How to not be nervous for license test? (Driving +more)
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In this guide, we will discuss “How to not be nervous for license test” and a few tips on how to manage being nervous during your test day.
How to not be nervous for license test?
If you wonder ‘How not to be nervous for your license test?’, let us say, first of all, how common and normal it is. Your driving test should not be perceived as a traumatic or terrible experience, and there are some ways you can overcome driving test nerves. Moreover, one of the key concepts to overcome driving test nerves is feeling confident, trusting your abilities and what you know.
We know there is always the fear of failing or making a mistake but try to think positively instead of negatively. Questions that may arise such as ‘What happens if I fail?’ or ‘What happens if I make a mistake?’. Well, the worst thing that can happen if you fail is having to take the test again, simple? Maybe you think it is, maybe you think it isn’t as simple.
Remember that your instructor wouldn’t have recommended you to take the test unless they thought you weren’t able to perform well in the test. Let’s talk about some of the other tips and recommendations that can help you overcome nerves before taking your driving test.
Apart from just learning on how to stay calm during their license test, one should also learn tips on not be nervous during a test for their driving.
Practice, practice practice!
You know how practice makes perfect but don’t get obsessed about it. Practice all the maneuvers and driving routines you have learned during your driving lessons that you believe will be tested during your exam. Moreover, as we have mentioned, it will help you feel more confident and be more in ‘control’ over the situation.
However, let’s think about the worst case scenario and that is having to start your test uncertain of a particular manoeuvre and the examiner making you more nervous when asking you to complete it.
Tip: if you feel unsure about a particular manoeuvre, ask your instructor to help you get better so you can have more time to practice before your test.
Get support from others
Telling everyone you will be having your driving test soon can increase your anxiety since they can put an enormous amount of pressure a few days before your test, still try to confide in someone you really trust and tell them how you feel about the test, your insecurities, etc.
In addition, talk to other people that have had their driving test recently and get their impressions but don’t let their bad experiences automatically become yours.
Natural remedies
There are a lot of natural herbal remedies that are said to help calm your nerves. For instance, remedies whose main component is valreian such as Kalms tablets but there are plenty of other options. Talk to your physician first before deciding to take any remedies even if they are natural.
Here at Holland & Barrett you will find the Best Herbal Remedies.
Other ways to naturally reduce anxiety are:
- Exercising regularly
- Avoid alcohol intake and nicotine
- Limit your caffeine intake
- Get a good night’s sleep the night before
- Meditation techniques
- Eat healthy and avoid skipping meals
- Practice deep breathing techniques
Trust your instructor (they are not your enemy)
Your instructor is there to help you not to make you fail. Moreover, your instructor has been there from day one and they know all your weaknesses and strengths. As you know, your instructor may have probably been doing this for quite a while and they know the dynamic, so if they say you are ready to take the test, you probably are.
As indicated on axa.ie, “Even if the test has to be booked weeks in advance, your instructor will have a reasonably accurate assessment of your capabilities after your first few lessons. If your test date is fast approaching and you still haven’t mastered the three-point turn, they’ll either suggest a few extra lessons or advise you to postpone.”
In contrast we know how many people sometimes tend to believe their instructors are there to get them, to make this experience as hard and traumatic as possible. The truth is they are not there to trick you into making mistakes or deliberately make you fail.
Have a Mock test
As we have talked about trusting your instructor, don’t be afraid to ask them to take you through a mock test, Why? Basically, unlike your driving lessons, during your driving test you will get no help from your examiner. They will only limit themselves to give directions and tell you which manoeuvre to perform.
We know this can be a scenario that can make you nervous since you are not exactly used to it. Having a mock test will give you an idea of what to expect on the test day. Simulating the same conditions in real life (or as similar as it can be) can help you prepare better and handle this type of situation.
Arrive in good time
Plan your day ahead and make sure that day you don’t have any other commitments. If your test is during the morning, make sure you eat a light breakfast but avoid skipping your first meal since being hungry during the test can be detrimental.
While some people can’t eat anything when they are anxious, others tend to eat more. Either way, snacks are something a lot more palatable than a full fledged meal when you’re worked up.
If you’re looking for snack options that can help manage anxiety, here are the Best Snacks for Anxiety.
Moreover, plan what you will wear, what you will take with you and the route you will take to get to the centre with plenty of time. Planning at the last minute will only add more to being anxious or nervous for arriving late or not being able to make it to the test on time.
Finally, when you arrive at the test center make sure you go to the lavatory so you won’t be distracted wanting to go to the loo during your test.
Take your time, there is no rush
You probably would like to get it over with as soon as possible but make sure to take your time and breathe. It is not a contest and certainly they are not measuring how fast you finish your test. Take your time with each maneuver so it gives you the opportunity to correct yourself.
In addition, being nervous and doing things in a hurry can potentially compromise your safety and your instructors too.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
We tend to be too hard on ourselves and it tends to stick with us throughout the day and sometime for several weeks. Remember you are allowed to make mistakes and if you do, it is completely normal. If you fail your test don’t be discouraged by it, just get the feedback and try it again at a later time.
Why is this blog about How to not be nervous for license test important?
As we have discussed on ‘How not to be nervous for a license test’, being nervous is completely normal but we shouldn’t let our nerves take control over our lives. This is why we mentioned some useful tips such as being confident in what you have learned and your abilities, practicing as much as you need but without obsessing over it and getting support and advice from someone you trust.
Moreover, if you are considering recurring to an herbal remedy to calm your nerves make sure you have read the label and if doubtful, ask your pharmacist or physician. A good way to know what to expect when you are being tested is to ask your instructor for a mock test, that way you will be under similar circumstances that resemble reality. Lastly, have fun, concentrate and don’t be too hard on yourself no matter the outcome.
Please feel free to leave any comments or thoughts about the content of this article!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How to not be nervous for license test
How can I calm my nerves before a driving test?
If you want to calm your nerves before a driving test here are some recommendations:
– Positive self-talk. Tell yourself you are ready and how good you are.
– Don’t tell many people about it since it is possible they may make you feel even more nervous than you should.
– Try not to skip any meals since being nervous and hungry are not a good combination.
– Pretend it is just a mock test to take all the pressure and anxiety out of the situation.
– Consider arriving at the test center with plenty of time and make sure there is nothing else you need to take care about that day.
– Don’t do too much the day before and on the test day.
– Stay off caffeine and nicotine since it can exacerbate your anxiety.
– Go to the bathroom before your test to avoid having to go when you are being tested.
How can I pass my driving test anxiety?
If you would like to pass your driving test anxiety make sure to:
– Have learned and practiced before your test.
– Don’t eat too much before your test but definitely avoid skipping meals.
– Cut the caffeine and nicotine.
– Pack the night before what you need.
– Don’t expect to chat during your test so you can concentrate.
– Breathe deeply through your nose and exhale slowly through your mouth.
Why am I so nervous to take my driving test?
It is normal to be a little nervous when you are about to take your driving test. We start feeling nervous when we feel we are being judged or there is a possibility we could humiliate or embarrass ourselves, especially if the person testing us has years and years of experience and we are just starting.
Can you talk to yourself during driving test?
You could talk to yourself during the driving test if you would like to go step by step or remind the instructions to yourself. However, sometimes it can distract you from any instructions your driving instructor may give you.
What will make me fail my driving test?
– What could make you fail your driving test if your examined classes it as a major fault:
– A dangerous fault which involves actual danger to you, the examiner or the public
– A serious fault which involves doing something potentially dangerous.
– A driving fault which is not potentially dangerous but if you keep making the same fault, it could become a serious fault.
References
Evans, J. (2014, Jul.) Top 10 ways to avoid stress on your driving test. Retrieved from driving.co.uk.
Axa.ie: “How to avoid driving test stress – 6 tips from a driving instructor”
Drivingtestsuccess.com: “How to avoid driving test stress – 6 tips from a driving instructor”
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