Driving lessons in the Bristol area:
Driving test nerves
Everybody ‘suffers’ from test nerves to some degree - it’s just that
some show it more than others, test nerves are probably the single most
common reason why candidates fail the driving test.
For many people, there is nothing wrong with the ability to drive, but
nerves will cause an uncharacteristic error on the day of the test, up
to a point being nervous is a good thing, so if you can be a little bit
nervous and channel those nerves into concentration, then you will
actually have an advantage, but the problem comes when the nerves take
over.
Whether or not the nerves take over depends on your own make up, and
your level of preparation for the test, someone who is just ready for
the test and can keep the nerves under control may pass easily, but
someone who is even better prepared but suffers badly with nerves on the
day will effectively have several hours of preparation removed thus
exposing weaknesses in driving ability which appeared to have been dealt
with long ago.
So over preparation is a good idea; the more prepared you are, the less
likely the nerves will affect you, on a 2nd driving test you may feel
more nervous, but it is likely to be a different kind of nerves to your
last test and you will actually deal with the nerves much better, so
possibly consider a mock test, this should give you a rough idea of what
to expect and get any mistakes out of the way then.
Dealing with Nerves
Accept that being nervous is a normal part of taking a driving test,
there is actually no reason to be nervous the worst that will happen is
that you don’t pass and are asked to take the test again.
But that will still not stop you from becoming nervous about the test.
So don’t try to fight it – just go with it.
Things you can do to reduce or control those nerves, remember that being
nervous is quite normal. there is nothing wrong with you.
Don’t pile unnecessary pressure on yourself. So keep quiet about your
test and don’t tell all your friends. Try not to tell anyone! If you are
well prepared, you will probably pass your test, this may not
necessarily happen on the first attempt, but does that really matter,
you will pass your test, so don't worry about it.
Remember you can take the test as many times as you like (it isn't like
school or university exams where it takes ages for re-sits, you have to
wait 10 working days from the day of the driving test).
Try ‘Kalms’ or ‘Rescue Remedy’ from the chemist, these may help and may
well ‘keep a lid’ on the nerves, bananas are good for helping with
concentration, seek advice from your local health shop.
In some extreme cases, or if the above don’t seem to do the trick, visit
your GP and tell him you have a problem with driving test nerves, he/she
will have heard the same thing many times before!, and will most likely
prescribe some form of medication (possibly beta-blockers) which will
help you more than you would believe
Abbots Leigh, Almondsbury,
Ashley Down, Ashton Gate, Avonmouth, Aztec West, Badminton School,
Bedminster, Bedminster Down, Bishopton, Blaise, Bradley Stoke, Brentry,
Bristol Cathedral School, Bristol Grammar School (BGS), Bristol
University, City of Bristol College, Clevedon, Clifton, Clifton Down,
Clifton Wood, Colston Girls School, Coombe Dingle, Cotham, Cribbs
Causeway,
Driving Lessons Bristol,
Easton in Gordano, Failand, Filton, Frenchay, Hallen, Harry Stoke, Ham
green, Henbury, Henleaze, Horfield, Hotwells, Kingsdown, Lawrence
Weston, Leigh Woods, Little Stoke, Long Ashton, Parkway, Lockleaze,
Montpelier, Patchway, Phobias, Pilning, Pill, Portbury, Portishead,
Queen Elizabeth Hospital School, Red Maids School Redland, Sea Mills,
Severn Beach, Shirehampton, Sneyd Park, Southmead, Southville, St
Andrews, St Pauls, St Ursula's School, Stapleton, Stoke Bishop, Stokes
Croft, Stoke Gifford, University of the west of England (UWE), Westbury
on Trym. BS1 BS2 BS3 BS6 BS7 BS8 BS9 BS10 BS11 BS20 BS21 BS32 BS34.
