How To Reduce Your Anxiety Before Road Test
After weeks of putting in the work and countless hours of supervised driving, many learner drivers still flunk their road tests. While there’s no denying the fact that constant practice and a qualified instructor can be pivotal to succeeding on a road test, the truth remains that uncontrolled nerves can render all preparation meaningless on the actual test day.
Many people fail the road test because they lack confidence in their skills and not necessarily because they are bad drivers. If you’re worried about your nerves getting the better of you on your test day, you need a positive attitude to rid yourself of all negative assumptions about your examiner. You’ll find some beneficial advice on managing test nerves in the section below.
Tips To Keep Driving Test Nerves From Ruining Your Chances Of Becoming A Licensed Driver
Regardless of how many times you’ve had to take the road test, our tips below will help you deal with driving test nerves and put you on the fast track to getting your driver’s license.
1. Tell Yourself You’re Ready
It’s no easy feat to get to the point where you must take a road test. However you choose to look at it, this is irrefutable proof that you have what it takes to get your driver’s license.
Remember how far you’ve come, and think back to how much you’ve had to practice. Surely that must count for something.
2. Keep It A Secret
It’s wrong to tell anyone who would care to listen to your upcoming road test. Doing this will lead you to worry unnecessarily about what might happen on your test day and can even cause you to have trouble sleeping.
3. Don’t Take The Test On An Empty Stomach
While the food might be the last thing on your mind when the driving test is about to start, you have to eat something to be able to concentrate. It doesn’t have to be a heavy meal. Even a banana should suffice.
4. Act As If It’s Just A Mock Test In Driving School
Some people feel uneasy when they see the driving instructor holding a clipboard and looking all serious and such. It’s best not to let this bother you, as most examiners do this as it’s standard procedure, not because they’re out to fail their examinees.
The best way to loosen up before taking the test is to see it as just another mock test. Doing this will help keep your head on straight and rid you of unnecessary worries.
5. Arrive At The Test Venue A Few Minutes Early
Getting to the test venue a few minutes early will give you sufficient time to relax. If you have any critical prior commitment that might delay you, it’s best to contact your examiner and reschedule. Although it’s advisable to arrive for the test on time, try not to go too early, as having too much time on your hands can cause you to overthink, which will most certainly stress you out.
6. Avoid Doing Too Much On The Test Day
You’ve most likely been practicing your parallel parking and other maneuvers. Therefore, there’s no reason to exert yourself on the test day simply to impress the examiner. You don’t need to make a perfect turn on the test. All you need to do is make your way to the venue and show the examiner what you’ve learned.
7. Avoid Caffeinated Drinks
Some road test takers believe drinking excessive amounts of caffeinated drinks will help them focus and stay relaxed during the test. Unfortunately, the effect can be quite the opposite, especially when done excessively.
One of the best ways to calm your nerves and feel comfortable throughout your test is to drink plenty of water or camomile tea instead of caffeine, as it can make you jittery and even cause you to be agitated for no good reason.
8. Don’t Rush Things
Road tests aren’t organized to see how quickly examinees can perform various driving maneuvers. Therefore, feel free to drive at your own pace to avoid errors that can cause you to fail the test.
9. Take A Walk Before The Test
Doing some quick exercises or taking a short stroll around the facility while waiting for your driving instructor will cause your brain to release endorphins which will calm the brain and relax your body.
10. Keep Your Eye On The Prize
There’s no need to mount unnecessary pressure on yourself. It’s perfectly normal to want to show the examiner how much you’ve learned and what skills you’ve picked up. However, you shouldn’t let this be a cause for concern. Sometimes the best way to stay calm on your big day is to focus on becoming a licensed driver.
11. Try Breathing Exercises
Breathing exercises work wonders for calming the nerves, especially if you’re about to take a road test. If you begin to feel nervous at the test center, take slow and deep breaths. Doing this will help reduce your heart rate and help calm your nerves.
12. See The Examiner As A Friend Rather Than A Road Block To Getting Your License
It’s quite unfortunate that most people let their examiner’s appearance or demeanor affect their performance. Try not to expect the worst if your examiner doesn’t seem all cheery. Remember that they won’t try to get you to do what you haven’t been taught already, and there’s no reason why they would try to trick you into making mistakes.
13. Use a Car You’re Comfortable with
It helps to drive in a familiar vehicle when taking a road test, as it can be quite unnerving to take the test in a car you’ve never been in before. Driving in an unfamiliar vehicle can cause test nerves to kick in all of a sudden, affecting your ability to drive safely.
14. Wear Comfortable Clothing
One of the best ways to keep from getting nervous while taking a road test is to dress as comfortably as possible. Clothing that restricts movement is a big NO and must be avoided. Remember that your appearance bears little significance to the examiner, at least not so much as your driving skills.
Conclusion
A significant key to success on your road test is keeping your nerves under control. Make sure to use the tips provided above to remain calm, as it could be the key to passing on the first try.
