Please help can't pass driving test

[FrontToBackTree]

I'm at my wit's end and I just cannot seem to pass the fucking thing. My fourth attempt is tomorrow. I haven't told a single soul I'm doing it, not even my DH. Only my instructor knows.

My only problem, and I really do mean this, is nerves. I get so flustered and so nervous that I panic and make the most ridiculous mistakes. I never, ever do these things in lessons nor when I'm out practising with DH. I'm a completely confident driver but I go utterly to shit in the tests. Things I have tried that haven't worked:

• Beta blockers
• Kalms, Rescue Remedy
• Narrating what I'm doing as I'm doing it
• Practising - I do a shit tonne of practising
• Hynotherapy
• A different instructor
• Pretending the examiner is a taxi driver

I am all out of ideas. How the fuck can I stop being so nervous during the test? I am a perfectly competent, confident driver in lessons. I go to pieces during the test.

I have always been the same with any practical exam. EG with my piano exams I'd have practised my exam piece for months and know it absolutely back to front and inside out. On exam day I'd cock it up completely!

I'm at my wit's end with this!!

[FrontToBackTree]

Oh and I've also had my instructor in the car with me during the test and felt ten times more nervous!

[InTheWings]

Try some reverse psychology on yourself?

Say "I'm bound to fail, that's fine because I am treating this attempt at a way to get more used to the test. It really doesn't matter if I fail, and it's fine to fail, loads of people have many attempts'.

[safariboot]

I know this is easier said than done. But it's just another lesson, except the person in the passenger seat is a bit less chatty than usual.

[FrontToBackTree]

I've tried so hard to think of it as just another lesson but I just can't make myself believe it

It has got worse and worse with each test

[Xueman]

Hey, I totally understand how you feel! Oh my God, the nerves I felt during each test was through the roof! Tried beta blockers on the 3rd test, no miracles happened. Anyhow, it took me 5 times to pass the test if that makes you feel any better. I was a total wreck after each test and couldn't believe I was given a pass on the 5th time. You will get there, just keep reminding yourself that you can do it!! Good luck!

[FrontToBackTree]

I just feel like an utter dickhead about it to be honest, what is wrong with me?!

[Mamanchien]

What helped for me was a good walk - it calms you right down!

[Foxyloxy1plus1]

It does sound simplistic, but box breathing helped me. Breathe in for four, hold for four, breathe out for four. Whatever number you want really. Consciously breathing more deeply does help to calm you.

[DianaT1969]

The poster who mentioned walking might be on to something. You could go for a run and burn off all energy just before the test, so that you feel quite knackered.

[DianaT1969]

You've probably got high levels of adrenaline or cortisol pumping. Burn it off before the test.

[growinggreyer]

I passed on my fourth attempt and like you I also kept it secret until I had done it. Somehow that seemed to do the trick in taking off the pressure. I even managed to do my parallel park in front of a police car full of coppers eating their sandwiches! Good luck, remember that you know the stuff and you can do it.

[Crankley]

@InTheWings

Try some reverse psychology on yourself?

Say "I'm bound to fail, that's fine because I am treating this attempt at a way to get more used to the test. It really doesn't matter if I fail, and it's fine to fail, loads of people have many attempts'.

It worked for me. I bet my instructor 10 shillings (it was a few years ago (grin] ) that I would fail and I passed first time.

I seriously think the best way is to get lots and lots of practice. You must shut out all the mental stuff and just concentrate on the test. Easier said than done, I know.

It's a good idea to have a lesson before the test. During mine I was so nervous that I missed smashing into the back of a milk cart by about half an inch and at one point, driving along, I put my right hand out of the window to hand signal and my left hand on the gear box with my instructor screaming 'put your hands on the fucking wheel!!!'

Top tip: people get used to glancing up at the rear view mirror without moving their heads - the inspector can't see that so when you check the mirror move your head very slightly so he can see you are checking it periodically.

You can do it, I wish you the very best of luck.

[growinggreyer]

Also, my instructor told me to eat a banana beforehand - something about needing the potassium. I would have dressed as a banana, to be honest.

[Xueman]

Nothing is wrong with you, the anxiety is real. Try not to think about how many times you failed, the more you think about it the shitter you would feel, and it only makes you less focused during the test. The good thing about driving tests is that there isn't a limit as to how many times you can do it. You need to keep telling yourself that it is not the end of the world if you fail and you are not the only one that has failed many times. Tomorrow you just try not to think about what happened before, see it as it is the first test.

[FrontToBackTree]

Doesn't help that my last examiner was an unfriendly fucker who didn't even say hello to me and rolled his eyes and sighed throughout the test.

[BikeRunSki]

OP

I was like you. Passed 5th go e we it’s a heavy cold. It slowed me down a bit.

[FrontToBackTree]

Maybe I'll try for a run beforehand, that's certainly something I haven't tried.

I was really disappointed with beta blockers, everyone said they were magic but they did nothing for me at all.

[growinggreyer]

It's just a job to them. Don't think too much about the examiner, all they are doing is ticking off bits on a clipboard. They don't score you on your manners or your friendliness so let that go. Say hi and then concentrate on driving.

[nicknamehelp]

I often just tell myself what is the worst thing to happen in a situation and will it be the end of the world if it does happen. Helps put it in perspective. Imagine the examiner nacked might help.

[fortysomething78]

I passed on my 7th test.
I got to 7 and decided I'd go to 10 and if I failed then the universe was talking me I shouldn't be driving.
When I stopped caring, I passed.
It's horrible, hardest thing I ever did.
This was 15 years ago and I'm glad I persevered.
Massive Good Luck for tomorrow.

[FrontToBackTree]

I would almost feel better if I were generally a nervous driver and making mistakes in lessons, but I'm not. It is solely the test. So infuriating.

[MrMeeseekscando]

I took a break of a couple of months then tried again.
Lessons,the lot.
Passed 7th attempt.
I'm a very confident driver now

[MrMeeseekscando]

I also stopped caring like a pp

[missmouse101]

I gave myself a bloody good talking to in a mirror. Pointed my finger and everything! I told myself to get the hell in there and show the tossing examiner what I bloody well knew. Told myself that I wouldn't tolerate myself being nervous but I was to just get it over and done with without any drama. It really, really worked.

[FrontToBackTree]

I'm thinking if I don't pass this time I'll do a week of intensive lessons with a test at the end of it.