Driving test nerves

[Homelanderswife]

After 10 years on and off and over 60 driving lessons in total and 1 failed test in the past I’m taking it again in 2 weeks time. Anyone have any tips?

I have asked my doctors surgery for some anxiety medication (beta blockers?) but they couldn’t schedule an appointment until the week before so haven’t been able to ask for it yet.

I have rescue remedy (spray, pastilles, sweets, drops!)

I’ve been waiting 5 months for a test. I’m running out of money fast and I need to drive for a potential new job in the future.

Not sleeping much and it’s taking over my daily thoughts. :-(

I passed mine just under a year ago, 4th time lucky! I was a bag of nerves on my second attempt, couldn't stop shaking! I failed each time on a serious fault with 0-2 minors, things such as I failed an emergency stop, however I had to do one on my own accord ten minutes earlier that was perfectly executed! My examiner said had I repeated what I did earlier when he had asked me to do the manoeuvre, I would have passed

I think the trick to my success was not telling anyone I was doing it, not even my partner! The idea that I didn't have to tell anyone I'd failed again helped me to be less anxious- I also took rescue remedy but I can't say for sure if this helped. My anxiety definitely took over and made me panic in situations that I wouldn't in lessons, you have my sympathy and support! Good luck!

I also didn’t tell anyone at all , spent the entire test shaking but passed time !

just remember you can take it as many times as you like , it’s not the end of world if you don’t oass

Very best of luck xx

Thanks both, I think what’s made it worse is there’s a lot riding on this, I wish there wasn’t! My instructor is confident I can do it I just seem to fall apart in actual test conditions

It took me 5 attempts to pass. I was physically shaking and it made the car shake! My doctor prescribed me beta blockers and I passed that time

I feel like you've written this as me! I'm nearly 40 and have my test in 2 weeks.

I first got in a car when I was about 20 and the driving instructor frightened me so much it took me nearly 20 years to get back in the driving seat.

Again similar to you the cost implication, the fact winter is coming (we walk 20 mins to school currently) and my theory runs out in April (waited 3 months for a test date) are putting extra pressure on me.

My driving instructor has complete faith in me but I need to convince myself of it.

I've been taking kalms to try and help.

Good luck

Thanks all, reassuring to know I’m not the only one!

The weather has turned this week which has made things worse in my head ie I don’t want to drive, I need to drive!

When you are lying in bed start thinking backwards.

1st night: So think about in 6 months when you can take yourself to the supermarket, and your children to activities.

2nd night: How excited you were to drive on your own

3rd night: How pleased you and your family were that you have passed

Day before the test: You are excited to show the examiner how you drive.

You get the idea.

It gets your brain into thinking the driving test is a positive thing, something that will happen and you will pass.

One other thing, if you screw anything up ask the examiner if you can do it again. I did that on my test and was given the answer, "Do as you would do on your own".

I'd screwed up reversing around a corner.

Wow this is really good advice thank you ! I’m a bit of a pessimist at heart which is probably why it’s taken this long to get this far! My daughter wants me to take her and her friends places so is rooting for me, it’s another reason I should pass. I try and envisage being able to just go and get something without waiting for my partner to be home!!

Did you end up passing after you'd reversed around a corner wrong?

Sorry @sashh forgot to tag you

I passed. I just pulled forward round the corner and then reversed.
I had really poor self esteem and no faith in myself but I used the technique I wrote here. I am not sure where I got it from, I'm sure I didn't dream it up.

Oops I just found out I didn't post this.

Homelanderswife · 06/09/2024 12:39

I'd screwed up reversing around a corner.

I was a bag of nerves on my car test, I failed my bike test twice, first time because I didn't move onto a junction, when the light turned green. I was really ill at the time and just wanted to get off and lie down in the gutter. Second time, I was really on edge and ballsed up, loads of minors.

I passed third time, with no faults.

I'm sure I left finger indentations on the steering wheel... My first manoeuvre was a reverse into a side road. It was a 90° one, very tight and the front driver's side wheel was over the line. "Oh well, that's me failed," I thought and relaxed. I passed, one minor - he didn't like the short shift transmission braking.

This is me today. 15 years on and off. 4 failed 15 years ago and one failed recently. There is a 4 month waiting list and so much is riding on this. I have been in tears all morning thinking about my test this afternoon knowing I am just going to fail again 😥

@Hotspottt How did it go?

@Homelanderswife how have you gone on?

I've been thinking of you.

@Marypoppinsisnosaint I passed! I couldnt actually believe it. The test went a lot quicker than I thought and I drove really well surprisingly! Lots of hazards too! Still doesn’t feel real 🙂. When’s your test, is it soon?

@Hotspottt would love to know how you got on?

Oh yay!!! Massive congratulations to you!

It was today! I passed too! Like you ot went so quick. Also was convinced I'd failed quite a few times whilst out. I cried when he told me.

I feel like a ton of bricks have been lifted.

Amazing !!!! You should be so proud !!

@Marypoppinsisnosaint Many many congratulations. I’m so pleased for you! 🙂 well done. I cried too!! Now the hard part of driving on our own lol!

Thank you :-)

Well done, you!

Congratulations. Well done you.

Yes! I feel like that's the next big hurdle.

My own car is so different from my driving instructors car I feel like I'm learning all over again.

Mainly the handbrake, had a button one in my learner car and didn't have to take it off. I'm now worried about my hill starts 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

Are you me?!? My instructors car had a button and I kept forgetting to take the handbrake off!!! Much prefer a lever (drove 2 cars when learning) as I never forget as it’s visibly not in the correct position :-) hope you manage to get used to it. Have you had your first trip yet?

Did my first trip today! Took the kids to school and then straight to work. Finished work and then went to pick them up, then home. Parking it up at the side of my house- not so good. DH moved it and re parked it 🤣🤦‍♀️

How about you?

Not going to lie, still hate it 😂

Wow fantastic !! You did it though , hopefully it’ll be easier every time you do it.

first trip out tomorrow. Wish me luck!!! I’m nervous ha!