Driving Test Nerves

How To Cope With Driving Test Nerves

The driving test is undoubtedly very stressful and for many people, test anxiety can turn an otherwise competent driver into a bag of nerves who makes mistakes that lead to failing the test.

Test Nerves Help

Tips On Dealing With Driving Test Nerves

Here are some tips to help you cope on the day of your driving test:

• Make sure you are well rested the night before and that you have eaten a light meal before your test so that you are in good physical shape before you start
  
  
• It may seem obvious, but use the toilet before you start the test as getting “caught short” during the test could prove embarrassing!
  
  
• Wear clothes you feel comfortable in and most important of all, wear sensible shoes
  
  
• Make sure you have your photocard provisional driving licence readily to hand to take with you. Don’t leave finding your licence to the last minute. If you can’t produce your photocard driving licence you will not be allowed to take your test and you will lose your test fee
  
  
• If you feel that you need "something to calm you down" a bit, ask your local pharmacist for advice
  
  
• If you find that the thought of the test is making you extremely nervous, it might be worth paying your GP a visit and discussing how you feel. Some GP's may be willing to prescribe short-term medication in extreme cases
  
  
• It may be easier said than done, but try to relax...driving examiners are ordinary human beings, not ogres, and they realise that you will be nervous and will do their best to put you at your ease and make allowances for your nerves
  
  
• CONCENTRATE and FOCUS on what the examiner asks you to do. It is vital to keep your level of concentration up for the whole of your test period
  
  
• The examiner is looking for a safe, accurate drive. No more and no less. If you concentrate and remember to follow all of the procedures as they have been taught to you, then you should be fine
  
  
• If you think you’ve made a mistake, DON'T PANIC!...don’t dwell on it and don’t let it affect your concentration. Getting through the whole nerve wracking test without making any mistakes is extremely rare and whatever you’ve done may not be as bad a mistake as you think!
  
  

If you fail your driving test, it really isn’t the end of the world. Lots of other people have failed before you and often failure is more the result of nerves than a lack of skill...so pick yourself up, dust yourself down and get back in the driving seat for another go!

For more information about coping with driving test nerves, please see the How To Overcome Driving Test Nerves webpage.