Is driving anxiety after a car accident common?

Yes. Many people experience some level of anxiety about driving after being involved in a motor vehicle accident, ranging from mild nervousness to more significant avoidance. It is a recognised response to a frightening event, not a sign of weakness.

Will forcing myself to keep driving fix my anxiety?

Pushing through anxiety without support can sometimes make it harder to manage. A structured, graded approach with a psychologist, where exposure to driving is built up gradually, tends to be more effective and sustainable than avoiding the issue or forcing yourself through it alone.

Is psychology for driving anxiety covered under CTP?

Treatment for driving anxiety caused by your accident may be available under a CTP claim where it is reasonable and necessary. The rules depend on your circumstances and the scheme, so it is best to check SIRA. We can provide the medical documentation that supports your treatment.

Can driving anxiety be treated by telehealth?

Yes. Psychological support for driving anxiety, including graded exposure planning and coping strategies, can be delivered effectively by telehealth. Your doctor can also arrange an in-person consultation if that would better suit your situation.

Injuries

Driving Anxiety After a Car Accident

Fear or avoidance of driving after a crash is a recognised, treatable response — not something to push through alone.

Book an appointment (02) 7238 7379

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Understanding driving anxiety

It is common to feel anxious about driving, or about being a passenger, after a motor vehicle accident. This can range from mild nervousness at intersections or in heavy traffic through to a strong urge to avoid driving altogether, panic while behind the wheel, or intense discomfort near the location of the accident. Driving anxiety can affect your ability to get to work, manage daily responsibilities and maintain independence, and it often does not improve simply by waiting or forcing yourself through it. Structured psychological support works on rebuilding confidence behind the wheel gradually, at a pace you can manage.

Common symptoms

Symptoms can take hours or days to appear after a crash. If you notice any of these, it's worth being assessed.

Anxiety, tension or a racing heart when driving or approaching the car
Avoiding driving altogether, or avoiding certain roads, speeds or conditions
Panic symptoms such as sweating, shaking or shortness of breath while driving
Excessive checking of mirrors, over-braking or gripping the wheel tightly
Intrusive memories of the accident while driving or as a passenger
Difficulty concentrating on the road due to worry
Relying on others to drive when you previously drove yourself

Quick check

Not sure if it's serious?

Check my symptoms (02) 7238 7379

How we help

We assess how the accident has affected your confidence and comfort with driving, by telehealth across NSW or in person where appropriate, and screen for related symptoms such as low mood or sleep disturbance. We document the impact on your daily life and work for your CTP claim, and coordinate referral to a psychologist experienced in trauma and driving-related anxiety. Treatment typically involves structured, graded exposure to driving alongside strategies to manage anxiety symptoms, working at a pace that feels manageable. CTP Doctor is a medical service, not a law firm — this is general information, not legal advice, and questions about liability or entitlements are best directed to an independent solicitor.

Treatment approach

1CTP medical assessment with screening for anxiety and related symptoms
2Document the impact on driving, work and daily activities for the CTP claim
3Referral to a psychologist experienced in trauma and driving-related anxiety
4Graded, structured exposure to driving as part of psychological treatment
5Coordination with your broader treatment plan if physical injuries are also present
6Ongoing review to track confidence and function over time

When to see a doctor

If anxiety about driving is affecting your ability to get to work, manage daily life, or is not easing with time, it is worth speaking to a doctor. If you are experiencing thoughts of self-harm or feel unable to cope, seek urgent help — call 000 in an emergency, or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Not an emergency? Book an assessment. If symptoms are severe or worsening, call 000.

Related services

CTP Medical Assessment CTP Psychology

Frequently asked questions

Next step

See a CTP doctor about it

Often seen within the week. Telehealth across NSW, or in person where appropriate. No claim number needed to start.

Book an appointment (02) 7238 7379