Driving anxiety: regaining independence at the wheel

Rediscovering pleasure and serenity at the wheel

I have had my license for nearly ten years, but I never enjoyed driving: the stress was constant. I used every possible excuse to avoid the car. Gradually, and because of my panic attacks—which intensified when I became a mother—I stopped driving altogether. Four years passed, and the shame of not driving, as well as the lack of independence, became a heavy burden to bear.

While searching the internet for the causes of my anxiety, I discovered "amaxophobia" and the Go For Safe Driving website. What a wonderful surprise it was to read the testimonials, to feel less alone, and to see that a solution existed.

On the day of my first lesson, I arrived with a knot in my stomach. After an hour of theory, which was essential for me (I was a bit rusty on the rules of the road), I set off with Rodolphe to drive around roundabouts. My stress levels rose and I was tense, but thanks to his kindness, experience, and advice on how to hold the steering wheel correctly, I began to feel a bit better. His first valuable tip: say out loud what I am doing and what I need to do when stress hits. After four hours, I was driving alone and enjoying it, talking throughout the entire journey.

During the following sessions, Rodolphe had me face all the intersections and streets that used to terrify me, emphasizing reactivity and where to look. I could see myself progressing. Today, after ten hours of lessons, I feel more serene at the wheel, more in control of my vehicle, and, above all, more independent.

The method that changed everything: kindness and concrete techniques.

My experience has been very positive. I received advice and explanations that I had never been given in 20 hours of traditional driving school. I can never thank my coach enough, and I highly recommend his lessons.