How can I get over my anxiety or fear of driving on highways?

By keeping it a little slow.. so that everything is under control ! And also if possible try driving with someone else in the front seat too. That would help you in knowing that if something goes wrong, they are atleast there to take over!

I used to have the same fear actually. It's ok doll face. I had to have my mom drive with me, and catch the wheel everytime I got scared... But it cured me. Every time I drove, I knew what to expect

I would look into the method of systematic desensitization. It is used to reduce and diminish phobias. You first make a fear hierarchy. you start small and gradually move up the hierarchy. You move up once you no long feel anxiety about the performed task. using systematic desensitization and relaxation techniques will help you. look into some of the study's and articles written on the method. Or of you have access to a psychologist bring the topic up to them and they will guide you.

Honestly, I think everyone at some point has been afraid of getting on the highway. The speed is really high and the consequence of making a mistake is much higher. In reality, driving on the highway is actually much safer than driving on regular streets. There is no traffic lights and everyone is going the same speed, so you aren't likely to have to brake all of a sudden unless you are stuck in dead-stop traffic. The best way to get over the fear is to slowly get used to it. Go on roads that are 50+miles per hour or 80-90km/hr and get used to the speed. It's usually not that bad. Then if you feel ready, try going on the highway with a friend or someone who has a lot of driving experience and have them guide you verbally on how to merge properly and have them instruct you on changing lanes. They can be your second pair of eyes. After this experience, come home and visualise your whole experience in your head a few times. Getting on the highway, speeding up, checking mirrors and blindspots and then safely merging. If you visualise doing this properly daily for a few days, you can try to go back on the highway and you can find your fear and anxiety has lessened. To be honest, I feel much more comfortable on highways than city streets, but that took a bit of experience.

You can start by taking small steps and then take the courage to going on the highway. I completely understand your anxiety over driving on the highways, but remember take small steps.

Try speaking to a driving instructor, maybe the one that passed you? and you could maybe get an extra few lessons on the highway escorted so that you get used to it.

I wouldn't jump right into anything you're not comfortable w/ driving-wise. You can start on smaller roads & build up to highways

Take it a step at a time. First, drive on a road that's near a high way or where you can see one. Maybe go and stand near one too? Then, travel on it with a family member or someone you trust for a short period, and keep building it up.

when experiencing anxiety or fear while driving on highways I always try to chew a piece of gum and turn some music on a low volume. I find chewing gum helps me focus and music on a low volume helps me mentally focus on something other then my anxiety while driving, I also find that if I am not familiar with the highways I am on I stay in the "slow" lane so I do not interrupt traffic that may be traveling faster then I am comfortable with

One can overcome these situations by taking a couple of drives with somebody else, and slowly. taking his/hers own experience. ''Easier said then done'' - we shall all agree on this statement, but when we face inevitable situations, we should stay calm following our inner peace and natural intuition. We simply have to adjust ourselves to these everyday stressful situations, since it is just a part of our fast and modern life. It is rather ''obligation'' than ''option'' to drive on highways, because they save your time as well as they are supposed to save your nerves. Highways are a part of our world, which we have to get used on, hence, there is no need or any space for the anxiety or fear on the roads.