Help me with driving test nerves?

Question

I just failed my first practical driving test. I was driving perfect all morning before and have mastered my manuovers. I had been nervous before but on the morning of my test I had conquered them. Then my test came. I got so nervous that when I lifted my foot off the clutch even slightly the whole car shaked. My heart was racing so hard I felt physically sick. All my manuovers were done with this extreme shaking. I ended up with 3 major faults due to my nerves and the thought of it makes me nervous again. I'm now terrified to do my test again. The experience was so bad and so unexpected. I know most people will say I just have to get over it but it's easier said than done. Are there any tips to calm down?

Answer 1

Relax yes...........but..

Breathing is absolutely crucial tool to learn to calm yourself down with.

I recommend for everyone to do some in-depth research on proper breathing techniques and how to breathe powerfully with your diaphragm.

Breathe in strongly and slowly through your nose as you expand your diaphragm.

Your stomach should rise up and down, not your chest. Now, blow it out strongly and steadily through your mouth using your diaphragm. Repeat this several times

Answer 2

Just stay relaxed. Go in there KNOWING that you are going to pass it. Dont go in there thinking about failing it again, cuz that will only make you fail it again. Talk to your instructor, as if he was just another person you are giving a ride to.  

Back when i took my test, I was nervous at first, but the thought of failing never crossed my mind. I talked to the instructor about fishing, hunting, etc... and it made it a whold bunch easier.

Just get comfortable with the instructor, and not get intimidated.

Hope this helps

Answer 3

Just remember the main criterion the examiner will look for is how safe are you?  

Not how perfectly you do reverse park,or 3 point turns,or "T"intersection U turns.

That doesn't mean you should drive ultra-slow,giving way to everybody.Sometimes you have to accelerate hard to get out of trouble.

Get much more practise driving in traffic,and learn your give way rules.

When you are a confident,smooth driver you will go to the test confident and assured you will get the licence.Don't rush it.

Answer 4

Relax . Take a deep breath . You can do this . You saw that on the road test that you are driving with a complete stranger . Only this 'stranger' can decide if you get a license or not . But all the stranger is doing is making sure that you know how to handle your vehicle and that you know the rules of the road.

Now you have an idea of what to expect . When you practice, go to the DMV and follow a road test in progress . Do it a couple of times so that you are more comfortable with the route . Remember, the examiner is not going to tell you to do anything illegal . The big thing is to know how to shift gears without jerking or stalling . Memorize the position of each gear and be able to change gears without looking at the shifter . Press the clutch all the way to the floorboard and take your time moving the shifter . Having complete control of your vehicle and confidence in your ability are keys to driving (pardon the pun).