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.
As a member of the Driving Instructors Association our driving school is fully insured and we have Professional Indemnity to £5,000,000 and Public Liability to £10,000,000.
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