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Test Nerves 

Despite the fact you know that you can drive somehow you feel it’s impossible to feel confident about taking the actual test, and of course the more nervous you are the more likely you are to actually making mistakes. Part of the fear about the driving test comes from knowing that you have to concentrate, it may be that your unconscious mind has become conditioned to respond that way through repeated imagining of the things that can go wrong.Try to do every-thing you can to get the highest standard possible by extra lessons/practice and spend time reading the road as a passenger. Where ever possible repeatedly imagine a positive situation and by doing so your subconscious mind will see this as normal and achievable situations rather than unachievable situations. 

Top tip for your Practical/Theory tests 

1. Don’t rush it. Practice as much as you can and only apply for the test if you feel confident and safe as a driver. Ask family or friends to test you on theory questions.

2. Book an early test – This way you will have less time to think about the test.

3. Don’t tell your friends your test date – You just raise expectations and caused more stress for yourself.

4. Don’t listen to horror stories – Just concentrate on your own performance not others. 

5. Get the timing right – Book your test so it does not coincide with other stress full events such as exams.

6. During Lessons - Ask if you can concentrate on areas you still feel less confident with

.7. Mock tests - Ask for a Mock test as this will give you a taster of what it will be like on the real test.

8. Practice in your head – It’s been proven that you can improve your ability to perform coordinated tasks by imagining doing them. Try it, this really works.

9. Examiners – Don’t try to please them. Drive to the best of your ability and don’t listen to the horror stories from your friends who have sat their test.

10. Perfection – Concentrate on the essentials. If you make a mistake keep calm and concentrate on the rest of your drive. The mistake may not mean failure. Nobody can give a perfect drive.

11. Don’t worry about the silence in the car – Its daunting sitting beside a stranger with silence but they don’t want to put you off and they do want you to pass.

Get a good night’s sleep

On the day think positively, eat breakfast, dress comfortably and arrive in plenty of time. Remember nerves is normal. Listen carefully to the examiners instructions. Give the examiner a smooth drive. If you come across a new situation hold back and assess the situation before deciding to proceed.   

Most common reason for fails

Observation at junctions – ineffective observations and judgment

Reverse parking – ineffective observations or lack of accuracy

Use of mirrors – not checking or not acting on the information before moving away

Ineffective observations or control when moving off

Use of signal – Not given, not cancelled or misleading

Incorrect positioning – at roundabouts, lanes and bends

Inappropriate speed – travelling too slowly

Good luck and put everything you have learned into practice!

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