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
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1. Fully Prepare
- Do you feel confident when driving to make all decisions on your own?
- Have you done driving lesson/s with an instructor; do they think you are ready?
- Have you completed your 120 hours if required?
- Have you completed your Hazard Test in the past 12 months?
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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 physical 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!
DEALING WITH OTHER ROAD USERS
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As a driver you share the road with many others such as, other drivers of cars, vans, trucks, buses and trams, pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists and perhaps even horses.
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The best way to keep life happy on the road is if you drive cooperatively.
This means:
• using your indicators to allow plenty of warning when you are turning or changing lanes
• allowing plenty of space between your car and the one in front of you
• controlling your speed in a smooth manner rather than a fast stop/start manner
• staying in the left lane except when you are passing
• keeping intersections clear
• letting others merge into the traffic
• changing lanes correctly
• slowing down when approaching and passing through roadworks
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There are times when the need for cooperative driving is essential.
This includes places where:
• two lanes merge
• the left lane ends
• extra lanes exist just before and after intersections
• overtaking lanes or divided roads end
• cars are parked and there is not enough room for two vehicles to pass
• drivers need to exit from a small side street
• drivers are parking.
Driving a car in today’s traffic can be frustrating and stressful at times. If you lose your temper, it affects your judgement and reduces your ability to drive safely.
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You can keep your cool by:
• planning your trip, allowing plenty of time to get to your destination and knowing how to get there
• if you’re running late, calling ahead before you get behind the wheel
• where possible, avoiding driving if angry, tired or emotionally stressed.
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We don't know what is happening in these other Road Users lives, there are so many scenarios that could make a driver seem aggressive or pushy, whatever their situation, it's best to assume it's a one off and let them squeeze in at the last minute, or accept that they have made a mistake and be thankful that you were paying attention - one day it might be you in a hurry to pick up the kids, or having just had an argument with your partner, running low on fuel and panicking, running late for that important appointment, exhausted after being up with the baby all night... its not an excuse but just an example of reasons people may do things they might not normally do. If you get angry at every little thing, your life on the road is not going to be pleasant, and it could cause you to make mistakes, and even effect your health in the long run.
Sometimes you might make a mistake – it might be as simple as not indicating early enough or moving into what another driver considers to be their personal space. This might upset another driver and lead to them losing their cool. They might tailgate, flash their headlights, use the horn or make obscene gestures.
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You can help others keep their cool on the road. Here’s what you can do.
• If you make a mistake while driving, acknowledge it, give them an apologetic wave
• Always drive cooperatively, even when others are not.
• Give other drivers plenty of space so they don’t feel like you are invading their personal space.
• Concentrate on driving and pay attention to changes in driving conditions (speed, roadworks etc.).
​• If another driver makes a mistake or becomes aggressive, try not to react – remember it is a mistake, not a personal attack.
• Only flash your headlights or use the horn to warn other drivers about a situation that could be dangerous.
• Don’t make offensive hand gestures.
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If you come into contact with an aggressive driver, don’t take it personally.
• Drive normally and try not to react.
• Avoid eye contact.
• Give the other driver plenty of space: if the other driver is in front, increase the gap between you, and if the other car is tailgating you, maintain a steady speed or provide an opportunity to let them pass.
• If hassled or confronted, keep your doors and windows locked and do not get out of your car.
• If you are very concerned, drive to the nearest police station
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Encourage family and friends to enjoy their driving time also by keeping their Cool on the Road.