While driving may feel exhausting, it is considered a low-energy sedentary activity for the human body. On average, a person burns between 150 and 250 calories per hour while driving, which is only about 20 to 40 calories more than simply sitting as a passenger. According to the Compendium of Physical Activities, driving has a MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) value of 2.0, meaning it uses twice the energy of complete rest but far less than light exercise like walking, which has a MET of 3.5 or higher. The "tiredness" drivers feel is usually mental fatigue rather than physical exhaustion, as the brain must stay constantly alert to process traffic, navigation, and decision-making. However, certain factors can increase this energy burn: driving a manual transmission, navigating heavy "stop-and-go" traffic, or operating large vehicles like trucks can boost calorie burn by up to 20%. While it won't replace a workout, the sustained focus required for a long commute can leave you feeling drained due to the continuous cognitive load on the nervous system.