Driving test tomorrow morning... bricking it

[HangingOver]

I wanted to move it actually but by the time I decided to it was too late and I'd lose the money so I'm going to give it a shot. My teacher has been off work following surgery so I haven't had a proper lesson for ages but I probably drive supervised nearly every day. Urgh. Doom. I'm 35 it's pathetic to be this nervous!!! I know my weak points (parallel park, roundabouts with lots of lanes) but I'm normally able to get through them on a normal day but I usually check with my passenger that what I'm about to do is right for reassurance. Not sure about with an examiner sitting beside me. Anyone passed recently? Any words or inspiration/tips?? Was yours mostly just boring driving around town/navigating around parked cars etc. or lots of dual carriageway?

Get to the test center with plenty of time spare. Stay calm. Talk through your decision making like you’re talking to a child. I buggered up my reverse around the corner but said whoopsadaisy shall we try that again and did and still passed! You’ll be great. Even if you fail it’s a great experience. I passed third time and I learned so much on my two fails it made me a much better driver (and I nail reversing round a corner too now 😂)

Go for it op. I used to be a driving instructor and all the examiner is looking for is a safe and comfortable ride, they're not trying to trick you ( I believe they preferred to utter the words pass). One of my best students was around your age and she was great and passed. You can do it!

Check your mirrors including blind spots!
Just be safe. Don't make any decisions that will slow other drivers. Good luck

Don’t worry about it. The worst that can happen is you fail and you need to go do it again! So what!

You've absolutely got this!! I did my test a while back now but when the examiner said "take the 4th exit" I was in completely the wrong lane. As long as you just follow your lane and don't try to correct it really doesn't matter. I didn't get a minor for essentially ignoring him. He just laughed and said "ah, okay, this works too!". So if you're in a roundabout with lots of lanes and panic then just pick one and go with it!
It's really nerve wracking but I drove for an hour before my test which got me in the zone so it felt more like just picking up a passenger. If that's a possibility it may help but honestly just breathe and go with it. You drive a lot so most of it will be automatic now, so just let that process take over. If I overthink it now I still cock up and that's years on!

Mine was predominantly Town driving around Bournemouth but learners weren't allowed on motorways then.

Wishing you all the best of luck. You've got this!!

And when I say "don't try to correct" I just mean swinging into another lane mid roundabout. They don't like that so much...

Oh this is all SO helpful thank you! I'm going to hoover my car and put it through the carwash, then me and Dad are going to spend an hour driving around the town where there test is to get me warmed up 😃

It's been a long time since I took my test so just wanted to say Good luck !

My colleague advised me to wear my hair in a big swishy ponytail so it emphasises your head turn when you check your mirrors.

Also, my instructor advises “thinking aloud” eg “they are indicating but travelling at speed, so it could be a false indication. I’m just going to wait until I can be sure they are turning.” rather than thinking that, but just sitting there and then being done for hesitating.

Good luck!!

Good luck OP 🙂

You’ve made me smile, haven’t heard ‘bricking it’ for years 😀

My colleague advised me to wear my hair in a big swishy ponytail so it emphasises your head turn when you check your mirrors

Functional and stylish!

Totally think out loud! And just try to treat it as a lesson with a new instructor that you're trying to impress a bit. Just take your time! What helped me was remembering they are only really checking that you're safe to be on the roads, they aren't over analysing every single thing you're doing. Best of luck! I was 35 too when I passed! Let us know how you go xxx

Good luck!

I was the same when it came to driving tests. Was fine in lessons and generally someone who does not usually get nervous, it was very weird.
Make sure you check your mirrors alot. The examiners notice that and know you are aware.

Also have a banana and a paracetamol before going. Was advised this and helped me stay a little more calm and I think I had cheering gum too to help with my nerves.
I am not one to have medicines so easily but apparently the paracetamol helps keep you calm whereas the banana gives you steady energy so you are more aware.
As PP mentioned, try not to see it as an exam and just some one you are giving lift to. Do not try to second guess what they are thinking as that will make you lose focus. Just drive.
Hopefully you will pass, wishing you luck!

I failed MISERABLY 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Oh god. Thanks for your well wishes everyone.

Sorry to hear that OP but it doesn't matter. You can take it again and you can learn from your mistakes. It's the nerves unfortunately

All the best drivers pass second time

Sorry to hear OP! But it's all good stuff to prompt for next time! Soon enough this will all just be part of the story!

Also failed my first time! Passed the second. Get another booked straight away and keep at it! x

Hey guys!
got my 2nd driving test in 2 days! Bricking it!!
Has anyone got any advice/tips?
TIA!!
🥰