Taking your driving test is nerve wracking for everyone – even the most confident of learner drivers. For a lot of people, it’s the first time they will have ever driven without having an instructor or parent there to guide them – so it’s easy to get nervous! But it’s also important not to let those nerves get the better of you and thwart your chances of passing – which is why we’ve put together a few tips to help you beat the nerves and ace your test.
Practise makes perfect
Driving as much as you can before your test is always a good idea. You never know what may appear on your test, so make sure there’s no weak points in your driving. If there’s one manoeuvre that makes your palms sweat, ask your instructor to keep going over it with you until you get it right. It’s also a good idea to have a lesson right before your test if you can, in order to make sure that everything is fresh in your mind.
Try to stay calm
Stress can affect your concentration, so try to stay as calm as you can. Try to focus on the road ahead, rather than worrying about what your examiner is writing down. You may even want to pretend you’re on a regular driving lesson rather than a test – you can even invite your instructor to sit in the backseat during your test if you feel this will reassure you. You can also try chewing gum, as this might help take your mind off the worry.
Herbal calming supplements
Some natural supplements, like Bach’s Rescue Remedy or Kalms, can help to keep your nerves at bay. Also, studies show eating a banana can also help calm nerves due to its natural B vitamins. Bananas also contain tryptophan, which gets converted into serotonin to help keep you in a good mood and feeling positive ahead of your test!
Be prepared
The chances are you’ll be stressed enough as it is ahead of your test – so don’t make it worse by being disorganised. Plan out what you’re going to wear, what you need to take (that includes your theory test pass certificate and provisional, as well as money to pay your instructor) and what time you need to be at your test centre the night before your test, so you won’t forget anything crucial. And make sure you get a good night’s sleep – you’ll thank yourself for it!
Don’t tell anyone
Booking a driving test can be exciting – but when everyone knows, it can put a lot of pressure on yourself to pass. Consider keeping your test date to yourself. Not telling anyone means that when you pass, it’ll be a great surprise for your friends! But if you fail, it doesn’t matter – just try again next time!
A driving test needn’t be something to be afraid of. All drivers will have been in the same position, so you’re never alone. While it may seem like a big deal, studies show that people who pass second or maybe even third time, become better drivers. So, instead of worrying about failing, try to be confident and drive as well as you can.
