15 Ways To Overcome Your Test Nerves

1. Don't rush it Get as much practice as you can and only apply for your test when you feel confident that you are safe. If you're worried about the theory test, ask friends and family to test you to familiarise yourself with the questions and have a go at our sample Theory Test Questions

2. Book the first available driving test of the day. If you take your test early in the morning, you will have less time to worry about it.

3. Don’t tell your friends the test date. If everyone knows you are going for the test, you create the additional stress of trying to live up to your friend's expectations. It's OK to let your Mum and Dad know, we are sure they will give you all the support you need.

4. Don’t listen to ‘horror stories’. There are many stories about failed tests. Some may even be true. Just concentrate on your performance.

5. Get the timing right. Take the test at the right time. Try to book the test so it does not coincide with other stressful events (just before school exams or in the middle of wedding preparations, etc).

6. Go to the right test centre. No good going to a test centre where your friends have all failed. This will only lose you confidence. Go to the centre where they all pass!

7. In your last two lessons. Ask your instructor to concentrate on the manoeuvres you find most difficult.

8. Do a practice run. We use the term ‘Mock Test’. The instructor should be very realistic, and the student must take it reasonably seriously.

9.Practice in your head It's been proven that you can improve your ability to perform coordinated tasks by imagining doing them.

10. Examiners are only human. Your test is one of possibly eight on the examiner's sheet that day. Don’t try to please him/her.

11.You do not need to be perfect. Concentrate on the essentials. If you make a mistake, keep calm and concentrate on your driving. The mistake may not fail.

12. Don’t worry about the silence in the car. It can be daunting sitting beside a stranger, who seems to just grunt: 'turn right, turn left'. Avoid thinking the examiner doesn’t like you. If there is a little chit-chat, be happy, but don’t expect it.

13. You will pass. Both instructor and pupil must be convinced that the result will be a pass. An attitude ‘let's have a go at it’ may produce a pass, but it is exhausting on the nerves.

14. Don’t take pills to calm your nerves. This only slows your reaction and performance.

15. Get a good night's sleep before the test.