How To Overcome
Fear Of Driving:
Amaxophobia Therapy
with PsyTechVR

The first step to overcoming amaxophobia is to recognize and understand its symptoms in order to make an accurate diagnosis and seek necessary help. Extreme fear of driving or being in a vehicle manifests itself in a wide range of symptoms, which include physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms.

People with this intense fear of vehicles compulsively avoid driving altogether or have intrusive thoughts about being in a crash or losing control of the steering. This section provides a detailed insight into the symptoms of amaxophobia.

Past experiences, especially the ones associated with fear, loss of control, or trauma, are very powerful, and they play a huge role in the development of amaxophobia. Fear of driving or being in a vehicle for most people is not random but deeply associated with memories of disturbing events related to driving or being around a vehicle.

The human mind is powerful, and it has a way of linking certain events that have occurred in the past with danger. When someone is involved in a traumatic driving experience or sees footage of a terrible crash, people remember the event and subsequently equates anything close to driving as a potential danger.

For some individuals with amaxophobia, the fear develops after a road accident, and even after the wounds heal, the sound of screeching tires brings back a wave of fear and memories. Other past experiences that influence the development of amaxophobia include: harsh driving instructors, constant hearing of stories of fatal accidents, seeing viral videos of accidents in the media, repeated failure at driving lessons, being trapped in a car, and minor collisions during training, amongst many others.

Ultimately, amaxophobia grows from the effects of past experiences, and it is vital in identifying the link between a present fear of driving and past experience in order to break such links and overcome them.

Amaxophobia primarily develops as a result of past experiences, trauma, or observation; research has, however, shown that our genetic makeup can influence how we react to fear and stressful events. This, in turn, affects how likely an individual is to develop specific phobias, including the fear of driving or being in a vehicle. It is important to note that the genetic component alone does not determine amaxophobia; it only creates a predisposition to this fear.

‘Amaxophobia genes’ do not exist, but certain temperaments and sensitivities can be passed down, which makes certain individuals more likely to develop phobias and anxiety disorders. For instance, an individual with close relatives who have panic disorders or generalized anxiety disorders may have inherited a tendency towards increased anxiety.

Another genetic factor that might influence the development of amaxophobia is the inheritance of a highly reactive nervous system, which makes it harder for such individuals to manage the stress that comes with driving. Genetics is also involved in the serotonin-dopamine systems, which are responsible for mood regulation and emotional stability. The difference in the genes responsible for controlling these neurotransmitters has been connected to increased sensitivity to anxiety and fear.

It is very crucial to emphasize the fact that the genetic component of amaxophobia does not lie in inheriting the fear itself but rather in inheriting a sensitive anxiety system that reacts strongly when danger is sensed. This link between genetics and amaxophobia helps us understand why certain individuals struggle more than others in overcoming this fear of driving. It also shows how important treatment approaches that put both the emotional and biological sides of fear into consideration are.

Driving is much more than a mechanical skill; it plays a major role in how people connect and maintain relationships. The ability to drive avails one the freedom of visiting friends, attending family functions, and also engaging in work or community events. In the same way, losing that ability creates a gap between such persons and the world around them. Let’s delve into the social implications of intense fear of driving.

• Avoidance and social withdrawal

One of the most common implications of amaxophobia is loss of freedom to drive from one place to another. This leads to an avoidance of places and events that require driving and, consequently, a progressive withdrawal from social events. The loss of freedom to spontaneously drive and visit friends or participate in events slowly causes a disconnection from loved ones and leads to loneliness.

• Dependence

Fear of driving creates a sense of dependence on others for commuting from one place to another and to perform simple tasks such as shopping, visiting relatives, and attending events.

• Emotional strain on loved ones

Amaxophobia places a huge emotional strain and pressure on loved ones who constantly have to adjust their plans to drive and help with tasks. The family and loved ones of individuals affected by amaxophobia may find it difficult to understand this fear and might even dismiss it as an overreaction. This lack of understanding might lead to frustration, resentment, and strain in the relationship.

• Stigma

Amaxophobia is a specific phobia that is underrecognized and, as such, is easily misunderstood, leaving those affected by to be misunderstood as individuals without motivation. This stigma and misjudgment add to the emotional burden of people living with amaxophobia.

• Reduced participation in community events

Amaxophobia reduces community involvement as people miss out on important gatherings because they cannot drive to the venue. They miss out on important gatherings such as weddings, graduation, funerals, and gradually their social support system weakens.

• Self-Perception

Driving is often associated with independence and adulthood in most communities. Inability to drive is often perceived as incompetent and fear-driven. As such, individuals with amaxophobia feel they do not measure up to societal expectations and are inadequate.

The world we live in today is fast-paced, and the ability to drive is quickly becoming an unspoken skill required for most roles. From going to work, to visiting clients to attending meetings and conferences, being able to drive plays a key role in the success of all of this. Persistent anxiety about commuting to and from work can lead to lateness, stress, and absenteeism, which ultimately affect productivity.

In extreme cases of amaxophobia, the person avoids jobs that require driving long distances altogether, turns down tasks and promotions that involve them being behind the steering wheel. This is perceived as a lack of commitment to work and can lead to stagnation in their career over time. They usually take up roles and jobs that are within walking distance or accessible by reliable public transport.

Individuals with amaxophobia come up with different ways to manage their fear of driving, reduce anxiety, and go about their day-to-day activities. These mechanisms are aimed at reducing anxiety and maintaining safety, and they include the following;

• Avoidance behavior

This is the most common coping mechanism used by individuals with amaxophobia. They may stop driving altogether or avoid certain routes, such as highways or elevated roads and bridges. While this mechanism prevents exposure to triggers of amaxophobia and provides temporary relief, it also strengthens the phobia in the long run. The more such persons avoid driving, the more their brain interprets driving as dangerous, and their anxiety grows.

• Safety Rituals and planning

Planning trips before embarking on them, such as researching routes, checking traffic reports, and even including breaks into long trips, helps to reduce anxiety while driving and provides a sense of control. Developing safety rituals like checking the car multiple times, praying before starting the ignition, driving only during the day, and sticking to familiar routes also contribute to the sense of control and reduce fear of driving. These rituals truly offer a sense of control, but with time, they become a rigid pattern that reinforces fear of driving instead of overcoming it.

• Distractions and Relaxation Techniques

Distractions and relaxation techniques play a major role in managing symptoms of anxiety and fear while driving. They do not remove the fear, but take our focus away from the fear due to the soothing and calming activities, making the overall driving experience more tolerable. This can be listening to relaxing music, reciting affirmations, deep breathing exercise, or focusing on a particular object while driving.

• Positive Self-Talk

Panic, amaxophobia, and self-doubt are challenged by speaking positive words of affirmation and having self-reassuring thoughts. Words like “I can do this”, “I am competent”, and “not all driving ends in accidents” can go a long way in reducing anxiety and fear.

• Social support

For some individuals with amaxophobia, having a trusted friend or family member accompany them while driving provides a sense of reassurance and helps in coping with the stress and anxiety of driving.

• Alternative transportation

Another common coping mechanism for individuals with amaxophobia is to rely on other means of transportation. This includes: using public transport or relying on friends and family to transport them. In the immediate, this is convenient, but soon frustrates and drains their loved ones in the long run.

• Psychoeducation and skills building

Gaining knowledge about anxiety and improving driving skills is a great coping mechanism for individuals. Improving driving skills replaces fear with competence, and learning how anxiety works helps to put the individual more in control of this fear.

Amaxophobia is usually diagnosed by a mental health professional through a series of careful psychological examinations. The goal of diagnosis is to confirm if the fear is a mild driving anxiety or a specific phobia that negatively impacts the overall quality of life of an individual. Psychological evaluation is usually a combination of the following;

• Clinical interview

The process of diagnosing amaxophobia usually begins with a detailed interview where questions are about the time the fear started, its cause, triggers, and emotional and physical symptoms. This interview also helps the clinician determine how this fear interferes with normal daily functioning.

• Use of Diagnostic Criteria

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) has general criteria for diagnosing specific phobias such as amaxophobia. Symptoms must match the criteria before a diagnosis is made.

• Observation

The professional observes the person’s reaction while talking about driving or imagining being behind the wheel. Thoughts of driving cause obvious anxiety symptoms or avoidance behavior.

• Psychological questionnaires

Self-report questionnaires help to assess and understand the nature and level of fear, avoidance behaviors, and discomfort in driving situations.

• Ruling out other mental health conditions

Fear of driving can occur as a result of other mental health conditions. It is therefore important for the clinician to rule out disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder, agoraphobia, or panic disorder. A diagnosis of amaxophobia is made when the fear centers specifically around driving and is not a symptom of another condition.

• Functional Assessment

This part of the evaluation helps to evaluate the impact of the condition on the person’s daily life and also determine the level of support needed.

As of October 2025, Amaxophobia is not recognized as a distinct condition in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5); rather, it is categorized as a specific phobia, which means fear of a specific situation or object. For a mental health professional to make a diagnosis of amaxophobia, the person’s symptoms must match the American Psychiatric Association’s key criteria, which include;

• An intense, persistent, and uncontrollable fear and anxiety reaction when faced with driving, such as trembling, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.
• Taking extreme measures to avoid driving or anything related to it.
• Recognizing that the fear is unreasonable or exaggerated, but feels powerless to control it.
• The fear, anxiety, or avoidance must significantly interfere with the person’s normal functioning and cause clinically significant distress.
• Have a duration of six months or more
• Fear cannot be accounted for by another mental health or medical condition, such as panic disorder, agoraphobia, or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Self-assessment tools can be described as checklists or questionnaires that help individuals evaluate their behavior, thoughts, and emotions towards a particular experience or phobia. These tools are very important as they help reflect on their fear of driving, their triggers, and how severely it impacts their day-to-day life. It is not a formal diagnosis or clinical tool, but it is the first step towards self-awareness and overcoming this phobia. It is important to note that there is no universal questionnaire, but there are well-designed questionnaires that help individuals evaluate their experience. Here’s an in-depth look at how self-assessment tools help with fear of driving.

• Promoting Self-Awareness

Self-assessment tools help individuals rate the intensity of their fear in different driving scenarios, such as driving at night, in heavy traffic, or on the highway, and this helps them put their feelings into perspective. This ultimately increases self-awareness and helps people have a better grasp of their reactions.

• Determining the severity of fear

Assessment tools make use of a rating scale to determine how strong the person’s reaction to driving or thoughts of driving is. With this scale, clinicians are able to track and monitor progress over time.

• Recognizing specific triggers

Usually, the fear of driving is not general; it can be linked to certain conditions, such as bad weather, heavy traffic, and highways. Scenario-based questions in the self-assessment tool help in discovering personal triggers. Addressing the root causes helps in addressing the fear of driving more effectively.

• Promoting early interventions

Self-assessment tools help individuals identify fear and anxiety early. This, in turn, allows them to seek help before it deteriorates and impacts their overall well-being negatively.

• Complements Professional Evaluation

Self-assessment results help to provide background information to professionals, which helps them gain insight into the nature of the fear, its severity, and duration.

Therapy is not only useful in the treatment of amaxophobia but also very helpful in its diagnosis. The first time most people discover they have this condition is in a therapist’s office. Therapy creates a safe and open environment for people to explore emotions that may be deeply rooted in fear or even as a result of a previous trauma.

Not only that, therapists guide clients to reflect on the potential causes of their fear, and they also observe how visibly anxious or tense they look when anything related to driving is mentioned. This is important in determining the severity of the fear.

Through therapy, the thoughts that fuel this intense fear of driving are identified. In addition to this, therapy also helps in assessing how much the fear impacts their day-to-day activities. Some avoid anything related to being in a vehicle altogether, while others rely on public transport and family and friends.

Ultimately, therapy is not only about healing, but it is a very important tool in gaining clarity into the nature of fear.

There are several types of therapy that have proved to be very effective in the management of amaxophobia. Each of these therapies addresses a specific aspect of the fear of driving. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of therapy!

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT works by helping individuals identify and challenge the negative thoughts fueling their fear.
• Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy works by exposing individuals to the source of their fear in a safe and controlled environment. With gradual exposure over time, the individual becomes desensitized to the fear. There are two types of exposure therapy: virtual reality exposure therapy and in vivo exposure.
• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Mindfulness therapy focuses on helping individuals stay calm and present instead of being overwhelmed by their fear and anxiety of driving.
• Support groups: peer support or group therapy sessions allow individuals to share their experiences with other people who have similar fears, and this has helped many people heal and overcome their fears. Group therapy sessions reduce the feeling of isolation and motivate them through shared progress.

Absolutely! There are medications that can help individuals struggling with severe amaxophobia. It is important to note that they are not the first line of treatment, and therapy remains the most efficient and long-term solution for amaxophobia. Medications do not cure the phobia itself, but rather help in managing the intense physical and anxiety symptoms that accompany this fear of driving. As such, it is often used in combination with therapy.
Medications that can help with amaxophobia include the following;

• Anti-Anxiety medications: these are drugs used only for short periods to manage intense panic or anxiety symptoms. Examples include diazepam or lorazepam, and they are usually prescribed with caution as they can lead to dependence or tolerance.
• Antidepressants: They are frequently used to treat anxiety symptoms. They achieve this by balancing the brain chemicals responsible for mood regulation and anxiety control.
• Beta-blockers: they help with the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as palpitations, by blocking the effect of adrenaline.

A very important thing to take note of about medications for phobias is that they can only be prescribed and monitored by a qualified mental health professional.

Support groups are a huge part of the recovery from amaxophobia. Finding a community of people that can understand and relate to your fear is a very encouraging step towards overcoming amaxophobia. Not only that, but support groups offer practical advice and provide a safe environment for learning coping strategies from others.

There are several places to find support groups, some of which include;

• Local mental health clinics: many clinics, community health centers, and hospitals may host support groups and organize group sessions to help individuals with anxiety or specific phobias.
• Therapist recommendation: You can ask your mental health professionals for a recommendation of local support groups around you or even online communities.
• Mental health organization: They offer support groups that individuals with anxiety or phobias can join. They also provide local resources such as articles, online sessions for individuals.
• Online support communities: if there are limited physical support groups, then online communities such as Reddit, Discord communities are a great option.
• Social media platforms: join social media platforms and follow organizations that are focused on anxiety or phobias in order to connect with others who have similar experiences.

We currently live in a digital world with several resources and communities accessible online to people living with amaxophobia. These virtual resources range from social media platforms, educational websites where tips and recovery strategies are shared mobile therapy apps. Examples of online resources and communities include;

• Mobile therapy apps: There are several teletherapy apps e.g BetterHelp, Talkspace, that allow individuals to speak directly with licensed therapists who specialize in anxiety and specific phobias. This gives room for flexible schedules and privacy.
• Online support communities: Online communities such as Facebook groups, Reddit, and Discord provide a sense of belonging and ensure that recovery is not done in isolation. Usually, these online communities are free, available around the clock, and are peer-led.
• Educational websites: There are online websites dedicated to educating people about their mental health. These sites also provide valuable insights into amaxophobia and other anxiety-related disorders and ultimately guide them towards professional help. Examples of these websites include: VeryWell Mind, Psychology Today, and Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
• Social media mental health communities: Online social media platforms such as X, Instagram, and threads are platforms where mental health advocates and professionals share recovery stories, educational information, and positive affirmations. Online interactive sessions like IG Live, X space happen on these platforms where education and interaction take place.
• YouTube and Podcasts: YouTube channels and podcasts dedicated to sharing information about anxiety, how to manage it, and build confidence are powerful learning tools for people with amaxophobia.

Overcoming amaxophobia is a journey that becomes easier with support from friends and family. They play a vital role in helping individuals regain their confidence, be in control, and feel emotionally safe. Family and friends can support by being emotionally present, listening without judgment and mockery, communicating clearly, validating, and acknowledging their feelings.

In addition to this, they also need to offer practical support by assisting with running errands, offering to drive the children to school, and even being a driving companion during their exposure therapy. Friends and family can also take it a step further by learning about amaxophobia in order to understand the person better and also strengthen their relationship. Solid support from friends and family is usually the main difference between isolation and progress.