The link between driving anxiety and underlying health issues

Driving is a skill that represents freedom and independence—but for many people, it’s also a major source of stress and fear. Driving anxiety is far more common than most realise, and while it’s often attributed to bad experiences or a lack of confidence, there’s another layer that’s frequently overlooked: underlying health issues.

As a driving school that supports nervous learners every day, we’ve seen how physical and mental health can play a powerful role in shaping the way people feel behind the wheel. Understanding these links is the first step toward overcoming anxiety and becoming a more confident driver.

1. Anxiety Disorders and Driving Fear

Generalised anxiety, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can all contribute to driving-related fear. For some, it’s the anticipation of being in control of a vehicle that triggers anxiety; for others, it’s specific scenarios like merging, driving on highways, or being stuck in traffic. For others it can result in an inability to get behind the wheel altogether.

Physical symptoms such as racing heart, dizziness, or shortness of breath can make learners fear they’ll “lose control” while driving—reinforcing avoidance behaviour. Recognising that these symptoms stem from anxiety (not a lack of skill) helps learners approach lessons with more self-compassion and a better plan for managing stress.

2. Physical Health Conditions That Can Affect Driving Confidence

Certain medical conditions can mimic or worsen the symptoms of driving anxiety. For example:

• Vertigo or inner ear issues can cause dizziness and disorientation, especially when turning or changing speeds.

• Heart rhythm irregularities or low blood pressure can lead to light-headedness or faintness—symptoms that make driving feel unsafe.

• Thyroid problems and blood sugar fluctuations can cause jitteriness, trembling, or fatigue.

• Sleep disorders or chronic fatigue can reduce alertness, which in turn heightens anxiety

• Hormonal disturbances such as menopause or childbirth can cause imbalances that can result in anxiety.

• Chronic stress is also a contributor to what sometimes presents as a “sudden onset” of anxiety and fear of driving that may not have been there before.

When physical symptoms are unpredictable, learners may fear they’ll experience them on the road—creating a cycle of worry and avoidance.

3. Medication Side Effects and Driving Anxiety

Some prescription medications—especially those for pain, allergies, or anxiety itself—can affect reaction time, focus, or cause drowsiness. These side effects can make drivers feel less in control, feeding into their anxiety. Discussing these concerns with a healthcare professional can often lead to simple adjustments, such as changing the timing or dosage of medication.

4. How Driving Lessons Can Help

Neuroshift Driving School recognises that understanding the whole person—not just their driving skills—is key to success. For learners experiencing driving anxiety:

• We create calm, judgement-free lessons that move at your pace.

• Your instructor is trained to recognise anxiety triggers and teach strategies to manage them, such as breathing techniques and gradual exposure.

• We encourage open communication about health concerns so we can tailor each lesson to suit your needs safely and confidently.

5. When to Seek Professional Help

If anxiety impacts multiple areas of your life and relationships, or if you suspect a medical issue is making driving more difficult, it’s worth speaking to your GP, a clinical nutritionist or a mental health professional. Working on both the physical and psychological sides of driving anxiety can dramatically improve confidence, safety, and enjoyment behind the wheel.

The Bottom Line

Driving anxiety isn’t just “nerves” — it’s often connected to deeper physical or emotional factors. The good news is that with the right support, both from your driving instructor and other healthcare professionals, it’s absolutely possible to overcome it.

Neuroshift Driving School students are supported by an instructor qualified in counseling and coaching to work through their fear and anxiety, build real confidence, and achieve their goal of driving independently. If you’re struggling with driving anxiety, you don’t have to do it alone — we’re here to help, one calm and patient lesson at a time.