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Driving test nerves are a problem for many people who are learning to drive. They might be quite confident drivers before taking their test, sailing through whatever problems their trainer presents them with. Come the day when they need to put their skills into practice, and some drivers morph into a person who really cannot drive.
Recently, a man in the North East, who was confident of passing his test and who had spent more than a £1,000 learning to drive, failed as he and the examiner exited the centre. He took the wrong turn and got an instant fail; however, he retook the test soon after and passed.
Nerves
Most people will have experience of feeling nervous at some time or another, whether that is from starting a new job, entering a room full of strangers, or taking a test of some kind. Before that moment the person might be feeling quite confident, but when it actually comes to facing the situation, their nerve fails them.
Whether you take a wrong turn on a test, shake when you walk into a crowded room, or let your teeth rot because you are afraid of the dentist, it’s caused through nerves. The problem is, if you don’t want your nervousness to ruin your life and/or expectations, you need to find ways of dealing with it.
Envisioning
One of the ways that a growing number of people calm their nerves is to imagine the situation that frightens them, and see themselves dealing well with the problem they think they are going to meet. Closing your eyes and picturing success can help you to gain control over your nerves in the real world.
It is better if you can find somewhere quiet, and either sit down or lie down while you are envisioning your success in the test or the social situation. Many books on self-development and confidence recommend working on mental pictures of yourself succeeding in a social situation, or at a practical test. When envisioning is used alongside positive statements or affirmations, it can be even more effective.
Affirmations
Many people use what are referred to as affirmations to help them get control of their nerves, whether it’s due to meeting someone new or passing a driving test. Affirmations are positive statements that you write in a notebook or on a postcard, and repeat them to yourself a number of times.
Most people who use affirmations find that being consistent with reading and speaking your positive statement can help to dispel nervousness in the given situation. Some books and self-development professionals say that you should repeat your positive statements while standing in front of a mirror, either in the morning or before you retire for the night.
Feel the Fear
There is a useful book called “Feel the Fear and Do it Anyway”, which has helped thousands of people deal with difficult or challenging life situations. The idea is that you admit to your nerves and your fear, and then use other techniques such as those above, to help you cope with the situation, even though you feel afraid. If you are taking your test, it’s a good idea to practice these things while you are still learning to drive – that way, the test won’t appear quite so challenging.
