Driving test nerves!

Everybody ‘suffers’ from test nerves to some degree - it’s just that some show it more than others, test nerves are probably the single most common reason why candidates fail the driving test.

For many people, there is nothing wrong with the ability to drive, but nerves will cause an uncharacteristic error on the day of the test, up to a point being nervous is a good thing, so if you can be a little bit nervous and channel those nerves into concentration, then you will actually have an advantage, but the problem comes when the nerves take over.

Whether or not the nerves take over depends on your own make up, and your level of preparation for the test, someone who is just ready for the test and can keep the nerves under control may pass easily, but someone who is even better prepared but suffers badly with nerves on the day will effectively have several hours of preparation removed thus exposing weaknesses in driving ability which appeared to have been dealt with long ago.

So over preparation is a good idea; the more prepared you are, the less likely the nerves will affect you, on a 2nd driving test you may feel more nervous, but it is likely to be a different kind of nerves to your last test and you will actually deal with the nerves much better, so possibly consider a mock test, this should give you a rough idea of what to expect and get any mistakes out of the way then.

Dealing with Nerves

Accept that being nervous is a normal part of taking a driving test, there is actually no reason to be nervous the worst that will happen is that you don’t pass and are asked to take the test again.

But that will still not stop you from becoming nervous about the test. So don’t try to fight it – just go with it.

Things you can do to reduce or control those nerves, remember that being nervous is quite normal. there is nothing wrong with you.

Don’t pile unnecessary pressure on yourself. So keep quiet about your test and don’t tell all your friends. Try not to tell anyone!

If you are well prepared, you will probably pass your test, this may not necessarily happen on the first attempt, but does that really matter, you will pass your test, so don't worry about it.

Remember you can take the test as many times as you like (it isn't like school or university exams where it takes ages for re-sits, you have to wait 10 working days from the day of the driving test).

Try ‘Kalms’ or ‘Rescue Remedy’ from the chemist, these may help and may well ‘keep a lid’ on the nerves, bananas are good for helping with concentration, seek advice from your local health shop.

In some extreme cases, or if the above don’t seem to do the trick, visit your GP and tell him you have a problem with driving test nerves, he/she will have heard the same thing many times before!, and will most likely prescribe some form of medication (possibly beta-blockers) which will help you more than you would believe possible.

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