Tackling Test Nerves
Posted 14 August 2023 — Anyone
Passing your driving test can be your ticket to freedom, allowing you to take on work opportunities and chances to travel that were previously unattainable. However while for some their driving test can be a little nerve wracking, others are overwhelmed by their test nerves to the point they become debilitating. As part of their ‘Ready to Pass’ campaign the DVSA (click here to view) reported that 1 in 10 people who fail their driving test say it was mostly down to nerves.
We always want to help our members in any way we can to better support their pupils, so we recently reached out to get your top tips on how to calm those test nerves and we were overwhelmed by the response. Thank you to all those that contributed.
Here are our top five:
Accept the fact that you’re nervous. Then think ‘I can do this!’ because I know what to do and how to do it.
Mindfulness. Slow shallow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
Manifestation. See yourself driving your car and ask yourself why you want to drive…it’s not a need but a want.
Bring a sweet or piece of chewing gum to keep your mouth from drying up.
If test nerves become overwhelming during the test, ask the examiner if you can park on the left in a safe place, to compose yourself before it gets too bad.
If you want to know more about supporting your pupils with their test nerves, then book now for our Scottish Area Annual Conference here on 5th November, to hear from Confident Drivers’ Kev and Tracey Field, who will be leading the session – ‘Common Reasons for Driving Test Nerves and how to help.’