Drivers must stick to driving 'when roads are quiet' if they have condition 44 per cent suffer

Drivers who suffer anxiety have been warned over the rise in the condition - with now 44 per cent suffering. In fact, a survey by ALA Insurance of 2,000 motorists in the UK found that around 44 per cent of drivers admit they feel stressed by regularly driving.

Mental health coach Jeremy Schneider explained: “Driving is challenging because it highlights the anxieties we feel about not feeling in control. But there are ways we can help ourselves when we feel that way – whether it is driving or in other life situations.”

Anxiety specialist Zoe Clews said: “Parking, motorway driving, and driving at night can all be big triggers for nervous drivers simply because they require more focus and are therefore more intense. In all of these situations, which demand a higher level of control and concentration, there is more ‘scope’ in an individual’s mind for things to ‘potentially go wrong’.”

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Sam Sheehan, a motoring editor at cinch, the UK’s leading online used car retailer, has teamed up with Zoe and Jeremy to help anxious drivers overcome their fears and be more confident on the road. Sam said: “There’s no rush to get comfortable driving on the motorway. It’s key to take your time and start with short trips when the roads are quiet, if possible.

"Don’t be afraid to ask a more experienced or confident driver to come along with you for support either. Before setting out, plan your route to decide where you’ll get on and off the motorway and brush up on lane discipline. When you get onto the motorway, stick to the left lane until you feel confident enough to overtake in the middle and right lanes.”

“Start by practising during quieter times in a safe, open space such as an empty car park. This environment allows you to focus on the mechanics of driving a manual without the stress of traffic, while you rebuild your muscle memory," Sam said. “Practice regularly and be patient with yourself. It’s normal to stall or make mistakes initially, but with consistent practice, your confidence and skills will return.”

Zoe said: “The subconscious mind is your inner protector and doesn’t understand time. When you experience shock or trauma, it sets up a protective defence mechanism – anxiety – to keep you safe, even if the incident occurred decades ago. The individual may understandably start avoiding specific roads, like motorways, or driving altogether, as human behaviour tends to avoid perceived painful situations. However, the issue is that anxiety thrives on avoidance, causing the fear to grow.”