Managing driving test nerves | A complete guide
Driving tests, both practical and theory, are indeed a big milestone in many people’s lives. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous, but there are several ways to calm those pre-test jitters.
Here are some of our recommendations to help banish those nerves:
How to recognise driving nerves:
Feeling nervous about a driving test is to be expected. You may feel or experience any of the following symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Sweaty palms
- Perspiring
- Shortness of breath
- Shaking
- Upset stomach
- Increase heart rate
Before you take your driving test:
- Speak to your instructor how about how you feel and if you need any reassurance
- Practice the manoeuvres which you think need a little more work and focus. Don’t shy away from the parts of driving you find difficult and hope they won’t show up in the test – you will need a full skill set to pass!
- Ask your instructor if you should take any extra lessons to focus on things you find trick – they will be able to highlight any areas that need extra work.
- It may help to visit the test centre beforehand so that you can familiarise yourself with your surroundings. This may help you to feel calmer about the driving test.
- Practice with family and friends as much as you can – they will also help with boosting your confidence
- Accept that nerves are normal – you are bound to feel a bit anxious before you take your driving test. After all, you’ve worked really hard to get to this point!
- You could keep the date of your test private to minimise stress. That way, if you pass, it’s a great surprise. But if you fail, you don’t have to worry about telling people.
The day before your test:
- Get some exercise. It will help you relax that evening and give you an endorphin boost – great for keeping that positive attitude!
- Don’t go out drinking! Even if you are feeling anxious, you’ll feel twice as bad the following day and you may not be legally able to drive.
- Get plenty of sleep and book your test for the morning if you would rather not worry about it all day
On the day of your test:
Try to treat it like its just another normal day. Stick to your routine as much as possible, whether that’s going to work, walking the dog or just relaxing and watching some TV.
Many people book and extra lesson with their instructor to get used to the feeling of driving a car before their test, so its fresh in their mind.
Make sure that you have all the documents that you need to take to the test, such as your provisional driving licence and your theory test pass certificate if you have it. Keep them in one place so that you’re not rushing around or panicking trying to find them on the day of the test.
- Drink plenty of water and avoid too much caffeine – you need to feel alert, not totally wired!
- Switch you phone off or turn it to “Airplane Mode” an hour before the test to help clear your mind.
- Eat a decent breakfast and dress comfortably – you will need to be able to move freely and focus on your driving.
- Check the time of your test, the test centre address and ensure that you arrive at the test centre in plenty of time so that you can relax beforehand. Ideally, you should aim to arrive about 15 to 20 minutes early. But also ensure you’re not waiting too long so that you’re not worrying or overthinking things.
- If you need the moral support, take a friend or family member with you.
During your test:
You might feel you will struggle to overcome your driving test nerves, but it can be done! Here are some simple ways to ease your driving anxiety and focus on making the most of your driving test:
- The first 12 seconds of the test are crucial – Focus on starting the engine, preparing your car and looking around you as you prepare to move off.
- Listen to the examiners instructions and ask them to repeat if you do not understand
- The examiner does not want to see any fancy moves. Keep in mind what your instructor has advised in your lessons.
- If you make a decision that you are not happy with, you are allowed to give the examiner an explanation of why you behaved in that way.
- If you encounter a new situation that didn’t occur on your lessons, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and think about your approach before you continue.
- If you make a mistake, relax! It doesn’t mean you have failed! Each learner is entitled to 15 minor faults during a the practical driving test.
Try not to put yourself under too much pressure to pass your driving test.
Remember that you are constantly learning to drive even after passing your driving test. Passing the driving test can often lead to over-confidence, which increases the risks of an accident. So, it’s not about how many attempts it takes you to pass, but how prepared you are for the challenges ahead.
Also, don’t be too hard on yourself if you do fail your driving test. More than half of learner drivers that take their driving test in the UK fail each year. Just because you fail, doesn’t mean that you’re a bad driver. It just means that the examiner didn’t feel that you were ready on this occasion.
Regroup, and focus on the areas that need improving, so that you can come back stronger next time
Almost everyone gets nervous about their driving test. But, if you’re well prepared you have no reason to feel nervous or doubt your ability. The tips in this article will help you to feel more relaxed and help you control your nerves better so that you can pass with flying colours with 5Day.