Calming Test Nerves

1. Tell yourself you’re ready

You wouldn’t be taking your driving test if you weren’t good enough to pass it. A good driving instructor won’t put you forward for your test until you’re at test standard. Knowing you’re just doing something you’ve done before many, many times before can really help.

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2. Keep it quiet

Don’t tell everyone you’re taking your test. Keeping quiet about it takes some of the pressure off, so only tell the people you want or need to tell.

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3. Don’t skip meals

Eating might be the last thing on your mind but without food, you haven’t the brain fuel you need for your test. Eating something before your test will help you concentrate. A full English ­ isn’t necessary; a banana will do.

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4. Pretend it’s a mock

Try to regard this as just another mock test. Following your mock test you know what to expect. You’ll still put in your best performance but you’re less likely to panic about it all going wrong. Remember: no one is asking you to do anything you haven’t already done in your lessons.

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5. Arrive at the test centre in good time and make sure your diary is free

Get to the test centre about 15 minutes beforehand so you’re not hurried or waiting too long. And make sure it’s a day and a period in your life when you have no other stressful things happening.

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6. Don’t do too much on test day

You’ve spent the last few days, weeks and months preparing for your test, so there’s no need to beat yourself up about parallel parking now. By all means, have a drive around beforehand, but don’t convince yourself you need to do the perfect turn in the road just before you get to the test centre.

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7. Stay off the caffeine

You might think you need all the coffee in the world after being awake all night worrying but drinking too much caffeine before your test can make you feel more agitated and nervous. Instead, drink plenty of water or something naturally calming such as a camomile tea.

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8. Go to the lavatory

We don’t have to elaborate, do we? Suffice to say, you don’t want any distractions during your test.

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9. Remember, there’s no rush

Your driving test isn’t designed to determine how fast you can complete a reversing exercise. Take your time when it comes to the manoeuvres, and remember that you can always correct yourself. The examiner will want to make sure that you make the right checks and complete the manoeuvre safely, so take your time.

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10. Remember if you go the wrong way it is ok as long as you do it safely!!

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10. Don’t beat yourself up