We all know that in order to pass your driving test, you must have sufficient knowledge. You should have spent an adequate amount of time learning both the theory and practical lessons of driving.
Did you know that up to 63% of the driving population in the UK that failed their first driving test believe it was more to do with nerves than knowledge?
You can know everything you need to know about driving and your nerves can still get the better of you. So, how do you make sure you’re prepared for test day?
Clothing
You may like to dress to impress, no matter where you’re going or who you’ll be with. But, when it comes to your driving test day, you should be as comfortable as possible.
Wear clothes that are easy to move around in and won’t cause any restrictions. Don’t wear footwear that could stop you from reacting quickly, or glasses that cause an unintentional blind spot.
Eat Something
It’s easier said than done when you’re nervous, but it’s important to eat and drink before taking your test. Taking a driving test requires a high level of concentration and brain function.
Just like a car, you can’t function properly without fuel. Even if you just eat a banana and take a bottle of water with you, it’s better than nothing.
Paperwork
You wouldn’t believe how many people haven’t been able to get out on the road on their own because of paperwork issues. Remember you need to take both the card and paper parts of your licence with you.
Your instructor should check this before you set off. However, if you do pass your test first time, you’ll also have to send the paperwork off to the DVLA within 14 days to get your new licence. Failure to do so can result in you having to take the test again.
Don’t Drive Too Much
If your driving test is scheduled for 1pm, don’t spend 7am-12pm driving. An hour’s warm up before the test is ample.
Try to practice the things you aren’t so confident about. If you spend a lot of time driving the day of your test, you could tire yourself out, stress yourself out and cause unnecessary anxiety.
If you put yourself under that much pressure, it’s inevitable you’ll make mistakes. Do whatever you can to stay relaxed.
Don’t Tell Many People
If you tell the whole world that you’re taking your driving test, all you’ll be thinking about is telling the whole you failed. The less pressure you put on yourself, the better.
Keep it to no more than five family and friends. You’ll be able to surprise everyone else as soon as you pass.
Mock Driving Test
One of the main reasons that people get nervous is because of the fear of the unknown. 89% of people who fail their first test, pass on their second go. That’s often because they know what to expect the second time around.
So, doing a mock driving test with your driving instructor will be highly beneficial. You’ll know what the examiner is likely to ask you to do and how much guidance you’ll get.
Remember, examiners don’t mind you making mistakes, along as you can confidently show how to correct them.
Your Driving Examiner
For a young person taking a driving test for the first time, a driving examiner can be one of the scariest people to face. It’s important to remember that your driving examiner is just a regular person, and most often than not, he/she will be very friendly.
It can help to have a bit of a chat with your examiner before you set off to break the ice. Once you realise that your examiner isn’t the monster you once envisioned, you may start to relax a little more.
Safe and Confident
Your examiner isn’t looking for perfection. Even drivers with years’ worth of experience aren’t perfect all of the time. You’re still a learner and your examiner will give you some leeway.
So, all you need to do is demonstrate what you’ve learned. Keep yourself, other drivers and pedestrians safe. Show what you’ve learned with confidence, and if you can’t correct mistakes manually, verbally demonstrate that you know where you went wrong.
For many people, taking a driving test can be one of the most frightening tests they ever take. But, there’s no need to be that scared. And, if you happen to fail the first time, it won’t be the end of the world.
