How to Calm Driving Test Nerves

Feeling nervous before your driving test is completely normal. A bit of adrenaline can even sharpen your focus. The aim isn't to remove nerves, but to stop them affecting your driving.

In the days before

• Take a mock test. Knowing you can do it under test conditions is the best confidence boost.
• Don't cram. Keep lessons normal rather than trying to learn something new.
• Prepare documents. Have your provisional licence ready the night before.
• Sleep well and avoid too much caffeine on the day.

On the day

• Have a warm-up lesson beforehand. Most learners do.
• Use slow, deep breathing while you wait: in for 4, hold for 4, out for 6.
• Remember the examiner wants you to drive as you normally would. They're not trying to trick you.

During the test

If you make a mistake, don't assume you've failed. Many learners pass with minor faults they were sure had failed them. Put it behind you and focus on the next junction.

If you didn't hear or understand an instruction, ask the examiner to repeat it. That is perfectly fine.

Think of it as a drive

You've driven these kinds of roads many times. The test is just one more drive, with someone else in the passenger seat.

If you're a nervous learner in general, we'll go at your pace. Get in touch to chat about lessons.