How to Deal with Nervousness While Practicing Driving?
3 Answers
Take several deep breaths before the test, stretch your body, and move your limbs appropriately. Shift your conscious state from the tension caused by the exam to external visual stimuli, appropriately diverting your attention. Comfort and encourage each other with fellow learners in the same car. During the exam, try to avoid the interference of discussions and evaluations among examinees, as well as the attitudes, language, and expressions of the invigilators, maintaining clear thinking. Every candidate should maintain an optimistic mood, establish a firm belief in passing the exam, and regard the burden and pressure of the driver's test as an opportunity to showcase themselves.
I also felt nervous during driving practice, especially in crowded places where my palms would sweat. Actually, this pressure mainly comes from unfamiliarity with the operations, and more practice is the key. I remember at the very beginning, the instructor had me repeatedly practice starting and stopping in an empty lot to get familiar with the clutch's half-engagement point, and later driving on the road became much smoother. Before getting in the car each time, I would take a few deep breaths and tell myself not to be afraid of making mistakes, as the instructor next to me had the brake to ensure safety. Chatting with fellow trainees in the car also helped ease the atmosphere, sharing tips with each other. During breaks, chewing some gum or drinking some water helped divert my attention. Gradually, I realized that the more I drove, the better my hand-foot coordination became, and the nervousness naturally faded away. Looking back now, that period was just a necessary process.
When I first started learning to drive, my legs were shaking from nervousness, but the instructor said it's completely normal. The key is to find your own rhythm—don't rush into practicing complex routes right away. Getting familiar with the steering wheel and pedal positions is most important. I made a habit of arriving early to observe how others drove, mentally rehearsing each step. Stay focused during practice, concentrating on turning angles or gear-shifting timing—this really helps reduce anxiety. Also, never practice on an empty stomach; low blood sugar makes panic more likely. Wearing comfortable shoes matters too—soft-soled ones provide better clutch control. I remember stalling three times during reverse parking once, but the instructor actually praised me for daring to make mistakes, which instantly eased my tension.
