Who Our Fear of Driving Lessons Are For
Everyone has their own reason for feeling anxious behind the wheel. It could be a past accident, fear of making mistakes, or simply feeling overwhelmed in busy traffic. We work with learners who experience:
- ✔️ Expats adjusting to unfamiliar roads and traffic systems
- ✔️ Adults returning to driving after a long break
- ✔️ Drivers with past trauma, anxiety disorders, or panic responses
- ✔️ Learners with fear of failure or performance pressure
- ✔️ Anyone who avoids driving due to stress, nerves, or previous experiences
- ✔️ Drivers with fear of specific situations, such as a fear of driving over bridges or anxiety while driving on highways
Our instructors are trained in driving anxiety and provide calm, structured, and supportive lessons. It’s not about speed, it’s about rebuilding trust in yourself and the road.
You’re Not Alone: We’re Trained to Help
If your fear of driving or anxiety is more severe, we can collaborate with certified psychologists and use techniques like EMDR or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to support your progress. You never face this journey alone.
- Are experienced in helping anxious drivers
- Create calm, safe environments
- Start in quiet areas and avoid peak traffic hours
- Recognize stress signals and respond with care
- Support you if you opt for the CBR performance anxiety exam
Cooperation with psychologists and experts
At Driving School the Graduate, the instructors are specialized in giving driving lessons for people with a fear of driving. As we mentioned earlier, the Graduate works with certified psychologists for students who suffer from severe fear of failure. Our motto is: anyone can learn to drive. So no matter how severe your fear of driving is, our team of specialists is ready to make sure you learn how to drive without fear.
FAQs About Driving Anxiety Lessons
How do I overcome fear of driving?
With a calm learning environment and a supportive instructor, progress happens step by step. We also offer automatic lessons, which reduce the complexity of driving and allow you to focus on building confidence.
Why am I so afraid to drive?
Driving anxiety can be triggered by past experiences, fear of mistakes, or the chaos of city traffic. Acknowledge the fear, and get help from people who understand how to guide you through it.
How long will it take to feel confident again?
That depends on your situation. Many learners regain confidence within a few lessons through repetition, positive reinforcement, and relaxed guidance.
Is it normal to be scared of driving?
Yes. It’s more common than people think. Fear of driving is normal and treatable. You’re not alone, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of.
What treatment works best?
For many, driving lessons are enough. For others, therapy like CBT can help. We partner with professionals if needed, so you get practical and emotional support.
Do you offer lessons in busy areas like the city centre?
Not at first. We begin in quiet locations where you feel safe. Then we build up to busier areas gradually, always at your pace.
Where do the lessons start?
Lessons start in Amsterdam West, near Sloterdijk – close to the CBR exam centre (Naritaweg 150). That means you practice in the same area where you’ll take your test. It’s efficient and reassuring.
Reviews
Saida was brilliant, patient and really informative while keeping the lessons fun and enjoyable! I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to have driving lessons.
I had an excellent experience taking driving lessons with Saida. […] I was particularly nervous about driving on the highway. Saida really took time to understand what I needed and built up my confidence. It was really great to be instructed by her and she went out of her way to help me overcome my fears. I would highly recommend Saida as a driving instructor.
Such a good school, especially their instructor Saeeda who specializes in fear management in new drivers. She helped in boosting my confidence and actually start to enjoy driving. She was observant of my mistakes and had a very nice way to make me practice more. I would recommend Saeeda to anyone who might have fear of driving or trying it for the first time.
I really enjoyed Saida’s driving classes. I liked the fact that there was always a plan on how to improve my driving skills and the fact that after each lesson we had a discussion about how the driving session went and what we should work on improving next. She helped me as well in overcoming my fear of driving. I really recommend Saida!
I was very lucky that my friend recommended me Saida’s class! From the very first moment I felt comfortable, even I came to my first lesson stressed. She made me believe that I really can drive! Saida gives you as much freedom as you need during the class, allowing you to make small mistakes but learn from them. At the same time she is always ready to support and take over when it is really needed. Another great point that she gives you feedback after every class, so you constantly can grow! I am so happy to have my classes with Saida.
I had Hassan as my teacher and passed the exam on my first try. Overall, I was happy with how he was direct and to the point where it mattered and this ultimately led to fast improvement. At the same time, he was kind, friendly and fun to talk to, which led to a pleasant atmosphere during our lessons. Additionally, I struggled quite a bit with nervousness and a fear of driving. While Hassan was very considerate of this, he also pushed me to not doubt myself as much and helped me become a more decisive and confident driver. 10/10 recommend!
I am an experienced driver, but my driving license was not valid in the Netherlands. So I was looking for the intake lesson and liked the school Graduate from the first moment: quick response, exact understanding of my needs, good rates and accurate planning in everything. I had four lessons with Saida who was super reliable, attentive and caring. She guided me very well in a fun way and knew exactly how to improve my skills step by step. I passed practical exam on the first try thanks to Saida! I definitely recommend this school and instructor Saida many times over!
Saida was a great instructor. She was patient when I struggled and strict when she had to to make sure I was ready for the test. I really enjoyed my lessons with her and I got my license in the first try thanks to her guidance.
Contact
Worried you’re not ready to commit? That’s completely okay.
You can start with a no-pressure intake lesson, tailored for people who feel anxious about driving. In this first session, you’ll meet your instructor, take a short and calm drive, and explore a personalized plan based on your needs.