Dealing With Driving Test Nerves

Everyone is nervous when taking the driving test. However, if someone becomes too nervous, it can harm his test. Here is an article by Anthony Farby about this sad issue.

Learning to Drive - Dealing With Driving Test Nerves

Everybody is at least a little bit nervous on the day of their driving test. Take with a pinch of salt any stories you may hear from people who say they were completely relaxed during their test and made no mistakes at all. People tend to have a selective memory when it comes to recalling their driving tests! Actually, very few people drive faultlessly during the driving test. In any case, remember that the examiner is not looking for or expecting perfection. He is looking for safe, controlled, confident, courteous driving-but not perfection.

Being a little nervous is normal and natural and can be helpful. After all, it is during times of stress that the body releases adrenaline, which makes the brain more alert and efficient. The important thing is not to let the nerves take over, to the point where your legs turn to jelly and you cannot perform at your best.

Easier said than done though, isn't it? So what can you do to keep calm for your driving test? Well, you have to be sensible about this. Don't even think about drinking alcohol to relax you before the test! That would be stupid and dangerous! The same applies to any sort of drugs or funny cigarettes!

It is possible to ask a pharmacist for something mild to calm your nerves. You could also ask your doctor for advice if you suffer from more severe stress problems.

There are various herbal remedies available, which do work for some people. Other people have claimed to have been helped by hypnosis techniques.

For the majority of people these methods will not be necessary, but if you really feel that you need extra help to control your nerves, then by all means consider them.

I find that putting pupils through mock driving tests as the big day approaches helps to prepare them for the real test and reduces nerves. Even though a mock test is not "real", it still gets you used to the pressure of being tested, and means that it won't be something new and unfamiliar on the day of the actual test.

Don't increase the pressure on yourself by thinking you have to pass at all costs. Try to tell as few people as possible exactly when your driving test is. Don't think about what friends or relatives will say if you fail.

Try to think positively, and give it your best shot-but if you don't pass it really isn't the end of the world(it just seems that way!). Sometimes the line between pass and fail is very thin.You will succeed, just don't give up!

Think about how far you have progressed to get from total beginner to this stage and remember you just have that one more hurdle to get over. You will get there!

Anthony Farby has been a professional driving instructor for over 20 years and lives and works in Limassol,on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. For more information and tips about learning to drive please visit his website http://www.anthonysdrivingschool.com/

Source: EzineArticles.com.

Thank you, Anthony!

Nadav

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