Do I have driving anxiety

Do you feel a sense of dread when you get behind the wheel? Are you always worried that something bad will happen when you're out driving? If so, you may be struggling with driving anxiety.

Driving anxiety can be a difficult and debilitating condition, but it doesn't have to be. To help you determine whether or not you suffer from driving anxiety, we've created this "do I have driving anxiety quiz". In just a minute, you'll be able to gain some insight into how your feelings and behavior while driving reflect your anxiety levels.

What is driving anxiety

Driving anxiety is the term used to describe the feelings of dread, nervousness, and anxiety felt by those who have difficulty driving, or who avoid driving altogether.

Some people with driving anxiety don't have a problem with driving per se, but rather with the act of driving in specific situations, such as when driving in heavy traffic, when there are aggressive drivers around, when driving at night, or when driving with other passengers in the car.

It can be helpful to think of driving anxiety as a form of specific phobia, with the focus of the fear being on the act of driving.

Symptoms of driving anxiety

• Feeling nervous while driving
• A racing heart
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling sweaty
• Trembling
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Difficulty staying focused
• Intense feelings of dread
• Avoiding driving
• Feeling restless
• Difficulty staying calm

Causes of driving anxiety

Many different factors can contribute to driving anxiety. Some of the most common causes of driving anxiety include:

Driving in heavy traffic

Driving in heavy traffic can be stressful for anyone. If you have driving anxiety, however, even a normally manageable situation can feel overwhelming.

Feeling pressure from others to drive

If you're a parent, a teenager, a student, or a professional driver, you may feel increased pressure to drive. If you have driving anxiety, this added pressure may only exacerbate your sense of discomfort while driving.

Fear of crashing

If you have a fear of crashing while driving, you might experience driving anxiety if you feel as though you're not in total control of the situation.

Feeling unsafe in your car

If you have driving anxiety, you might experience greater feelings of stress and discomfort while driving if your car doesn't feel safe.

Driving in a new or unfamiliar car

 If you have driving anxiety, driving in a new or unfamiliar car can make the situation more stressful.

Quiz questions

Question 1:What do you do if you're behind the wheel and suddenly feel overwhelmed by your emotions? 

Driving can be a deeply emotional experience, and all the more so if you have driving anxiety. If your emotions suddenly overwhelm you while you're driving, you may want to pull over in a safe place and take some time to yourself. 

Question 2: How do you feel about driving at night? 

If you have driving anxiety, you may experience more intense symptoms of anxiety when driving at night. At the same time, though, many people who have driving anxiety are able-bodied individuals who can still drive perfectly well during the day or night. 

Question 3: What do you do when you're driving on long road trips?

 If you have driving anxiety, you may find that long road trips are more stressful than shorter trips. At the same time, though, you can use these longer trips as opportunities to practice your skills and learn to cope with your driving anxiety.  

What are your go-to stress-relieving activities when you're in the car?

 If you have driving anxiety, you may want to have certain activities on hand to help you stay calm while driving. Some ideas include listening to music, meditating, or reading a book.

Results of quiz

The result of this driving anxiety quiz can be used as a basis to seek further help. There are many ways to treat anxiety, but one of the most effective methods is exposure therapy.

If your quiz results shows you have driving anxiety, remember that there are solutions you can try.

If your quiz results shows that you do not have driving anxiety, you can still suffer from some nervousness when driving. You can try certain methods to reduce anxiety. Talk with you doctor.