Being nervous before your driving test is perfectly normal and something everyone will feel prior to their assessment; even those that pass.

Nerves can be a good thing, as they help to release adrenaline which keeps you sharp and alert; in other words, help make you ready for whatever lies ahead.

However, the key to controlling nerves is preparation; with people who are confident in their own abilities and as calm as is possible given the circumstances ultimately standing the best chance of test success. 

One step at a time

Learner drivers with a date booked for their test should focus only on being as prepared as possible and not get too far ahead of themselves.

Fantasies of buying a car if you happen to pass the test should be put to the back of your mind as they will only increase the pressure which you are placing on yourself and hence increase the stress you feel during your examination. This would be a massive mistake so remember to set one goal at a time.

With MoneySupermarket reporting that 65% of motorists are being forced to alter their driving habits as a result of rising running costs; the process of picking your first car warrants just as much attention as your actual driving test, so don’t allow yourself to get distracted.

Keep it quiet

Of course the shame of having to tell friends and family is something that most people fear. But at the end of the day does this really matter? Regardless of who many tests you have failed, everyone learns at different rates and some people are simply faster learners than others. This doesn’t mean that you will be a bad driver, and only means that you will have a slight delay in getting your full licence.

The best advice is not to tell anyone except your closest and most trusted when your driving test is. You then won’t have to tell everyone about your failure to pass. This ultimately helps to reduce the stress you feel when you are on your test and hence increase your chances of success.

Time of your test

The time of the test is also a big consideration. Do you struggle to come around in the morning, and are far more alert in the evening? If so, you should attempt to book your test as late in the day as possible.

Also take into account traffic. If you would prefer to drive during a time of day when they are fewer people on the road, consider taking your test between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m, during school and work hours. Alternatively, some people prefer to complete their tests during busy time periods as they may well be at a standstill for longer periods, giving them additional time to think. If this is the case do the opposite of those who are taking their tests during conventional work/school times.

Before your test

You should aim to get as much practice under your belt as possible the week before your test, with at least one hour of extra tuition alongside a fully qualified driving instruction. It may also be an idea to ask the instructor to conduct a mock test with you so that you can identify and work on any areas of weakness. Remember the more prepared you feel, the less stress you are likely to experience during the actual test.

Diet is also important, particularly on the morning of your test. You should aim to get a healthy and filling breakfast if you have an early morning examination so that your mind and body are ready for what lies ahead.

The importance of sleep
Sleep is also absolutely vital if you are going to be firing on full cylinders on the day of your test. It is recommended that you get at least your full recommended eight hours of sleep the night before your test.

However, don’t think that taking energy drinks or Coffee is a suitable substitute to sleep as the caffeine in these drinks will only serve to heighten your feelings of anxiety.

The importance of breathing

It might sounds like a stupid statement, but breathing is unbelievable important. It is how we get oxygen into our system and hence how we ensure that our brain is working correctly. It can also help us relax if we focus on the pattern of our breathing.

The recommended pattern of breathing for those who are attempting to reduce stress levels is:
1.    Breath through your nose slowly and constantly for about four seconds;
2.    Hold your breath for about seven seconds;
3.    Exhale slowly for about 8 seconds through your mouth

Continue this for about another minute in order to lower your heart beat and make you better prepared for the test ahead.

This should be done when you are in the test centre where you should aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your test so as to give your mind time to relax away from the stresses of the road.

What’s the worst that could happen?

One of the key questions to ask yourself is ‘What is the worst thing that could happen?’ 

The chances of you being involved in an accident are incredibly slim as you will have a qualified examiner alongside you with access to dual-control pedals. And even if you fail, you could always simply take the test again at a later date; better prepared than before for what lies ahead as you will know what to expect.

The worst that can happen is that you will simply gain more experience that will help to make you a better driver for the future.

Nevertheless, you should not take your test until your driving instructor believes that you are ready. Taking your test too early is a bad idea for so many reasons, but mainly because it could shatter the confidence you have in your abilities.

The key is therefore preparation. And the more prepared you are, the more confident you will be in your abilities. This will have the knock on effect of reducing the anxiety you feel during the actual examination as you feel less likely to fail which will ultimately increase the likelihood of test success.

Good luck everyone!

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