Learning to drive can be an anxious and nervous time but throughout your lessons, your anxiety
and nerves reduce as you become used to your instructor and gain more experience. But what
happens when you get to your test day? It's all different and your anxiety and nerves
return. This video will help you understand what to expect on your driving test and how
to control your anxiety and nerves. Before we get started, please consider subscribing
to our channel so you don't miss our next video - and if you have any questions about
this video then comment below.
Before you get to the test centre it is important to have time to warm up. Having an hour before
your test will allow you to make sure you are comfortable with the correct seat position
and mirrors. Practice all your manoeuvres and your safety check questions. It is ok
to make mistakes on your warm-up, it is good to focus your mind on what you need to be
aware of whilst out on your test. Decide if you want your instructor present on the test
and make sure you leave enough time to go to the toilet. Most importantly take this
time to relax. Use some breathing techniques to help you control your nerves, practise
mindfulness or chat to your instructor about a positive event that has happened recently
unrelated to your driving. Just use the time to keep as calm as you can. Nerves are ok
as they keep you focussed and aware but don’t let them take over. You are in control.
After you have arrived at the test centre you will be called by the examiner at your
test time. They will ask to see your provisional so have it ready. Fumbling around trying to
find it will only increase your anxiety and nerves. Being prepared will help you feel
in control. Try and be your normal self. The examiners will completely understand that
you are nervous and will expect it. Remember that the examiners are human beings and even
though they cannot be over-friendly, rest assured they will do their best to keep you
calm.
Whilst out driving on your test you might find that your anxiety and nerves will grow
and lessen at different points and in different situations. The most important thing is to
just take your time and don’t rush. If at any time you don’t understand an instruction
from the examiner then just ask. They will happily repeat any instructions they have
given. Sometimes you are so focussed on your driving you don’t completely hear the examiner.
Again don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat it. Take deep breaths and focus on what is
happening right in front of you, not what has happened or what might happen.
Whilst driving try to remember that it is ok to make minor mistakes, you are allowed
15 of them. The examiners are trained to take into account the situation when a fault occurs,
so don’t think it always means a serious or dangerous fault has occurred. Don’t focus
on the mistake and don’t keep replaying it in your head, you can’t change it and
it will only stop you from focussing on the present which is the most important thing.
It is also ok to take a wrong turn whether it is from a Sat-Nav instruction or a verbal
instruction from the examiner. As long as you drive safely and to the rules of the road
a wrong turn will not fail you. The examiner or the Sat’Nav will just give you directions
to get back on track. If you do make a mistake, take a deep breath and keep going. Be mindful
of your breathing and your nerves. If you start to feel more nervous and anxious, take
some deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Use opportunities
such as stopped at traffic lights or in traffic queues to control your breathing.
When you reach the end of the test and have returned to the test centre, the examiner
will give you the result first. Whether you pass or fail the examiner will give you a
clear explanation of what happened, where any faults occurred and why they were marked
as faults. If you have failed and are upset you can ask the examiner to brief your instructor.
Remember though it is not the end of the world, you can retake your test. Take note of what
you did well, it is important to know what you did well so you can continue doing it
and take the faults as opportunities to learn and grow from. These will be your learning
goals moving forward as well as continuing the good driving you also demonstrated. Whatever
the result you will receive a copy of your test report via email.
If you have failed your test it is ok to be upset. Cry if you want to, you won't be the
first. Remember, you can rebook your test and have another go, but it is important to
continue lessons to work on what you failed on and continue practising and maintaining
the good level of your other driving. Try not to focus on the negative, be sure to acknowledge
all the things you did well, there will be some. If you have passed then celebrate your
success, ring everyone you know if you want and celebrate. You have worked hard to achieve
this. Make sure that any car you will be driving is insured, taxed, MOT’d and roadworthy
before you drive. Don’t drive too far too soon, familiarise yourself with your local
roads and key places such as college, work or school. Sometimes it is a good idea to
take someone with you the first time you drive as it can feel very strange and anxious driving
on your own for the first time. Don’t avoid doing manoeuvres, using dual carriageways
or other situations that make you feel nervous and anxious. On your test, you demonstrated
that you could drive these safely and legally so have faith in your ability and keep doing
the tough stuff. The more you do it the more you will feel comfortable, the more your confidence
will grow and therefore your nerves and anxiety will lessen.
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