Driving Phobia: What It Is and How to Overcome It
For some, driving anxiety isn’t just a little nervousness—it’s an all-consuming fear that takes over their life. It keeps them stuck, avoiding the road, and feeling powerless. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to stay trapped.
Jessica’s Story
Meet Jessica. She’s smart, capable, and in her mid-30s. She used to love road trips—windows down, music up, pure freedom. But one day, everything changed.
She was driving home from work when she got caught in a massive traffic jam. No big deal, right? Except that day, something was different. Her chest tightened. Her hands shook. Panic surged through her body. A terrifying thought hit her: What if I lose control of the car?
That was the beginning of Jessica’s battle with driving phobia (also called amaxophobia).
At first, she avoided highways. Then, night driving became too overwhelming. Eventually, even thinking about getting behind the wheel made her anxious. Her car sat untouched in the driveway. She relied on others for rides. And with each ride she didn’t take, her fear only grew stronger.
Jessica felt trapped. Ashamed. Powerless.
But here’s the good news: she didn’t stay stuck.
She made the decision to take her life back. She faced her fear one small step at a time. She leaned on her faith and refused to let anxiety win. Today, she’s back on the road, driving with confidence and without fear.
What’s the takeaway? Driving phobia might feel impossible to beat, but it’s not. You can overcome it. And it all starts with understanding what you’re really up against.
What Is Driving Phobia?
Driving phobia (also called amaxophobia) is the intense fear of driving. It can range from mild discomfort to full-blown panic attacks. Some people fear highways, others fear bridges, and some avoid driving altogether.
The Real Reasons Behind the Fear
Fears like this one seem to come from somewhere. For Jessica, it was a panic attack in traffic. For others, it might stem from a traumatic accident, a story they heard, or even a general sense of anxiety.
The key is understanding that this fear isn’t a life sentence. Just like a GPS recalculates your route when you miss a turn, you can recalibrate your mind to overcome this obstacle.
Common Symptoms of Driving Phobia:
Racing heart or shortness of breath
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Sweaty palms or trembling hands
Feeling detached from reality
A desperate urge to escape the situation
For many, the fear isn’t about driving itself—it’s about losing control. What if I panic in the middle of the highway? What if I can’t pull over? What if I pass out behind the wheel? These thoughts fuel the anxiety cycle, making the fear stronger over time.
Let’s pause here: Are you letting fear dictate your actions? Scripture reminds us, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1, NIV).
How to Overcome Driving Phobia
The only way to break free is to face the fear head-on and put your faith into action. Here’s how:
1. Start Small
Jessica didn’t go from avoiding the car to driving cross-country overnight. She took small, manageable steps. Try sitting in your car with the engine off. Then drive around the block. Work your way up gradually.
2. Commit to the Process
Before anything else, decide that you’re ready to confront this fear. Remember, God is with you every step of the way. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13, NKJV).
3. Find the Root Cause
Ask yourself, “What’s driving my fear?” Was it an experience, a story someone told you, or a general sense of anxiety? Identifying the root helps you start dismantling it.
4. Change the Narrative
Your brain has been in fight-or-flight mode and trained to see driving as dangerous. It’s time to update that thinking. Instead of What if I panic?, try “This is just an anxious thought. I’ve driven safely before, and I can do it again. The Lord is with me. I do not have a spirit of fear but of love, power, and self-control.”
5. Breathe Through the Fear
When anxiety hits, your body tenses up. Focus on slow, deep breaths. Inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four. This tells your nervous system to calm down.
6. Stop Avoiding
Avoidance strengthens fear. The longer you put off driving, the scarier it seems. Commit to regular exposure, even if it’s just a short trip at first.
7. Lean on Your Faith
Fear shrinks when faith grows. Jessica leaned on scripture, prayer, and trust in God’s protection. She held onto Psalm 41:10:
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Fear may feel powerful, but it’s not stronger than the Holy Spirit who indwells every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Final Thoughts
Driving phobia may feel like a life sentence, but it’s not. You can take back control. Just like Jessica, you can retrain your brain, face the fear, and break free. The road is waiting—you just have to take the first step.
Need help overcoming your driving phobia? Dr. Lucy Ann Moll can help. She meets online via Zoom. Schedule a complimentary phone consult here.