Driving test tomorrow

[Loomis]

It's my fifth test tomorrow. I took the first three back in 2019 and just gave up once I failed the third but decided now I really do need to restart. Every test I've done I've got 1-2 minors and then 1 serious, always for something completely random and stupid that I've never ever done on a lesson. The last one was for forgetting to turn off my indicators. Never ever done that before. I've tried beta blockers, bananas, box breathing, pretending I'm a taxi driver, commentary driving, having my instructor in the car, chewing gum, therapy and hypnosis, rescue remedy and kalms. You name it I have tried it. I have taken mock tests with unfamiliar instructors to get me used to having strangers in the car, I do private practice all the time. I have passed every single mock test I've ever done and yet in the real test I just fall completely to pieces. It's like a very extreme form of performance anxiety.

I am already driving an automatic, doesn't make a difference to the nerves.

I am on the verge of cancelling tomorrow's test rather than put myself through this fucking humiliating ritual again. I'm crying my eyes out right now. Please be kind.

Give it shot ,what’s the worst that could happen? I know that anxiety I went through much the same (never tried being a taxi driver mind) …you’ve paid for it and I have feeling tomorrow will be your day , you’ll be back here tomorrow saying I fucked up and nobody will think any less of you, except you. Or you’ll be too busy driving around giving a little toot toot to everyone you see ( probably best not, I think that illegal . Go for it

It just feels so pathetic that I'm a 36 year old woman with a professional job and two degrees and yet I can't seem to do this thing that 17 year olds routinely do every single day.

I think you should forget the 2019 attempts - they were ages ago! Pre pandemic - a whole world away!

Just think of this as your second attempt. It sounds like you are a good driver and just struggle with nerves. No reason for it not to go well. Appreciate it's easier said than done but try and take your mind off it tonight. Cuddle up on the sofa with something nice on tv and some chocolate. Or if you can't relax get out for a walk or the gym etc.

Whatever happens tomorrow happens. There are plenty of people that pass after a large number of attempts. The best part is once they've passed they never have to worry about it again and can put it behind them.

Just go for it. You are a good driver and have got this 👍🏼👍🏼

I know two people who passed on their 5th attempt. Definitely don’t cancel! Good luck for tomorrow, I look forward to your post telling us you passed.

I passed on the fourth attempt. I can’t really give much advice as it felt like luck. I had the same examiner who failed me on my second test but I actually really liked her and felt good with her in the car. On my second test she had another person in the car observing which stressed me and is why I failed. My anxiety was driven by shitty instructors. One genuinely didn’t address anything after failed tests and was just inappropriate and the other one constantly shouted at me. So when I had male examiners I was uneasy. I am sure if I had a male examiner that last time I would have failed. Is there something specific like that which may contribute to your anxiety?

Awwww, really good luck for tomorrow. It sounds like you’re ready and you’ll get there. But, yeah, the nerves are awful. I was in a complete state for my tests.

I also know 2 people who passed on their 5th attempt.

Dont cancel . Go do your best to think of it as just another lesson. My best friend passed on her 8th attempt and is a great driver. Good luck .

Good luck op. You can do this x

Good luck op! It took me 6 attempts, like you I was terrified each time and the nerves really got to me.

On my final attempt I told nobody, only me and my instructor knew about it and I felt strangely calm when I got in the car, it was a very ‘fuck it’ feeling because I could pretend it hadn’t happened if it went wrong and I think that helped.

Deep breaths and remember you wouldn’t be there if you weren’t ready 🤞

Please don’t cancel.
You can do it!

I passed years ago. I think I’d be too nervous now, I hate driving people I don’t know well. I think 17 year olds generally have the confidence of youth.
Good luck. 🤞🏼

I really hate having male examiners if I'm honest, especially when they get shitty with you. The last one really put me off because he got annoyed with me when I got confused following the sat nav and took a wrong turn.

I've also not told anyone this time except DH but I'm really worried I won't be able to hold it together in front of my kids if I fail. Last time I failed I was distraught as was such a stupid thing to fail for.

I passed on my 7th go...I know what you mean about the humiliating feeling. All my friends and family passing and I felt awful that I couldn't be happy for them. I was embarrassed for a long time about this, but now im proud as I think it says something about the tenacity of my character 💪 . Good luck OP, believe in yourself

Please don't give up! I passed on my 6th attempt and was the same as you! Getting 1 or 2 minors then one big weird mess up for no reason. My instructor couldn't understand it. I tried loads of things. My last thing I tried was one of those of those hypnosis books and audio. No idea if that helped or not.
Please don't give up. You will get there eventually.

With all the issues with driving test back logs, I think they are very keen to pass people. My DD is the age where everyone is taking tests…..I don’t know anyone who has failed.

Very different times to 2019….

My fourth fail was only last month.

I also failed 3 times in a row then left it a decade. Failed another 3 times in a row and left it another decade.
Passed on my 7th attempt at age 40.
I was so nervous I didnt sleep even for 5 minutes the night before, so I was absolutely convinced I was going to fail, but thought fuck it. Ive paid for the test so may as well turn up and fail... but I passed!

Very similar to you in that I was unbelievably nervous and every fail was 1 minor and 1 major and the major was always something stupid .
You can do this!

Nothing helpful to add just wishing you luck. I think it’s like a pp said 17 year olds have the confidence and don’t overthink things. They’ve probably got less riding on it, whereas you know how useful it will be.

Have a banana beforehand!

Take 2 paracetamol to keep your temp down
And a Mars..
Bet you pass op.

I've been there. In the end I passed taking the test in my own banger rather than the instructors car. It didn't have power steering and the examiner laughed her head off at my 7 point turn in the road. (Having a female examiner rather than a red faced old man probably did make a difference)

The feeling of freedom being able to drive myself anywhere I wanted to go rather than get a lift was worth it

Don't worry OP, I had to do mine four times. The second time I very nearly crashed the car at a junction, it was genuinely horrific ie passers by stopped to look what was happening! This was 20 years ago and I've been driving fine ever since, never had a single point or prang.

Get in the car and treat it as another lesson, you'll do your best driving if you assume you've already failed.

Best of luck x

Took me 5 attempts op.

I just drove like I thought I would fail so the nerves kind of disappeared as the examiner who called my name was known for being an asshole so thought I was done for anyway.

passed with 2 minors