Driving test tomorrow

[Anticipati0n]

Name changed for this as I haven't told many people IRL!

I have my driving test tomorrow - second attempt, had my first attempt over a year ago then put it off for ages. Have done a lesson every day Mon-Fri last week and have been remarkably calm until now but I'm suddenly very, very nervous! Really need to pass for work and because DH has health issues and doesn't drive, so things will be much easier if/when I can.

Any last minute tips?

Yes! For everything like this in life - breathing. Lots of deep breathing exhale long and slow and inhale gently, hold, exhale. Do it 7 times every so often when you get a moment. Good luck!

Thanks Saggital - I'll try to remember that while I'm waiting!

Practice now. Trust me.

Breathe!
Remember that the instructor wants you to pass too! (Yes, really)
It’s ok to make a mistake, get in the wrong lane, just correct it safely if you can, don’t swerve across lanes, if you need to go all the way round the roundabout cos you missed the turn, that’s ok
If your parking manoeuvre isn’t perfect first time, you can make corrections.
They don’t expect you to be the best driver ever, just a safe one.
Good luck xxx

Saggital - I'm practising it right now sitting in bed!

ATowelAndAPotato - thanks, I'll keep reminding myself of that. Safe, not perfect. I can do that.

Argh.

Good luck 🍀🍀🚙🍀🍀

Take 2 paracetamol to keep your temp down if you get stressed.
And a Mars for energy!!
Good luck.

Biggest tip I could give you is don't try and fight your nerves. You're bound to be and the more you fight it, the more it takes over. Recognise it and like others have said, long deep breaths.

Don't worry about what you look or sound like during the test. They'll have seen it all.

Oh and if you can, just think of it like a normal lesson. Make sure you're not hungry and are well hydrated (not so hydrated that you need a wee! )

Good luck

Good luck!

Check your mirrors periodically, take your time to do things don't feel rushed, being safe and accurate is more important than speed, don't be afraid to ask your examiner to clarify routes or if you can do a manuveour again if you are not happy with it. Keep calm and remember it's not the end of the world if you fail. Good luck! X

Failed.
Only 2 minors! Drove beautifully apart from briefly getting too close to a parked car, but that was enough for a 'serious' and therefore a fail. Feeling very sorry for myself now. Thanks for all the tips and good wishes though - will remember them for next time.

Oh bless you, these things happen. Take heart that you drove beautifully the rest of the time, you’re obviously a great driver. Get your test re-booked as soon as you can and go for it!

Wow, you nearly passed! Yep bash on and retake.

Ah, thank you both - I welled up a bit reading your lovely messages!

Feeling a bit calmer about it now. Onwards and upwards - even my driving instructor said I don't need any more training/lessons, I just need to get the test over with. I'd best get looking for a new test date!

I failed my first driving test. I was devastated! I got 7 minors and 1 serious and didn't get back to learning for a couple of months! But then I kicked my own backside and did another 4 lessons, then passed second time with 2 minors! You will get there.

OP that's such a shame. Fingers crossed you can get another test soon and pass

My son has his test tomorrow, his third, and I'm so very nervous for him and it's not helped by the fact that there's a 3-4 month wait for tests in our area so if he fails again it's another long wait. He's had 60+ lessons and we've been taking him out too and he's a really lovely driver. Last test he failed because he was told to pull over when safe to do so on a road which is mainly double yellows with just breaks in them by a few driveways where cars were parked, he panicked as he was getting to a junction and running out of road to pull over on so pulled onto the lines and that was that, five minutes away from the end of the test too.

You will do it next time don't worry. I passed with 1 minor on my 4th attempt after almost giving up after the 3rd time.
You know you can do it. It's just luck on the day mixed with perseverance x

Thanks all. I just need to move past feeling disheartened, get another date booked in and get it done.

MadisonAvenue that nearly happened to me today! Examiner told me to pull up on the left where safe, couldn't spot anywhere that wasn't double yellows or over a driveway! Fortunately I found somewhere before I ran out of road.

Thanks all for your support, it really has helped me pick myself back up again after a rubbish morning.

Ahh get that date booked in, it will give you renewed focus

Have you rebooked yet?

Just to update, my son passed this afternoon - third time lucky! I was so nervous, I was trying to crochet to take my mind off it but my hands were shaking too much.
Less than 25 minutes after arriving home from the test centre, his insurance was sorted and he was driving off our close in his car. Now the worrying really starts!

Ah congrats to your son @MadisonAvenue - he must be delighted! Hope you're not worrying too much although I'm sure that's easier said than done...

Haven't rebooted mine yet, struggling to find somewhere I can take the time off work. Will get it done ASAP though.

Just wanted to come back to this to update and say thank you to you all for being so encouraging. Retook my test yesterday and passed this time! Very very relieved.

Congrats!

Well done and congratulations!

Thank you! Feeling slightly less overjoyed now after paying an extortionate amount for insurance.