How Practising Mindfulness Can Help Your Driving

Mindfulness can have a positive impact for learner drivers.

A 2014 Harvard Business School article, with the title, “You Car Commute is a Chance to Practise Mindfulness,” looked at how being ‘mindfully present’ can help with the sometimes stressful scenarios that come with driving.

This may be even more true for learner drivers, who sometimes suffer from driving anxiety when behind the wheel. In this article, Driving Class looks at five ways that mindfulness can bolster the capabilities of learner drivers.

1. Practising mindfulness boosts confidence

Mindfulness is the art of staying in the present moment. For learner drivers, this means focusing on the task at hand rather than getting caught up on past mistakes or future issues that may or may not happen. By being present, new drivers can:

• React better to situations as they arise.
• Build confidence by acknowledging small successes.
• Avoid overthinking and second-guessing decisions.

2. Mindfulness can reduce stress and driving anxiety

Unfortunately, driving anxiety is an increasingly common phenomenon. One recent study found that two-thirds of Americans suffer from driving anxiety.

Whether it’s dealing with busy city streets or road rage from other drivers, the daily challenges of driving are numerous. Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing and grounding techniques, can:

• Help calm nerves before and during driving lessons.
• Offer a tool to manage and reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
• Create a calm space, allowing drivers to think clearly and react effectively.

3. Mindfulness can enhance driver focus

Distractions are everywhere, and for learner drivers, staying focused is paramount. Mindfulness practice for learner drivers:

• Trains the mind to filter out unnecessary distractions.
• Encourages full attention to driving, improving reaction times.
• Develops a heightened awareness of surroundings, from pedestrians to other vehicles.

4. Mindfulness can improve emotional regulation

Learner drivers will inevitably face challenges that bring strong emotional responses, including frustration, impatience, or even fear. Through mindfulness:

• Drivers can become more aware of their emotions, allowing them to respond rather than react.
• It becomes easier to handle challenging situations without letting emotions take control.
• The overall driving experience becomes more enjoyable and less tumultuous.

5. Mindfulness can cultivate patience

Every learner driver progresses at their own pace. Instead of feeling rushed or pressured, mindfulness:

• Helps drivers appreciate their unique journey.
• Encourages patience with oneself, leading to a more thorough understanding of driving skills.
• Supports a healthy attitude towards learning and growth.

Concluding remarks

Guided meditation while driving and mindful driving can be an excellent way to avoid the stresses that young drivers will inevitably experience.

Here at Driving Class, we’re keen to point out that Mindfulness isn’t a silver bullet for overcoming driving anxiety, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Talk to your driving instructor about the anxiety you’re feeling, and see if they can help you incorporate mindfulness in your next driving lesson.