How to Deal with Nervousness and Anxiety Before the Subject 2 Driving Test?
2 Answers
When driving normally, if the vehicle is in a high gear but moving at a low speed, the engine will gradually start to shake, leading to insufficient power and making it prone to stalling. In case of an emergency brake, do not just step on the brake pedal; you must also press the clutch pedal. Otherwise, slamming the brake pedal all the way down will cause the vehicle to stall. Novice drivers often get nervous while driving, and when encountering an emergency, they may panic and shift into the wrong gear. At best, this can cause the vehicle to jerk, and at worst, it can lead to stalling. When starting the vehicle, controlling the clutch pedal properly is key to avoiding stalling. Novice drivers often struggle with mastering the clutch, especially in manual transmission vehicles.
I was also extremely nervous when taking the driving test (Subject 2). Later, I summarized a few practical tips. During pre-test practice, pay special attention to the items you're prone to fail—for me, it was stalling on slopes, so I focused on practicing clutch control, stepping on the accelerator to 2000 RPM before slowly lifting the clutch, and only releasing the brake when the wheels started shaking. On the test day, wear your most comfortable flat shoes and bring a mint to keep in your mouth. While waiting in the holding area, avoid listening to others' discussions; put on headphones and loop "Canon"—this trick was taught by my traffic police cousin, who said it activates the brain's relaxation zone. When it's your turn, adjust the mirrors first, deliberately pull the seatbelt a couple of extra times to hear the clicks, as if cheering yourself on. Before starting, take three deep breaths, grip the steering wheel like a stress-relief toy, and chew gum while waiting for voice instructions. Remember, the examiner is actually more afraid of you crashing—they want you to pass!
