Being nervous is a natural emotion towards any big tests or exams, your Driving Test included.
Your driving examiner will know this and they will do their best to help you relax.
You don’t want your nerves jeopardising your test, so you must be practising managing your nerves in the run-up to the big day.
This is a really important skill to master and a life skill, not just for your driving test.
1 in 10 people who fail their driving test says it was down to nerves.
So, how can you manage your nerves?
Firstly, be open with your instructor. Speak to them as they’re on the daily teaching people who are nervous about taking their test as well!
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign has some top tips that may help you calm your nerves.
- Plan ahead.
Don’t take your test when other stressful things are happening in your life. This could be school exams, moving house and so on. - Be well rested.
Get a few good nights of sleep before your test. This might be tricky with your mind racing but listen to music to calm yourself and to distract the mind. You will only feel more stressed if you’re tired and are more prone to making mistakes if you’re not feeling 100%. - Skip the caffeine!
Avoid too much caffeine before your test, it could leave you feeling shaky and even more nervous! - Stay positive.
Focus your mind on passing your test rather than worrying about failing. Stay in the moment and concentrate, and avoid thinking back to what has just happened.
Another way is to practise ways to control your nerves, such as mindfulness.
Mindfulness involves paying attention to what is going on inside you and around you, moment by moment.
Studies show that mindfulness can help with stress and anxiety. Many people find mindfulness helpful, but it’s not right for everyone.
The NHS website has more information about what mindfulness is, how it could help you and different ways you can practise.
Check out the ‘Ready to Pass?’ campaign for more information.
Blog posts about driving test nerves and anxiety: here.
To also read all about mock tests and how they can help you pass, click here!
