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NERVES

The moment your hands go sweaty, your heart rate becomes erratic and you get that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach.....NERVES

 

Unfortunately, nervousness is very common especially when you care about an issue.  Don't let nervousness or anxiety stop you from going for what you want.

 

Nerves can undo even the most thorough preparation, so I've scanned the internet and come up with a list of things that might help you on the day of your drive test.

 

The waiting time between your lesson and the drive test itself is the worst bit, once you're actually on your test you'll be so busy concentrating on the road that your nerves will ease off.

 

Also remember that the Testing Officer is human and not the enemy.  They would much rather pass you and give you a licence than tell you you are unsuccessful, but, they do have a criteria that you have to meet.  You have been over this criteria in your driving lessons.  You can do this. 

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How many lessons have you had with me?  Did you know I have conducted over 800+ drive tests as a Licence Testing Officer for Vic Roads, so really, all these lessons we have been on, you have already been driving with a tester in the car, (well an ex-tester). 

 

I will not tell you that you are ready to drive solo unless I truly believe it and you have proved it to me.

1. Tell yourself you’re ready

You wouldn’t be taking your driving test if you weren’t good enough to pass it. A good driving instructor won’t put you forward for your test until you’re at test standard. Knowing you’re just doing something you’ve done before many, many times before can really help.

 

2. Keep it a secret

Don’t tell everyone you’re taking your test. Keeping quiet about it takes some of the pressure off, so only tell the people you want or need to tell.

 

3. Don’t skip meals

Eating might be the last thing on your mind but without food, you haven’t the brain fuel you need for your test. Eating something before your test will help you concentrate. A full English isn’t necessary; a banana will do.

 

4. Pretend it’s a mock

The Testing Officer may be in a hi-viz jacket and holding a clipboard but try to regard this as just another mock test. You’ll still put in your best performance but you’re less likely to panic about it all going wrong. Remember: no one is asking you to do anything you haven’t already done in your lessons.

 

5. Arrive at the test centre in good time and make sure your diary is free

Get to the test centre about 15 minutes beforehand so you’re not hurried or waiting too long. And make sure it’s a day and a period in your life when you have no other stressful things happening.

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6. Don’t do too much on test day

You’ve spent the last few days, weeks and months preparing for your test, so there’s no need to beat yourself up about parallel parking now. By all means, have a drive around beforehand, but don’t convince yourself you need to do the perfect turn in the road just before you get to the test centre.

 

7. Stay off the caffeine

You might think you need all the coffee in the world after being awake all night worrying but drinking too much caffeine before your test can make you feel more agitated and nervous. Instead, drink plenty of water or something naturally calming such as a camomile tea.

 

8. Go to the toilet

We don’t have to elaborate, do we? Suffice to say, you don’t want any distractions during your test.  There is no public toilet at Bundoora office, so let your instructor know early if you think you might need a quick stop before your test.

 

9. Remember, there’s no rush

Your driving test isn’t designed to determine how fast you can reverse around a corner. Take your time when it comes to the manoeuvres, and remember that you can always correct yourself. The examiner will want to make sure that you make the right checks and complete the manoeuvre safely, so take your time.

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10.  Listen to Instructions

When you hear an instruction, process it straight away.  Do I need to change lanes to do that turn?  Do I need to watch for a street?  Will I need to indicate?  Will I need to head check?  If you are unsure of an instruction, ask the Testing Officer, your instructor is not allowed to give you any advice or talk with you during the test, but the Testing Officer is always fine with repeating an instruction.

 

11. Don’t beat yourself up

Make a list of the things you need to take (licence, sunglasses, etc). Do some exercise before the test to release any stress or tension (but not too much). Get there early, then try to distract yourself with something like some music or a movie on your phone (don’t miss your test appointment, though – set an alarm if you need to). Turn your phone off before you get in the car. Smile and be confident towards the examiner.

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12. Refresh your memory

It may be worthwhile having another read through "Road to Solo Driving" - the book you studied to get your learner's permit.  Now that you have driven many hours, when you read through this again, you will identify with many scenarios.  If you no longer have your Road to Solo Driving book, you can read online on the Vic Roads Website at no fee.

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Feedback from students

dealing with test day nerves

 

1. Fully Prepare

Take lots of mock tests and make sure you’re constantly passing them before you even consider applying to take a test. If you’re struggling with any particular aspects of the test, focus on those especially, so you can nail them in good time.

 

2.  What do you need to take

The night before your test make sure you have all the documents you need to show at your test ready.   Your Learner's Permit is most important.  Overseas applicants may require other documentation.

 It can also be helpful to choose what you’re going to wear on your test day the night before too.

 

3.  Don’t tell your friends

The more people you tell about your test, the more pressure you’ll feel to pass. So keep your test date quiet and just surprise your friends once you’ve passed!

 

4.  Have a banana for breakfast

Bananas are driving test superfood. They’re full of B vitamins which helps calm your nerves and they contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’ – which will keep your mood upbeat. If you don’t like bananas make sure you eat something so you have enough energy for the day and can concentrate on the task in hand rather than how hungry you are!

 

5.  Avoid caffeine

Don’t drink energy drinks or too much coffee before a test. The caffeine can heighten your nerves.

 

6.  Laugh

Before heading out watch something that really makes you laugh, like your favourite comedian on YouTube. This will put you at ease and boost your mood.

 

7.  Rescue Remedy (available at most supermarkets, chemists and health food stores)

Spray some Bach Rescue Remedy, a natural remedy which helps to calm nerves in stressful situations.

 

8.  Arrive with plenty of time

Get to the test centre with time to spare. Rushing will just increase your nerves and make you unnecessarily flustered.

 

9.  Distract yourself

Sitting in the waiting room before your test is often the time when people feel the most anxious. It’s a good idea to bring a book or magazine to distract you. Remember that this is the worst bit, once you’re actually on your test you’ll be so busy concentrating on the road that your nerves will ease off.

 

10.  Breathe

Breathing exercises can be very useful to help calm you down. Focus as you inhale and exhale. This will have a soothing effect and stop your heart from racing.

 

11.  Talk to the Testing Officer

Remember that the Testing Officer is human and not there to fail you, s/he wants you to pass. When giving details in the office prior to your test, exchange a couple of words with him/her to put yourself at ease. Also don’t be afraid during the test to ask the Testing Officer to repeat an instruction if you didn’t hear it.

 

12.  Talk to yourself during the drive

It's quite fine to talk to yourself during your drive test.  You might like to do a running commentary that will keep you focused and show that you are observing things and doing important tasks ie. Mirror Checks.

 

13.  Open the window just a little bit

To let some fresh air in the car, this can help keep you alert.

 

14.  Slow down

When people are nervous they have the tendency to speed, so imagine you’re on a normal lesson, breathe and focus.

 

 

Remember, these are just suggestions and different techniques work for different people. Your driving instructor wouldn’t let you take your practical test unless you were ready so you already have a vote of confidence from an expert who thinks you’re capable!

 

 

Have confidence in yourself and good luck!

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