Calming Nerves Whilst Taking A Driving Test?

Ive just taken my driving test for the 6th time and failed, im a good driver but whenever a examiner comes into the car i just fall apart. this time i decided it mite be a good idea to have my instructor in with me and this was the worse test ive ever done and my nerves really got the better of me. i was doing a hill start and my leg was shacking uncontrolably and nothing i could do could calm me down. Next time i want to pass could you give me some tips on how to prepare myself for the next text. p.s i live in the uk xx
Additional Details
Ive never been good in examinations though, i can speak in front of thousands of people and it wouldnt bother me lol and i drive fine with my instructor just when the examiner gets in the car i kinda just fall apart !!!! i need to drive as im sick of waiting for busses xxx

thud.fan

Try to ignore the examiner's presence. Think of he or she as just a voice - kind of like a GPS. The examiner should just be giving you directions without comment - e.g. turn left at the next light. As soon as a direction is given, make any lane changes necessary to make the turn. Finally, if you have not traveled the complete road test course, go to the test center and follow a road test in progress. See where it goes and what maneuvers are completed. That way, there should be no surprises. It is hard to pass a test if one can't study for it. Be prepared and you'll knock this thing out.

All the best.

Lorna :)

Hello, U are having exactly the same prob as i had a year ago when i took my driving test, it took me five tests to pass as my nerves would get the better of me everytime. In the end to comabat my nerves i took a herbal tablet called 'calms' which u can buy in any pharmacy or supermarket in uk. start taking them 1 week prior to the exam, you will start feeling more calm and the nervousness will vanish!! It worked for me and lots of my friends.

Good Luck

MasoN

lol i feel your pain. i failed over and over just because i was so nervous. my advice. TALK to them. just like your ridding with a friend. TRUST ME it will work. just imagine your driving your friend around. OH and when they tell you to make a turn make sure you turn your signal on right when they say it. ;) good points. but just talk to them. ask them how they like their job. ask them if they are ready for christmas. you can do it!
Good Luck

potatoboy27

Try chatting up the examiner or yourself while you are driving. It'll keep you a bit distracted.

For the hill start. Take a deep breath and count to ten. It seems like you have had plenty of practice. Now you just need to train yourself to isolate your mind.

Here's a radical solution, get a backseat driver to critize your driving. You'll learn to zone out in no time. lolz

shizzle

i went through the same exact thing.

sounds like you're having panic attacks from "performance anxiety" - if you also have this at other times, such as when doing speeches, or even if you're with a bunch of people you don't know well, you could possibly have social anxiety disorder...i do.

regardless of the reason, believe it or not, they've recently found that *stimulants* - such as those given to people with ADD or ADHD, work WONDERS for panic attacks due to performance anxiety and social anxiety disorder.

i take 10mg Adderall XR - once daily...and the VERY FIRST TIME i took it, within 40 minutes, i was completely panic-free....i went from not being able to make a speech at work, to being able to do that and sing in front of crowds of 500 - with NO problem.

i'd suggest you go see your doctor and let them know about your panic attacks....that's what i did. :)

good luck - you can do it!

EDIT: btw, despite what you may hear about stimulants being addictive, if you don't abuse them, they're not addictive at all...i still take the same low dose i started out with 3yrs ago...and, unlike tranquilizers, they also make you more ALERT - which is a good thing - especially when taking a driving test!

UCANTCME

Tonight visualize you taking your exam with confidence and see the words "Pass" on the paper.

Tonight and especially tomorrow, calm your anxiety and fear by taking three deep breaths in and out.

This will help you not hold your breath. The only other thing is stay focused on the driving and pretend the examiner is your friend.

You'll feel more relaxed!!

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