Driving test tips?

[georgian1]

I’ve been learning to drive for 7 years now, never taken a test. I had 60 hours with the first instructor but he wouldn’t put me forward for a test, second instructor told me I was test ready, had 16 hours eventually, but covid hit. Third instructor wasn’t a great fit after 8 hours & I moved counties which threw a spanner in the works.

I’ve since had a baby and found my anxiety to have heightened whilst driving, and in general. I had a few hours a couple of months ago with an instructor but wasn't able to work around her hours due to childcare and work. I’ve been practising with DH and booked a test for August back in March.

DH thinks I could do with some paid lessons, I have an assessment with a highly recommended instructor tomorrow. He would like to assess whether I have any chance of passing next month or whether it needs pushing back. Due to travel, I’d need semi intensive lessons the week before the test. I’m a cautious, read nervous, driver but I’d say I have a good understanding.

I have exactly 12 days between returning and my test date. I’m concerned that I’ll let my nerves get the better of me tomorrow and on the test. I have propranolol to take as I suffer with anxiety but I’d welcome any tips

It’s so easy to forget but it’s so important- always check your blind spot! I almost failed my first test for this (failed on my manoeuvre instead!).

Make sure that you understand what the components of the test are. And what constitutes major and minor faults.

Starting today do a quick 'visualisation', imagine how you will feel being able to drive your baby about.

The next day think about how proud you will be of passing, how you will feel?

Then work down getting nearer to the test date.

When you're doing manoeuvres, make it obvious that you're looking in all directions as you're doing each part of the manoeuvre. Experienced drivers tend to do this quickly but on the test it's good to take a little bit more time.