Driver Training for Road Trauma Recovery

More drivers are seeking help following road trauma events.


Vehicle crashes and road trauma can seriously impact the mental health of those involved or affected. Some people ignore the symptoms of their emotional injuries from road trauma or they don’t connect their emotional trauma to the event. Some people find it difficult to drive a vehicle again without experiencing severe anxiety.


During road trauma events your body floods your system with adrenaline to allow it to cope but when these chemicals wear off, some people will suffer from ongoing mental anguish including:

  • Anxiety
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Memory loss
  • Depression
  • Sleep issues

The symptoms of mental injury from a road trauma may include anxiety about driving a vehicle again, avoiding certain driving situations or conditions and avoiding the location of the incident.


If you suffer ongoing issues, it can be very beneficial to seek help from a therapist or counsellor. This professional may suggest attending defensive driver training specifically designed to address your concerns.


Usually, post road trauma training is conducted one on one with a professional driver trainer skilled in the practice of listening to your concerns and offering advice and driving activities which will help to build your confidence and provide a rational approach to driving situations which you find stressful.


Safety is always the priority in this specialised training, and your comfort with the process is crucial to a successful outcome.  Tell your trainer if you are worried about any of the activities being offered so that appropriate adjustment can be made.


The process is not a test and is paced to suit your progress. You will be the judge on how well it is going.  Hopefully you will find it enjoyable as you deal with your concerns.


You might discover safe driving techniques which are new to you and which will reassure you when applied to your future driving. You might gain valuable insight into your particular road trauma event and its causes.  


Training is offered in two hour sessions and can commence at an off road venue initially. Some of the training will be theoretical based on discussions and exercises. Driving activities will be in your normal car and will include a basic safety check.  The number of sessions will likely range between five and ten but may end at anytime you feel you have achieved a positive result and have the confidence to return to driving.


A confidential comprehensive written report can be produced on completion of the process and supplied to you.