You are definitely not alone if you feel nervous before your Theory or Practical Driving Test - this is completely normal and most learners experience the same feelings. Your nerves will probably stem from the basic fear that you will fail. Failing anything isn’t ever a pleasant experience, and you may worry that if you fail you will have ‘let everyone down’. You certainly won’t be relishing the prospect of having to tell your friends and family that you have failed.
But it’s a vicious circle. The simple truth is that fear of failure, leads to failure. And let’s get it into perspective. The main consequence of failing either your Theory or your Practical test is simply financial - you can study more / take more lessons and pass it the next time. Unlike exams or job interviews, you can resit the tests as many times as required. Yes, it will be disappointing to fail, but your world will not come crashing to a halt!
Here are some tips to ensure you give your best on Test Day :
- Don’t apply for either test until you are ready - your instructor is best placed
to advise you when you are ready. Computer based mock Theory Tests and in-car mock
Practical Tests will give you confidence that you can do it for real.
- Harness your nerves. The extra adrenaline released into your system helps to keep
you alert and focused.
- Book your test for the time of day you are at your best. Are you a morning or afternoon
person?
- If you think it will help, visit the Test Centre and ask to speak to an examiner
a few weeks before your Practical test. Your instructor should be happy to take you
for such a visit as part of your lessons. This will help you to realise that examiners
are not to be feared - they are just human beings, there to ensure you are safe and
skilful enough to be out on the road on your own.
- Arrive at the driving test centre unhurried and at least 15 minutes before your test
is due to start.
- Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before your test (preferably the previous
two/three nights before your test). The power of sleep is remarkable in combating
anxiety.
- Wear comfortable clothing to the test - if you feel comfortable, you will give your
best performance.
- If you worry about telling your friends and family you have failed, just don’t tell
them you have your test! If you think it will help, tell one person you trust, but
you don’t need to tell everyone you know!
- If it will help your nerves, ask your instructor to sit in on your Practical test.
If you are not successful, they can help you understand why and help you fix any
problems before your next attempt.
- Have a healthy breakfast/lunch before your test - your body and brain need the energy to help you perform.
“At Graham May School of Motoring, we will always give you an honest
opinion as to your test-readiness. We would never advise you to
apply for your tests unless you were fully capable of passing. Through
thorough preparation and mock tests, we will teach you to believe in
yourself and reach your goal of test success in as
short a time as safely possible.”
If your nerves are particularly severe, there are a number of products available on the market designed to help. Herbal remedies such as Kalms or Bach’s Rescue Remedy or self-confidence boosting CDs and DVDs, such as Test Angel (click here), may help.
