Driving test in 2 weeks

[Littlebluedot]

So i have my test in 2 weeks and the anxiety is all consuming at the moment, its literally all i can think about day and night, my driving journey has been a long one so its important for me to pass.

Does anyone have any tips to not be as bothered?

Also do we think the examiners are more lenient these days with the backlog?

No, there’s no leniency I’m afraid! You still have to be a safe driver and not make any major mistakes to pass.

Keep practicing, including the known test routes in your area.

Good luck!

I don’t think they are lenient so try to prepare and practice before the test as much as possible.

Try to book some extra lessons with your instructor in the next two weeks to work through any minor issues and a lesson right before your test would be a good idea. Remember your instructor would have thought you were ready if you have booked your test.

Practice some relaxation exercises and remember to do them when you start to feel nervous. Good luck!

”Remember your instructor would have thought you were ready if you have booked your test.”

This isn’t necessarily true unfortunately, there is such a backlog in tests they have to be booked months in advance - where I live it’s a 5-6 month waiting list, so there’s no way of knowing how ready the learner will be.

Im assuming weekly lessons. So 2 lessons to sort out any anything that you aren't quite as confident in or just simply driving a couple of the test routes to get even more familiar. I did all my lessons in the town i took my test, so knew the roads really well there. Just remember hardly anyone passes first time. So it's no big deal if you don't. I passed 2nd time(a few months ago). I suffer from nerves and my journey was also a long one.

@lovemyboyz247 my son had had 2 lessons when his test was booked. It’s not until late December but if we waiting until
he was ready for his test book, he’d be waiting 6 months!

You have to play along and plan ahead at the moment with tests being so hard to get booked.

Just remember that you only have to drive for half an hour without making a major mistake. That’s all it takes. The examiner needs to be able to judge that you are a confident driver. Good luck

Two things, you could see your GP now to get some mild one off anti anxiety meds. You have time to trial how you feel on one before the day.

Secondly, watch YouTube as there are lots of driving instructors who have videos of mock tests taken in their cars (DGN, Clearview, Conquer Driving, Driving School TV to name a few) watch those, especially the fails with serious faults, usually used as a headline so those are the ones you want. See where it goes wrong for them, can you spot it and do you know how to do it right?

Road markings, road signs are really important. Spot those on these YouTube tests too. Verbally call out the speed so you are looking for it. A big thing to remember if you come off a roundabout or turn into a road there could be a pedestrian crossing almost immediately. Be prepared for that.

Also watch Ruby Dash Cam or any other dash cam videos which are compilations of submitted dash cam footage. These are qualified drivers who fuck up. Most fails on a driving test are junctions, then use of mirrors. Most fuck ups on these videos are bad emerge (junctions) roundabout lane discipline (mirrors) stagger your car so you are not immediately next to another car and bad overtakes mainly on country roads.

Think positive, tell yourself you can do this. It is just another driving lesson. Every time you can remember nice, calm breathing techniques.