there's traffic behind me (I never do though, I stick to the limit). I'm wondering whether this is a separate type of driving anxiety.

[@1stdrive]

You won't know what the event is otherwise you wouldn't have the problem. You often never get to know what the event was and you don't have to, so long as your subconscious knows.

[@alexanguiano9237]

This happens to me all the time been learning on my own for a month, at the point where I can drive anywhere without worrying about the route (hills etc). But sometimes in traffic or at light im just like crap if I stall right now ill be in the way. Getting better at it, but you are not alone.

[@mr.2minutes161]

for me it was breaking something (im quite poor), and overtaking in a car was scary.

[@keerthivadarevu]

Me too.... I have the same problem

[@BadBoy-ez1wc]

Not so much of driving its when you over think and when there's traffic

[@38k25m]

i just got my permit and when i get behind the wheel i get that overwhelming uncomfortable feeling in my stomach. the same feeling when surrounded by too many people, the first day of school, in front of the class, walking in late.. i hate this feeling!!

[@TJZ243]

Same I’m very comfortable behind the wheel but as soon as I see some cars behind me I lose all my cool and start to panic and wonder “Am I doing this right? Should there be this many cars behind me?? What if they start honking!? Maybe I should speed up? NO THATS A TERRIBLE IDEA!!! SOMEONE PLEASE GET ME OUT OF HERE!!!!”

[@ARIUS_C_vibes]

Same, I recently got my permit and my mom took me out on the road today and I just felt my stomach drop. I was so nervous and she has really bad anxiety so she was freaked out the whole time worrying about my safety etc.. hopefully it goes better tommorow 😅

[@nv_takeout]

Yeah same here buddy and I’m 21 years old I hope it got better for you

[@maryn4150]

hahahaha I’ve been late to school my WHOLE life! It’s not embarrassing, better to show up late than not show up at all. Nobody will care that much. As for driving, think of it as a social activity. Communicate with other drivers anytime you change the direction of your vehicle, like changing lanes, making turns, parking on the curb, leaving the side of the curb. Use your blinkers. Make eye contact with other drivers at 4-way stop intersection, make eye contact with pedestrians crossing the road or wanting to cross the road. Just think socially, we’re all people and nobody wants to crash on purpose in a fit of rage. Practice, practice, practice! And if anybody is driving fast and wants to overtake you, don’t challenge them, let them go. It’s safer that way.

[@1stdrive]

Those are all great tips but they won't fix anxiety because they're conscious thoughts about driving. Notice how the poster said they get " that overwhelming uncomfortable feeling in my stomach". That's what I'd focus on which would lead to the real issue.

[@jalisa8236]

My anxiety happens when I am in on-the Highway or where fast moving traffic takes place. It’s crippling but I am talking and feeling my way through. This is not every time but frequently. I can feel the sweat even on my feet, I am talking and practicing breathing while trying to maintain. I don’t feel bad for pulling over for a moment to recoup. I lost my brother due to a motorcycle accident and the pictures went viral on Social Media, this is how I initially found out. Then I drove 6 hours in fear and stress to get to the funeral. He was 27 years old and I am actually a former Professional Driver. I have debilitating anxiety 😥

[@poetrygirl5309]

I'm so sorry for your loss. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@thatperson6471]

Thank you for putting it in a different perspective. I'm 34 never had a license because I so sacred I'll hurt myself or others if I were to get behind the wheel

[@nyaropelizabeth2669]

That’s the age I’m currently in now. Got meself car N planning to try by meself this weekends

[@Unicornucopia3]

What triggered mine was self doubt brought on by a lifetime of untreated ADHD. I had confidence until my parents screamed at me any time I made a mistake. (Not big things like running a stop sign, more like not being perfectly centered in a lane or going too slow.) Then I’d over correct myself and get anxious, which made things worse. I’d follow all the “anti anxiety” tricks but would still be making dumb errors the moment I started to relax and not be anxious. I’m still terrified I’ll zone out from overstimulation and cause an accident or get shot by an aggressive driver because made another unknown error.

[@HystericHeretic]

I'm going through exactly the same thing. I got diagnosed with autism and adhd when I was 28 (I'm 31 now) and I feel that it affects everything. I constantly second guess myself and find it so hard to focus on everything at the same time. I find it all so stressful that by the time I finish driving I'm absolutely exhausted.

[@LittlePlant888]

I uses to be a full time driver for Papa Johns delivering pizza for about 4½ years. It took about 2 years for me to develop PTSD symptoms from bad driving experiences with people road raging, and its been about a year and a half since i quit being a full time driver and I still experience bad drivers and people tailgating and driving recklessly almost daily still. I often come home frustrated and agitated from experiencing or witnessing aggressive or reckless driving, and i hear the really loud engines from the speed bikes, trucks, and sports cars and it triggers me. Driving full time ruined me and i wish I could just live a life in a no-car city sometimes, which are very rare but actually exist on Earth.

[@PricelessJesus]

Am so sorry. Hope maybe u can relocate? Somewhere more peaceful. U truly aren't alone

[@catguy4996]

My trick to getting rid of driver anxiety is to look at photos of my dream car. Works like a charm. Also, play "Real Gone" and "Life is a Highway" from Cars. Confidence boost!

[@1stdrive]

Yes, that can work. I have a video coming out on January 1st 2024 talking about this 😁

[@Alyssa-zf4bu]

I'm currently feeling anxious just watching this video. I don't understand the anxiety yet but I'm 17 and going to college soon and if I can't get over this driving anxiety, I don't know how I am going to be an adult

[@1stdrive]

You've just said what part of the problem is right there: that you don't know how you're going to be an adult. Anxiety is caused by worrying about the future which is pointless because you have little or no control over it.

[@MARCELDUCHAMP0_o]

Exactly they Same here. I’m 17 too and looking into colleges but I feel like if I can’t drive by the fall then it’s not realistic and I’ll be stuck at home until I can learn how to drive myself 🫠

[@1stdrive]

So get driving by fall and there is no problem. You can live your life one of two ways: worry about everything that might go wrong and focus on putting up as many defensive barriers as possible to keep yourself safe (which makes things going wrong more likely as you get what you focus on), or, take action to achieve the goals you want and enjoy success even if you don't achieve them by finding an alternative solution instead of being trapped in one-dimensional thinking (thinking there is only one solution to anything).

[@yt_isaiahplayz8704]

I used to enjoy my driving lessons, but I failed the first time and then got a new instructor, who was very impatient and would sometimes raise his voice, I started dreading my driving lessons and started feeling anxious about driving!! I passed the second time but only now I'm finally getting my first car (couldn't afford it) after 3 years of passing my driving!! I'm planning on picking up the car next week but I'm starting to feel anxious again :/

[@petebartlett2229]

Been driving 6 years passed at 50,not driven in last year.. Never been in a crash or wreakless passenger.. My fear is other drivers,huge fear. Next year I’ve got a 17 hour drive to France planned…already anxious

[@Klearith]

Have you already gone?if so, how did it go?

[@gdfggggg]

I don’t worry about the process of driving itself. I had an anxiety attack when I got stuck in a jam in a normally free flowing dual carriageway, I felt trapped and extremely claustrophobic, this was about 10yrs ago. I was a bit hungover and always did get a bit of ‘Hangsiety’. Anyway, I didn’t happen again until recently. I feel, current negative events in my life put me into a poor mental state which led to the attack. It got really bad where I couldn’t even drive more than a few hundred yards without the feeling of panic. I’m a lot better now though as my driving is stuck to the same routes which I’ve got used to. If I’ve got to do anything new or go off route it feels me with fear and worry. I could drive anywhere, anytime with not a single thought or worry about it. I just want to be who I used to be….

[@carmenc33777]

Me too. I have to drive to my new job tomorrow morning. I will fight through and make it! 🤗

[@1stdrive]

Fighting through it will only make it worse. Your mind is telling you something and it you fight the feeling it'll just increase the pain until you listen.

[@PricelessJesus]

I'm not wat I used2 b I just enjoy local 😊. Nothing wrong with that 😊

[@eigtea]

My anxiety wasnt necessarily from driving, i had to learn using an suv and hated every second of it. My anxiety comes from driving big vehicles and a lack of visibility that cane with it. Thats why im getting a 1995 mx5

[@marsmaker3667]

this video is the most unexpected philosophical and psychotherapy healing that I have ever experienced.

[@mkphillips4501]

I’m just now starting to learn to drive because for years I was scared to drive. My mom was the same way

[@msingh9634]

I’m 42 and have never driven. The thought of it gives me anxiety. I know people laugh at me or think I’m being silly. But I know how I feel. Sometimes I think shall I just try it

[@ashleyvaldez3762]

I think my anxiety came from not being able to park my car.. I have an 1970 F250 custom (extended cap) that my mom gave me… and I can’t drive it because my parking lot and my work parking lot are so narrow and I feel like I’ll hit some ones car.. not to mention I’m bad I reverse parking. 😂

[@robert-kovalyov]

my sister had anxiety and severe road rage 12 years ago which put her in jail for a couple of days. I recommended for her to drive my pickup truck and learn how to drive it. By the way its a 1999 Ford ranger (Manual Truck). Not sure if this is a cure method but she drives this truck to this day without anymore anxiety and road rage. Certainly a different person

[@queenofsheba5846]

I know exactly what triggered mine. I was on the highway 5 am on my way to work, dark, raining really hard. Mind you I have my license for a year now and it happened 3 months in I think. I was never scared of driving.I‘m 34 . Just need more every day practice to get familiar with my own car. Anyway I was on my way to work and all of a sudden on my side the windshield wiper stopped working cause a piece of it flew away. I just heard a loud noise. And with that much rain pouring down I was terrified. Could not see shit, fearing for my life cause it was dark. Did not see if I could safely pull over. I am small 160 cm so reaching over to see out the passenger side was impossible. I was shaking so hard thinking I‘m about to crash into something. Cause it looked like someone was pouring buckets of water like the car wash. Impossible to see a road, a car. I managed to get to a gas station and was so under shock I couldn‘t cry. What‘s upsetting till this day is when I told anybody what I have experienced they laugh. They think it was a funny situation. I feared for my life for 5 min what felt like hours and they laughed. How stupid can anyone be? So ever since then I‘m scares to drive in the rain or rain+ darkness. Somehow it makes me nervous to drive whenever now I am ok during the day and when there‘s no traffic but it triggered other rhings where I was really suuuuper fine and confident with. Had absolutely no problem with driving itself. Was done really fast with driving school. Because even though I got my license later in life I knew how to drive and know the rules just through life experience. Now I every time I drive I question every single thing. Can I park? Am I too far right (Germany) ? I can‘t see if I still have space. Will others think I‘m stupid for the way I park? What will other drivers think of the way I just parked? Drove? Is anybody watching me? Judging me? I don‘t know how to get out of the parking space. Will I hit the car? My worst nightmare not getting out of a parking space because of the cars in front and in the back being too close. I do not have the practice of how to get out. I get sooooo anxious. Every single thing I think of now and don‘t know how to get rid of IT ALL😩😩😩 I love driving. It‘s my thoughts and „lack of practice“ or getting judged while practicing when others don‘t know that you‘re a „beginner“. With driving school everybody saw and knew and had patience now that I drive by myself no mercy no more. I need help.

[@yanikahiggins3768]

Such a lovely man, thank you for these videos they’re making a huge difference.

[@terryh.9238]

27 and scared of learning how to drive. This video was relaxing

[@skiddysm]

I get bad work anxiety but I always think about my first job and how no job can be even that bad I instantly get better

[@1stdrive]

That's what I do and it works well. I think back to times I've been in tricky situations and how what I have now is far better. It's all about perception.

[@cameronleehorace]

My anxiety comes when driving in places I don't know, could be anywhere even if it is in the same town if I haven't gone on the road before. I avoid doing anything where I don't know where I am.

[@davidburke7777]

Same, I have to map out the entire route via the images on Google maps to know every turn and lane I need to be in

[@skytheguyguy]

I'm 19 and only have my permit. I've been driving with my mom and I always freak out on turning right when people are behind me and almost crash sometimes

[@redacted000]

my fear is mainly of the people around me. I'm fine if I'm alone. plus, my mom being in the car with me makes it worse. but she has to be in the car with me bc I only have a permit :(

[@nxbil2397]

Same bro

[@Sussex192]

Is there anyone else who could go with you? When I was learning to drive, my dad tried to teach me, and it just didn't work. I got very stress, he didn't know what to do when I got stressed, and it went from bad to worse. So then my older brothers taught me, and that went sooo much better. I absolutely love driving now.

[@mariacolin2675]

You know what, just watching you drive through that peaceful road just made me feel better! Thank you! ❤

[@Pete.108]

Nice one Paul, by a country mile you so different in every way, as everything you talk about and explain is so true now to me. All the best and thanks for sharing Peter.

[@stellathrift]

A lot of my driving anxiety comes from people around me. I only have a permit so I have to drive with someone in the car. I think my main issue is that I don’t have very much confidence in myself, and that’s bc my family (like my mom who’s usually in the car with me when I drive) don’t believe in me so as a result I don’t believe in myself. The funny thing is that I understand the rules of the road. I know what to do but I don’t trust myself and it makes it worse when my mom yells at me and tells me I’m making her nervous. It doesn’t help that last year when I was completely new to driving I got into a accident (I was at fault) so unfortunately that just further solidified the idea that I’m a bad driver. I have my road test scheduled in a few weeks and honestly, although I’m practicing everyday and know how to drive, I still don’t feel ready. I feel like I’m going to fail the test. But I’ll be an adult soon and I need to get my license to drive myself to school and work, so I have no choice. I’d really like to get over this anxiety though, because it’s something that affects all aspects of my life and I don’t really have time to work on it at the moment when I have a million responsibilities since I’m growing up. I’d really like to be able to drive though, I love being in cars but when it comes to driving myself, it almost always ends in a fight with my mom or me in tears.

[@jadenjoestar3927]

My main fears with driving are traffic lights and having a sense of direction 😓. Sounds silly, but I failed my driving test in 1 minute because I had no idea where to go and ended up running a red light...

[@admirald.rifter1819]

My problem is that i get severe anxiety before my lesson but when im behind the wheel it all goes away. But even though i know i can drive well i still get extremely nervous all the time before my lessons

[@arcader3756]

Same here

[@sali9079]

Thank you for your help me. I have Exam in October 2021, in kings heath Centre.

[@yaseenmedia3558]

Good luck

[@HobbyAsylum]

I used regressive hypnosis and learned that when I was young my mother warned me not to play on the road because cars are deadly. I fixed that memory and the fear was replaced by excitement about driving.

[@heeeeeresrossy]

Eleven years ago I lost my sister in an accident of which I was the driver. We slid on an oil spillage for which the driver of the lorry in question was later charged with. Since then, my driving anxiety has gotten so bad that a couple years ago, a normally 2 hour journey took me 6 hours! I haven't driven out of my town since. Also, I can no longer be a passenger in a vehicle...my anxiety goes through the roof! I recently got a lift from my dad & before hand told myself it would be fine. I ended up asking him to stop so that I could take over driving (I'm insured for his car) He was concerned that it had got this bad, but I couldn't have continued the journey if he had not let my drive. Strangely, I feel fine driving knowing I'm in control, but only in town...leaving the safety of it fills me with fear. I used to love driving long distance, but now it's my actual worst nightmare, so I avoid it at all costs. As mentioned, the anxiety is there whether I'm a passenger in a car or any other moving vehicle. I know I need help. I hate living like this!

[@1stdrive]

I'm sorry to hear about your sister but if it helps at all, everything else you've said is common. The thing about being in control in town but not out of town is what pretty much everybody I've worked with says but without worrying you, it can spread to all roads if you just leave it. That doesn't happen for everyone but I talk about this in one of my upcoming videos on February 25th. As with any problem, the sooner you resolve it the better.

[@CiscoKid76]

Just drive 5 or 10 miles slower than the speed limit on interstates or highways. Don't travel with groups of vehicles. I go the speed limit but as soon I see vehicles catch up, I slow down so they can pass. It's funny when you're driving the speed limit and they catch up to you and then they don't pass you. That's why I slow down. Less stress for me. It's been working for me for years. I believe it is done purposely to make you panic or they're just vigilantes of that area.

[@dragonrider116old4]

I'm relying on work colleagues it's frustrating me so muchbi would just love my confidence back again , getting to the point of having hypnotherapy 😊

[@MsRoadtoRiches]

Thank you. You're a blessing to this world.

[@deloentertains3370]

My main thing is unfamiliar areas. Im comfortable behind the wheel, I just feae unfamiliar areas, confusion roads, confusing road markings, confusing signs, etc. I only drive routes that i know.

[@BelindaJon41]

I have terrible anxiety especially when at busy roundabouts with their confusing lanes etc. Nightmare. So many impatient bullies about with their tooting of horns etc. It is hard for naturally anxious people to be calm, even if they know what they are doing

[@ms.independent3994]

Im trying to build my confidence back from having aniexty after a car wreck. Driving was so fun to me.

[@samusharaintfunni]

Thank you for this video, you make so much sense.

[@ivycooper7224]

I have issues with being nervous behind the wheel of driving and I kept getting my Lerner’s permit for over 25 years and I’m embarrassed not having my drivers license at all my family and friends are side eyeing me and it’s time to not give up and get my license

[@1stdrive]

Releasing emotions that are causing the nerves will allow you to move on with your life. Most of the time all that's happening is you're letting out trapped feelings when you drive. Avoiding driving can seem a solution but often that'll just make you feel bad and the stress can eventually come out in other ways too. Anxiety is like an air bubble on a phone screen: if you ignore it or push it around, it'll keep popping up somewhere else until you deal with it properly.

[@pewcfpv8056]

Used to drive places by myself all the time but now can't drive anywhere by myself without having a panic attack. It started with a single panic attack 6 or 7 years ago when I was driving home from work. Called my parents to come pick me up and then ended up calling an ambulance because I thought I was actually dying. I have driven by myself plenty of times since then and exposed myself to it even days and weeks after the initial panic attack but that still didn't work for me. I just want to be able to drive again on my own without fear. My job I have now depends on it.

[@1stdrive]

Everything you've said is common, lots of people end up baffling ambulance crews who can't explain it. You need to find out what the cause is by taking therapy and then once it's released you'll be free.

[@cronibet]

I hate driving on highways and narrow roads, makes me nervous (any smaller roads no problem), that I might do something wrong at high speeds, still it’s safe what I do since I’m in charge. I have had a rough start with driving, since ~5 years back with my parents, there the problem may be, fragments of past events still stuck in my mind. I have overcome many older fears before and many are gone. But somehow these 2 things are very annoying for me now, been trying a lot of calming things and such, not giving up but still feeling it. 😢

[@1stdrive]

Calmness comes after you've fixed it but it won't do anything before. This is where 99% of people, including therapists, go wrong as I describe in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5Cof5SalKlkmZI.

[@deea8897]

I have a weird fear that I may kick the accelerator instead of break when I need to stop

[@MsRawan9]

I do this and it freaks me out so I’m 40 and can’t drive yet

[@huiba1]

I only have driving anxiety in manuals. Driving automatic is literally stressless for me, and I do it so much and so comfortably. But I've had bad experiences in a manual and it makes me so damn anxious any time I drive

[@Undergroundwrldxo]

Just got a sports car. Took it to get gas a block away & haven’t touched it since. I’m riding the bus rn LOLLLL

[@minmatenx]

Thanks bro. Thanks for the support stranger

[@DragonFury-nv5ry]

I'm learning to drive in Colchester...long story short, it's a cluster fuck. My instructor is firm but fair, the type that all learners deserve, but despite the fact i feel safe with him and in the car, the moment I get behind the wheel i feel so helpless and scared. I used to be good with these lessons, but after changing instructors i just haven't been the same. I feel like a completely different person 😢

[@KidThomsonMediaProductions]

Mine is fear of losing control and killing myself or others This came from my parents having a stillborn essentially. What do I need to do now?

[@ehhhh5137]

My dad yelled at me so badly it was one of the most traumatic experiences I ever went through I went in excited and confident and now I have major driving anxiety I hate him so much.

[@jessy8656]

I just got into my first car accident a couple of months ago, my car was totaled and ever since then I’ve only driven a handful of times. I have such bad anxiety and fear of other peoples driving, even when im in the passenger seat I am always scared to be in another car accident 😭

[@1stdrive]

That can just be because of the obvious reason that you're thinking of the crash when you drive. If that's the case then this video can fix it in 20 minutes kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ7JYaCweb2ni5Y. What often happens though is that experience ties in with other, older problems and more work is needed on those things.

[@lil._bunz]

I'm not quite old enough to take a test yet, but ik my problem is my inability to focus and how other people drive so badly that it could cause a crash😅

[@moraggeddes6357]

Thank you. I am so glad I found your channel.

[@Toisty]

That road is so beautiful

[@MonsterPipelinePunch]

I'm currently learning to drive, I struggle with a high anxiety disorder, about 5 or 6 lessons in I was in a small car accident and ever since I've found my anxiety when behind the wheel has skyrocketed and I just cannot shake the nerves behind every move I make, I'm just unconsciously terrified.

[@mxstical_]

I got my permit a bit ago at 19, I broke down and cried at the wheel for a good 20 minutes with my dad in the car. I was shaking and I looked like I had a gun to my head, I'm trying so hard to fix this.

[@deohernandez5706]

I got my license when I was 16 and I haven’t driven since. I’m 23 now and looking for my first car but I’m not confident enough to drive since it’s been so long

[@afridgetoofar1818]

I’m generally ok driving if I have the road to myself, but the thought of being surrounded by semi trucks or stuck in a traffic jam fills me with anxiety.

[@ArienvanRijswijck]

Got autism and PTSD I'm in my late 20's.. Still don't have a drivers license .. I honestly want it , but I'm just horrible with overwelming situations.. So , Iknow I would probably be good at it , cause I'm really punctional when we talk about rules and stuff.. But I'm scared for the people who don't.. When I was a kid I was in a car , someone crashed into our car and just drove away.. I feel comfortable when I'm in the car of someone else ( depending on their drive skills ) but that's because I trust them that they can handle the situation , I'm just not sure if I can.

[@MatthewChang-rq1bu]

I have really bad anxiety

[@Henna-e7b]

I am suffered anxiety and fear all the type, before someone attacked me, in my home,I used to drive for my car normally M50 or , I was not scared any other speed on the road. But now 😔

[@1stdrive]

This is why I say driving anxiety has nothing to do with driving. The attack will certainly play a part but there will be other things that came before that which have grown into anxiety.

[@bambangwaseso7899]

I get anxiety everytime I try to park my car in a parking lot (I'm afraid that I might hit the wall or other vehicles around me).

[@sali9079]

Every week I took 2 hours lessons. Also I am driving Automatic car. But my instructor he said to me . I can’t show you, exactly kings heath Roots.

[@axel9546]

Hi! How would you overcome the fear of "being stuck" in traffic? I can drive, no problem at all, but I panic when stuck at red light, or just in car traffic. This does not happen when in bike

[@1stdrive]

Find the cause of it through therapy, same as everything else. It's nothing to do with lights, you have something from your past you need to deal with.

[@ReviewsWithAL_]

I just care too much what people think. Currently doing my lessons and I can drive really well. But some days I get so in my head, did a mock test today and was making mistakes I never make, even my instructor said it was out of character for me. Not sure how to get rid of this

[@1stdrive]

You get rid of it by using hypnosis to find the things that make you care what people think. There will be events, emotions and reasons why you care and once you release those...you won't care.

[@SennaW5]

I only stress when I have to stop and go again at a traffic light for example. Scared to stall

[@NeurodivergentGuy2023]

My reasons are being bad at it, and failing or getting overwhelmed.

[@zzhughesd]

I’m 44 never had anxiety. At part 3 going on pink no access any real learners I’ve got terrible anxiety I won’t be able teach. May walk out car lesson if embarrassed cannot get teaching point across

[@1stdrive]

What proof do you have that you won't be able to teach?

[@zzhughesd]

@@1stdrive only in that never had a chance teach. Think I’ll clam up embarased taking money when never done before, pre qualified.

[@1stdrive]

So if you've never had the chance to teach, what makes you think that you'll clam up?

[@zzhughesd]

@@1stdrive brain fog. Hasn’t stuck in however much I read Essental skills. Worry about being paid on pink teach and may even with part3 guides get things wrong. Just worry

[@yaseenmedia3558]

Keep believing

[@nv_takeout]

for me i definitely fear losing control or fear if i wont be able to control the vehicle in a bad situation i may hurt others And I know this stems from a time period in my life when I did alot of drugs like xanax opioids and meth and had several wrecks while under the influence including totaling out other vehicles losing my license going to jail the whole bit . Now for years ive been clean from drugs , law abiding , and havent had a wreck since those times . I still get a slight fear when I do my daily drive to work and Im not sure why . I know overtime ive become more comfortable with the drive to work and its not nearly as bad now but when I have to drive somewhere far or somewhere I havent been before i literally have a panick attack prior to/ during driving and most the time I start shaking , cant stop, turn the heat up in my car and just breathe . I know that Im not doing drugs anymore and my ability to control a vehicle should be better but I still worry and question if my ability to drive is good enough and if I should be on the road . Any advice to get some peace of mind? i try to tell myself to be rational but I still end up helplessly worrying everytime I have to drive anywhere

[@nv_takeout]

I notice when theres no other cars on the road, my anxiety is next to none . I think it really is a fear of hurting others because i lose control of a vehicle. Idk how to overcome this anyone with advice would be much appreciated

[@1stdrive]

You've done well to stop the drugs and turn your life around and that shows you change is possible. When it comes to driving anxiety, the answers you need will only come out when you're in hypnosis. You'll never find them thinking about it logically in your conscious mind and working it out rationally because that's just not how it works.

[@princesharming8693]

I'm currently traning in driving everyday I'm fighting my fear and try to learn from my daily mistakes and never do them again, but my teacher telling do not complicated yourself and it's fine if you makes mistakes in everyday training, sorry for the bad grammar 😅

[@penegakkeadilanpembasmikej5022]

My fear and anxiety is road rage people

[@mrscarolina1963]

I have been driving for 35 years and recently I have been having trouble when I am driving. I feel that I am driving and that someone is going to come out of a side road and go into my car and I get nervous so I am driving slower and it feels like the car is moving faster than it actually is. I need to know why I am driving like this and how I can drive as I used to and not hover over the clutch pedal and think that I am going to have an accident. I would like some advice please

[@1stdrive]

Those are signs of unresolved issues from your past that need dealing with. Your overreaction when driving is caused by those old events firing up and they won't just go away or fix themselves if you keep driving. I have lots of videos explaining it such as this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2XInJKrj8eYsJIsi=LEH_w2Z7FXI57gGW. The solution is to take therapy to find and fix the old issues. Otherwise, it can stay isolated to driving but it often spreads to other things so you get the same feeling in any situation where there is the slightest danger such as flying, being in public places or anywhere high up. They're all the same thing, it's these old events being relived subconsciously. Some people scoff at this, say it's all nonsense and it's just about driving more to fix it. They become my clients several years from now when it's gotten so bad they can't function.

[@ferark]

My fear of driving slowly developed when I was 50. First if all it was at night on unlit road’s especially motorways. Basically no matter what I did the road ahead was a danger and got narrower and narrower for me. I was terrified to such an extend my wife had to take over. Now the fear is like a panic attack and the ‘attack’ can happen anytime it wants too. The faster I go the worst it is and even at say 45 mph I over correct the wheel and feel petrified. The crazy thing is this problem never ever happens when I drive around town or anywhere that is within the City boundary. ????? I’m totally baffled and if I am honest scared to death to get behind the wheel and drive somewhere out of my home City. Help!

[@BadBoy-ez1wc]

Mate I'm with you it's just a mind thing

[@1stdrive]

Just contact me through my site and I'll help you overcome it. Those are all common symptoms and you won't make sense of them because that's not how it works.

[@ferark]

@@1stdrive You can help?

[@julianfreeman7503]

@@1stdriveI have a problem, with fear of oncoming traffic. But only on the highway. May need you’re help.

[@KatM272]

I get horrible anxiety in long distance/ highway driving that feels almost hypnotizing and scary… I don’t know what to make of that. Does anyone have this feeling? I don’t have this feeling in cities. I can definitely identify what is making me feel like I’ve lost control and idk what to do with that either

[@Henna-e7b]

Same 😔

[@KatM272]

This is horrible. 5 months later and it now happens to me in the city

[@1stdrive]

This is common. Sometimes the "anxiety" stays on high speed roads but it often moves and eventually happens on all roads, then when a passenger, and so on. I say "anxiety" because it's nothing more than thoughts and you don't really have a problem at all, you're just tying yourself up in knots with thoughts! 😀

[@MLM111]

Big crowed roads and crazy, rude drivers cause anxiety for me….that road is a piece of cake

[@alondramorales5865]

I just need to get to places. And driving anxiety keeps me from it.

[@Wtfastakkz]

I really wanna learn how to drive rn I’m 17 and still don’t know how to drive because I have to the fear of crashing because I’ve been in 2 really bad car accidents when I was 15 and 13 and til this day I’m scared because I feel like ima get into a really bad car accident

[@Trentaco715]

I’m nearly 20 and I still don’t have my license. I’m hoping to get it before I turn 20 in July but the anxiety is so overwhelming

[@Kento25k]

I hardly drive but now I have to I have no one to take me places anymore and I need to get to work :/ I absolutely hate driving and it scares me so much to either get hit or cause a wreck or even get pulled over idk this stuff scares me

[@1stdrive]

None of those things are what truly scare you. Find what is and you'll be free from it.

[@Sbk_SPG]

I only get stressful when my parents are with in the car because they wont shut up about my driving

[@38k25m]

so youre telling me i need therapy. haha

[@1stdrive]

Everyone needs a therapist. You might be closer than you think to solving it though based on what you said about how the feeling compares to the first day at school. Have you ever wondered if it is the same thing?

[@gerardkinsella6034]

Bridges if the traffic keeps flowing I’m ok ish but if I stop for more than 4 seconds visual vertigo kicks in also pressure in the crown of my head like someone having a stroke and feel disoriented like every thing is moving around me ground included eyes go cookoo this also goes for cliff drives ,motorways,hills,multi-storey car parks top of escalators and multi stair cases open spaces planes the panic is unreal is this anxiety or binocular visual dysfunction like this 22 years now and my life is ruined over it

[@1stdrive]

If you've seen a doctor, optician etc. and they can't help then you just need therapy to overcome it. People stick with problems for years because it's easier than doing anything about it, not because they can't be helped.

[@lindamartinmua2792]

How can I reach you. I have a few questions

[@jess_eck]

My problem is the other people on the road, especially in SA. Once people here get here license, a lot of them become pricks and they become very selfish and rude on the road. I know I shouldn’t worry about those around me too much, but I get scared when a car flashes me for going too slowly, or when it comes to intersections and people cut before me because they are impatient.

[@Monica-sn8mi]

I really need to get rid of my Anxiety.. i can't focus nothing even do i try my best to learn!!! I NEED TO DRIVE CAR SO I CAN GET OUT FROM HOUSE 😢😢

[@1stdrive]

I have hundreds of videos to help. The more you learn about it the better and these are often enough to fix it for many people kzbin.info/aero/PLz_iw6E6JDFDFQj1QYTLRuW5EqIjpqfZz

[@shelleyrichardson2070]

Driving in the dark is my worst njghtmare

[@MochiFam]

i want to learn how to drive so my parents dont see me as a total nutjob. but I dont want to drive

[@chinamoon33]

Sorry i cant find my comment and your answer came up ,but its disappeared 😔

[@1stdrive]

I'm having to reupload that video so your comment won't show. There was a glitch in it but it'll be back up in a couple of hours.

[@chinamoon33]

@@1stdrive that's OK 👍 thank you 😊 I just wanna say I think you are amazing 👏. And well done you for going ahead with putting the therapy sessions on video...I had therapy a few years soo ago and yes they was rubbish.....I know your videos will help me with my anxiety with my test 😀 Thank you Paul 🙏☺️

[@ilovefish9458]

I was hit by a car as a pedestrian

[@liquoricebunny]

I've paid for therapy that was less effective than this

[@adrianleverkin5226]

failed 4 times in my 30', anyone worse here?

[@azerjinn9160]

Woah...

[@queenofsheba5846]

I know exactly what triggered mine. I was on the highway 5 am on my way to work, dark, raining really hard. Mind you I have my license for a year now and it happened 3 months in I think. I was never scared of driving.I‘m 34 . Just need more every day practice to get familiar with my own car. Anyway I was on my way to work and all of a sudden on my side the windshield wiper stopped working cause a piece of it flew away. I just heard a loud noise. And with that much rain pouring down I was terrified. Could not see shit, fearing for my life cause it was dark. Did not see if I could safely pull over. I am small 160 cm so reaching over to see out the passenger side was impossible. I was shaking so hard thinking I‘m about to crash into something. Cause it looked like someone was pouring buckets of water like the car wash. Impossible to see a road, a car. I managed to get to a gas station and was so under shock I couldn‘t cry. What‘s upsetting till this day is when I told anybody what I have experienced they laugh. They think it was a funny situation. I feared for my life for 5 min what felt like hours and they laughed. How stupid can anyone be? So ever since then I‘m scares to drive in the rain or rain+ darkness. Somehow it makes me nervous to drive whenever now I am ok during the day and when there‘s no traffic but it triggered other rhings where I was really suuuuper fine and confident with. Had absolutely no problem with driving itself. Was done really fast with driving school. Because even though I got my license later in life I knew how to drive and know the rules just through life experience. Now I every time I drive I question every single thing. Can I park? Am I too far right (Germany) ? I can‘t see if I still have space. Will others think I‘m stupid for the way I park? What will other drivers think of the way I just parked? Drove? Is anybody watching me? Judging me? I don‘t know how to get out of the parking space. Will I hit the car? My worst nightmare not getting out of a parking space because of the cars in front and in the back being too close. I do not have the practice of how to get out. I get sooooo anxious. Every single thing I think of now and don‘t know how to get rid of IT ALL😩😩😩 I love driving. It‘s my thoughts and „lack of practice“ or getting judged while practicing when others don‘t know that you‘re a „beginner“. With driving school everybody saw and knew and had patience now that I drive by myself no mercy no more. I need help.

[@1stdrive]

Those people who laugh at your story are doing the right thing and if you'd done the same you wouldn't have anxiety! How you perceive a situation is vital to how it affects you in the future. It doesn't mean that being in a dangerous situation was or is funny, but if you see it as funny it won't haunt you. I talk more about this here kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2XInJKrj8eYsJIsi=qXxCFiPdfsfNrjQF&t=327 There are probably more negative things from your life that have grabbed hold of this problem and stuck to it. Problems love problems so they often group up and get mixed up. Fixing it is about working through each one and releasing it, you are unlikely to get any result from focusing on the driving issue alone.