Your driving test is going to be a fairly high pressure situation where you are expected to almost perfectly apply what you have learnt during the course of a short window of time. It is only natural for many to be a little bit nervous in the run-up to the big day.
The following tips are all intended to help you to mentally prepare yourself for the test, so that you are ready for anything that will be thrown at you when you get behind the wheel.
Run The Test Routes
Driving along routes that you are not familiar with will only lead to you becoming more stressed as the test goes on. A good driving instructor should ensure that you drive around the test route often enough to get a feel for the lay of the land. Furthermore, you will also be able to identify areas of the route where you might experience problems, allowing you to practice a little more.
Sleep
If you don’t get plenty of sleep before the day of the test, you may find that you are more prone to making mistakes that could cost you. Make sure to go to bed early, ensuring that you give yourself plenty of time to get a good night’s rest. Also try to wake up nice and early, so that you can spend the time before your test getting rid of any grogginess and ensuring that you are fully prepared.
A Good Breakfast
Eating a hearty breakfast will set you up for the day, ensuring that your mental faculties are running at full capacity while also allowing you to avoid pangs of hunger when you are taking your test. This is particularly important for people who are taking their test in the morning, though it is a good thing for everybody to do.
Speak To Your Tester
While the person testing you will be completely unbiased at all times, it may help to talk with them a little bit before you start the test. This can help you feel more comfortable around them, relieving the tension that could wind up causing you to make mistakes.
Relax
Once the test is booked, you are likely going to place a lot of your focus on making sure your knowledge is up to scratch. This is always important, but it is also crucial that you give yourself ample time to rest as well. By constantly focusing on the test, you will only find that you overload your brain with all of the information that you are trying to absorb, in addition to simply stressing yourself out more.
Time Off Work
Nothing is worse for your mental preparation than knowing that you have to go back to work right after the test. It may be even worse for people who have been to work before the test, as they may wind up carrying the stresses of the day into the test. As such, it is a good idea to book the day off so that you can focus solely on driving, rather than being distracted by work.