Fear of driving
Specific phobia · situational subtype (driving)
Intense fear of driving. Often follows an accident, but can also be primary. It limits work and family independence.
Why VR for this phobia?
In-vivo logistics require a car, a driving instructor, and progressive real exposure. VR lets you repeat the critical sequences (merging onto the freeway, passing a truck) as often as needed with no risk.
VR hierarchy · 5 graded levels
Each level should be completed with SUDS in the target range across at least two consecutive sessions before advancing. The most common mistake is moving up levels too fast because the scenario is so easy to change.
- 1
Empty parking lot, slow maneuvers
SUDS target: ≤4
- 2
Quiet neighborhood streets, no traffic, sunny day
SUDS target: ≤5
- 3
Secondary road with moderate traffic
SUDS target: ≤5
- 4
Two-lane highway at 55 mph with passing
SUDS target: ≤4
- 5
Urban freeway at rush hour with lane changes
SUDS target: ≤3
Clinical notes
Cybersickness runs high in these scenarios. Dose it: short initial sessions (5–7 min), frequent breaks, hydration, a baseline SSQ. If the patient had an accident, work through any subclinical PTSD first. Scenarios are on the roadmap.
Specific contraindications
- Severe baseline cybersickness (motion scenarios are the worst offenders)
- Acute accident trauma <6 months without prior processing
Is Fear of driving a scenario you need?
Book a demo and tell us — your input weighs on the quarterly roadmap. On Enterprise we can build a custom scenario for you.
VRET is professional clinical-support software, not a certified medical device. Supervision, indication, and application remain the responsibility of the licensed clinician in charge.