Got your driving test coming up? It is perfectly natural to be anxious in the run-up to your test, but you should find that there are a few ways to lower your stress levels and improve your chances of passing. The pass rate is 47% in the UK, so it is important to do what you can to improve your odds.
Familiarise yourself with the area
Aim to develop a working knowledge of the various routes included within the test site area. Where possible, try to drive the roads within the area, whether with a family/friend or during your lessons, observing and familiarising yourself with any road signs, blind spots, and more difficult routes to build your confidence.
Practice
Practice makes perfect when it comes to driving, so you should spend as much time behind the wheel as possible in the run-up to the test. Practising with a family member/friend will be a great way to do this and sharpen your skills. Be sure to remember that you will need to be covered with learner driver insurance when driving in any car other than your instructors’ to protect you financially in the event of an accident.
Practice in Different Conditions
Following this, you should also make sure that you are practising in different conditions so that you are prepared for everything (both during your test and beyond). Recommended conditions include various weather types, such as wind, rain, and frost, as well as different times of the day where visibility from daylight may be different.
Do Practice Tests
You can also do a few practice tests before having your test as a way to prepare yourself and get an idea of what to expect. You could do these either with your instructor or with a family member/friend in the passenger seat.
On the Day
Make Sure You Have Everything
Be sure that you have everything that you need in advance of heading off for the test. This will include things like your provisional license, documentation, water, snacks and glasses (if needed). It may be helpful to prepare these the night before to limit the amount of stress on the day.
Use Your Instructor’s Car
Some candidates find it helpful to take the test in the car that they had their lessons in. You could even ask your instructor to sit in the back during the test for reassurance – some drivers have discovered that this can help to lower anxiety and increase their confidence.
Have a Lesson Beforehand
Many people also find it helpful to have a lesson beforehand to loosen up, get into the right headspace and get some last-minute advice from their instructor.
Hopefully, the advice in this post will help you to lower your anxiety and improve your chances of finding success on your driving test. A driving test will always be stressful, but with the correct approach and preparation, you can improve your chances of obtaining that pass certificate.
