How To Beat Driving Test Nerves

Feeling nervous about your upcoming driving test? Fear not, help is at hand, with Britannia’s advice to beat the anxiety.

–          First things first: make sure you have a good night’s sleep for several days prior to your driving test. Research has shown that a succession of full nights sleeps enable the mind to function at its best, as opposed to one full night’s sleep. And don’t rely on Caffeine or Energy drinks to waken you up – this is a stimulant, and as such it is almost certain to heighten feelings of anxiety.

–          Have the right state of mind: Approach the test with a positive outlook, and you already have a much higher chance of passing. Don’t worry about failure; just consider how great it will be to have all those lessons pay off. Don’t dwell on previous failures, just bear all of your successes in life in your mind – you wouldn’t be taking the test if your instructor didn’t think you were capable, so remember, you can do this!

–          Try not to see the test as a “test” – Treat today as going for a simple drive. As long as you ensure you drive correctly and safely (which you should be doing anyway, examiner or no examiner!) you will be absolutely fine.

–          Prepare well for the test: try to book the test for a time of day that suits you – earlier in the day if you feel that this is your peak time and that you will perform your best here or later if you consider yourself to not be a “morning person”. Also in the weeks running up to your test, focus on your weaknesses whilst driving in your lessons so that you can turn these into strengths during your test. Even try a mock test with your instructor so you are as prepared as possible for whatever the test can bring.

–          Eat a banana- bananas are full of B vitamins, which reduce nerves, they contain tryptophan, which is a protein the body converts into serotonin, a hormone that releases happy feelings and will ensure you maintain a positive outlook on your test, and contain vast amounts of potassium, which will help regulate your heartbeat during stressful situations, and encourage oxygen levels to the brain, increases your concentration. Get a banana down you, and you have Biology on your side too!

The important thing to remember is that you are physically capable of passing your test – otherwise you would not be taking it. Don’t let nerves get the better of you on your test day – this is only one drive of forty minutes – you have driven longer than this on every lesson you have taken. You can do this- good luck, and happy driving for the future!

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