How to calm nerves before your driving test

Keeping calm before and during a driving test leads to better outcomes all around. Here’s how to hold your nerve and succeed on the big day:

Get a good night’s sleep

If you’re wondering how to calm nerves before a driving test, it all starts the night before! We know that you might be up tossing and turning, so going to bed earlier will ensure that you get all the sleep you possibly can. Turn your phone off, practice some relaxation techniques, and get as much rest as possible.

Don’t drive on an empty stomach

Chances are, you will feel a little queasy before your driving test. It’s a common anxiety symptom for many – but don’t be tempted to skip breakfast! You’ll need to give your brain the fuel it needs to make the right decisions during your test, and keep your reaction times sharp. So eat up, even if it’s something small.

Don’t be late

One of the best tips to calm your nerves before a driving test is to give yourself plenty of time. Your driving instructor will pick you up 1 hour before the start of your test, and you will arrive at the test centre in time to get yourself settled. This will give you enough time to do any pre-test preparations without feeling rushed.

Don’t put pressure on yourself

You can always try again! One of the best ways to stay calm during a driving test is to remember that you aren’t limited in how many times you need to take it. Of course, everyone wants to pass first time – and a number of our learner drivers do – but many need a few attempts! Try not to put yourself under any pressure, and rest assured that you can take the test as many times as you need.

Talk to your instructor

Rely on your driving instructor too. They are an invaluable source of advice on how to not be nervous for a driving test and will be able to help you in many ways. They can stage a mock test for you, talk you through the test marking sheet, and share their own tips on how to approach your test on the big day.