How to Deal with Nervousness During Driving Tests?
3 Answers
Here are some solutions to nervousness before taking the driving test: 1. Identify and fill gaps, summarize practice sessions: Before the test, focus on practicing weak areas and target specific issues. Have the instructor correct common mistakes you encounter, learn with these problems in mind, and reinforce them the day before the test for optimal results. 2. Don’t overfocus on the test outcome: The test is meant to assess your ability to drive—having skills isn’t enough; you also need adaptability and stress tolerance. Identifying shortcomings through the test benefits future driving. 3. Adjust your mindset: Treat every practice session seriously, regard training as the test, and the test as training. In the exam, be confident in yourself and your training. Remind yourself of your hard work and good performance in practice—effort pays off, so just perform normally without overthinking. 4. Positive self-talk: While waiting, chat with fellow candidates but avoid discussing the test, as it heightens tension. Give yourself positive affirmations like 'I can do this.' 5. Ensure adequate sleep before the test: Full energy boosts confidence. Rest early the night before, avoid phone use before bed, and get enough sleep to stay focused during the test.
When I was taking my driving test, I was super nervous too, but later found that simulating the actual test really helped. Next to our test center was a practice area, and for two weeks before the exam, I went every day to practice the route for Subject 3, making clutch control and parallel parking second nature. Remember to bring a water bottle—sipping water while waiting can help steady your heartbeat. Getting seven hours of sleep the night before is more important than anything else, and doing some deep breathing before entering the test center can help too. Actually, the examiners understand that candidates are nervous; smiling and greeting them with a "Hello" before getting in the car can help you relax.
As a novice who just got my license last year, I believe the key to overcoming driving test nervousness is building familiarity. Before the test, I adjusted the instructor's car seat to my most comfortable position and wore my old sneakers from practice sessions. Many people in the waiting hall distracted themselves with phones, but I chose to close my eyes and review key test points. When the examiner called my number, my heart would suddenly race - that's when I squeezed a stress ball to relieve tension. Avoid eating too much at noon as it affects reaction speed, and bring some mints to stay alert. When getting in the car, I silently recited the startup mantra: '1-turn signal, 2-gear, 3-handbrake'. Following this rhythm throughout the test made me forget about being nervous.
