How to Beat Driving Test Nerves!
Every day in the UK, over six thousand people take their driving tests. Nerves are very common, but there are lots of things you can do to help you take the fear out of driving test day. Here are the Only Essex Driving School’s top tips for staying calm and getting through your test successfully.
Believe in yourself.
Your instructor would not allow you to take your test if you weren’t ready. You have put in the work during a course of driving lessons, so take some deep breaths and tell yourself you can do it! Positive thinking will really help you forget the nerves.
Keep it a secret.
Telling all your friends and family would only put extra pressure on you, so keep the time and day of your test to yourself. If you only tell those who need to know, you can shout from the rooftops when you’ve passed, instead. That’s much more fun!
Step away from the coffee!
You want to feel alert for your test, but too much caffeine could make you feel more jumpy, and impact negatively on your behaviour on test. Instead, get a good night’s sleep the night before, eat something before your test, and stay hydrated.
Dress Comfortably
Feeling comfortable in what you’re wearing will be a factor in how you approach your test. Avoid wearing anything that digs in or rides up when you’re in driving position; this will be a distraction. Also, avoid dangling jewellery which could catch on things while you’re driving. Comfortable, flat footwear is also advisable.
Planning is key.
Timing is a major contributor to driving test nerves. Arrange your test at a time when you won’t be pre-occupied with other stresses. Many people aim for an early test appointment, so they don’t have to worry about it all day. Make sure that you have nothing planned for directly after your test, in case there are any delays, which could have you worried. Make sure you are able to arrive in good time, and that you have the correct documents with you.
Don’t rush.
The driving test is a test of skill, not speed. Take your time on manoeuvres, and don’t be afraid to ask the examiner to repeat an instruction if necessary. It’s better to take your time and get things right, than to make a silly mistake through rushing.
You don’t have to be perfect.
If you do catch yourself making a small error, that doesn’t mean you have failed. Remember, you are allowed up to 15 minors across the whole test, so provided you only make the same error once, there is every chance that you could still pass, so stay positive right the way through your test.
It’s not the end of the world.
Hopefully, you will be successful, but not everybody passes first time. If it doesn’t go your way, don’t beat yourself up. It doesn’t matter how many tests it takes; ultimately, you will pass once you are a safe and confident driver who is ready to take to the road alone. Keep doing your best, and you will get there, at your own pace.
