I agree that Xanax might make it harder to focus on the road so you should try to make the drive without it. What helps me is I like to make a playlist of my favorite songs, anything that makes me feel happy and relaxed. I get into my car, adjust my seats and mirrors to the best position and before I even start the ignition I take a couple deep breaths. Then I put on my music and if the weather is nice I will open my moon roof or windows. As far as worrying about crashing, or getting lost I try to always make sure my phone is fully charged before I leave in case of an emergency. It also helps me to map out the directions beforehand and print out a copy as well, so if I do get lost I can just pull over and look at my map. I have a gps, but I honestly don't like it, if you do enjoy using them they can be helpful too.

I have to agree that taking Xanax would cause you even more worry. Not only because it's sedating, but because you would be concentrating so hard on whether or not the Xanax is changing your ability to drive, that it could make your situation worse. I would put my radio on a very mellow radio station ( no talk programs, they are too distracting) and think about how proud you are of yourself and what you have accomplished. I was a bus driver in San Francisco for 2 years and I learned how important it is to check my mirrors a lot and in a car, don't rely on just your mirrors but also turning your head due to blind spots in a car. Stay in the slow lane and just take your time. Don't rush because you want to get to your destination quicker because that will also cause you anxiety. Please let us know when you get home from your trip and let us know how wonderfully you did. Hugs GB

I also have a driving anxiety. I put on musicals, which I love, and sing every song to help me relax. Sometimes, when the anxiety gets bad, I call a friend through the bluetooth in my car and that helps to me hear a friendly voice. I also take deep breaths as I drive to calm myself. Like the above comments, I always make sure my phone and GPS are charged and ready to go if I need them. If I'm going on a longer trip, I pack the car with everything I can think I might need if I get stranded, which is a big fear of mine. And Gramybear is right...take your time. Who cares if cars have to pass you? Let them! Keep a speed that makes you feel in control.

I did not get my license until I was 38, I have always been anxious over driving, I am now 50. I have gotten anxious a lot over 12 yrs of driving, if it is unfamiliar. It has been very bad over the last 3 yrs. as poor health has forced me to start and stop driving. I was very panicky a week ago, and it was just around the block. If I get feeling over whelmed I just will take a break in a parking lot or on a side street.
Music helps too. I also eat hard candy as a distraction of having panic take over. I always feel more confident when I go out and arrive back. I do seem to worry too much before I do it. Good luck to you

Hi. Those are all excellent suggestions. At a previous job, I used to have to take routine four-hour trips across state and back on a major interstate, which was in poor condition and had several "deadly spots." To make matters worse, I drove rental cars, which made me even more anxious. I just grabbed up a handful of my favorite CDs, which made the time pass more quickly and there were a few favorite "milestone" spots (like a Russell Stover outlet) that I'd stop at as goals in the journey.

However over the past year, I've become afraid to drive, so I am fortunate that all of the stores I need to frequent are within a 1-2 mile radius.

If I have to drive on the highway, I do a MapQuest and print that out for reference. I always have my phone ready and waiting. I am going to have to make a 30-minute drive to a doctor's appointment later this month and I am already anxious because we're transitioning into winter weather and I can't handle ice and snow.

Anyway, take some good music, deep breaths and plan your route. I'm very sure you will do just fine! Good luck!

Thanks for all the tips everyone, I did the drive and nothing bad happened. I was very nervous at first but there was minimal traffic and I paid very close attention to my GPS. I didn't take the Xanex and did okay, I was pretty shaky the first ten minutes then I relaxed a little. I was relieved when it was over and very proud of myself. Driving back tomorrow morning though, I'm less nervous but its still a big deal. Next step is to learn more about merging and to travel at nighttime and when there's more traffic. Overall a high success and I'm glad I did it! there was a time I wouldn't even drive down the street in my new town but now I've come to this. Yay!

Congratulations! to you. So happy to hear it went well, you should be proud!

I was confident it would go alright.

Here is a thing I used to hear with sensitivity groups: "Pay attention to the feelings of your body." What your hand and arms are..holding the steering wheel, the foot and so forth/to the accelerator pedal. How the back of the seat fits.

Too often I, for example, get into my head and forget to pay attention what my various senses can tell me. The sense of touch expecially. . . . . This idea I think applies especially for long drives where the body tends to tense up
and to be forgotten.

well I gotta go,
Caleb . . . . . good luck . :)

That's great news!

Congrats on your accomplishment! One day at a time!

I had no doubts that you would do fine on your driving trip. So very proud of you. Each time will just get easier. Hugs GB

Great job!!