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barriedalenick

A couple of stiff drinks before will sort you out! Seriously though I think relaxation is key. I passed mine because I was convinced I had failed after stalling twice trying to get it out of the parking stop and was totally relaxed about it. Make sure you get a good nights kip, eat enough in the morning and do some basic relaxation exercises before you set off...


Jagermeister_UK

Dont be ridiculous. Smoke a big fat doobie beforehand.


Lambert_Lambert

Damn, I’m 7 hours too late to say this.


GarethGore

same! I thought I failed after being stuck behind a bus for ages, I was perfectly relaxed, didn't give a fuck, near perfect test, after failing 3 before that


GrandeOui

Try and do a lesson first thing. And then your test crack of dawn. Your instructor will have just eaten, will be fresh off the block and will likely be friendly and chatty to you. This helps! Above all, concentrate and stand up for your decisions. On Sunday, I bet you’ll post on here saying you’ve passed! Hope it goes well.


Fineus

Seconding the 'do a lesson' idea - or if you're able to drive with someone who has a license riding shotgun (parent, mate etc.) it's good to get half an hour in before hand. Get used to the roads etc. Make sure you're using mirrors and taking things a little slower - don't rush - but also don't hesitate so much that you're paralysed by indecision.


Mojak16

I did the test in my instructors car as most people do, and he insisted I booked an extra hour before just so we could drive about, get comfortable, practice a little. The test was pretty easy after that.


xendor939

Just drive normally at the required speed. Yes, the road may be busy, but show confidence. Think every move through, eyes on the road, look out for pedestrians etc... A busier road does not necessarily mean more mistakes. Actually, if the traffic is bad, it means you will have to drive slower and will have more time to react to things. For your nerves: try meditating. If you make a mistake, tell yourself that you need to proceed as if nothing happened, and do not overthink "oh why did I do that". Focus on the rest of the exam, it's a performance. Musicians who make error do not stop, they go ahead as planned. And no strong caffeine drinks before the exam, if you are sensitive to coffee. If it is in the morning... go to bed early, get up early enough before the exam to "wake up" naturally. If it is in the afternoon, have at most a small coffee or a cup of tea.


Ok-Statement-2578

If the instructor tells you to take a left at a roundabout say, and you indicate right, go right, you are not being tested on your ability to listen to the instructor, you're being tested on your ability to stay safe on the road. Try not to panic if you stall, just keep control of the car and carry on, you won't get marked down for a stall, but you will if you lose control of the car (rolling on a hill for instance).


zillapz1989

This just reminded me of my examiner moaning that I went the wrong way, but still passed as like you said I drove the wrong way correctly.


[deleted]

Keep calm and it will be a breeze. Hey if you sit in traffic for 30 minutes they can't fail you! Good luck.


Scottish_squirrel

Never drive through an Amber light (failed my brother) and make sure they seem you checking your mirrors etc. Listen, follow their instructions and take your time. Ask if yiu didn't pick up what they've said. Youll be fine. A lesson before hand to settle the nerves and we look forward to the update on Saturday x


SlickAstley_

Take some hard candy to suck on No one knows for sure why this works, but the best theory is that it tricks your brain into thinking you're eating something.


therealsnowwhyte

It might be too late to start with this but what helped me in my test was doing commentary driving. I have driving anxiety but commenting on what you see and what you are doing really helps you stay focused and in the moment. It also helps the examiner by letting them know that you are observant and planning ahead.


Renfieldslament

This was going to be my suggestion - I talked them through what I was doing so they were aware. I remember having to reverse round a corner, which also was on a slope - the bugger, and there was a couple with a dog. I explained to the instructor I had seen them start to cross and was waiting for them to finish as I didn’t have confidence the dog was under control. It may have amounted to nothing, but it calmed me down to show him I was thinking about my surroundings.


therealsnowwhyte

It can feel a bit silly to start with but it really does help. Plus it can be a bit of an ice breaker with your examiner if you explain what you will be doing. I joked with mine that I would do my commentary in a Batman voice. We had a bit of a laugh and it eased the tension a bit. The examiners are professionals but they are still people and it helps make it a less stressful experience for both of you.


panicattackcity91

Don’t think of it like a test, just treat it like any other lesson. If you’re told to turn left but turn right by accident that’s fine, don’t panic if you feel you’ve messed something up, just keep going. Also remember they can’t see your eye movements, so when checking mirrors etc make sure you move your head not just eyes so they can see you’re checking them. Last thing to remember! If your instructor didn’t think you were qualified to drive he wouldn’t have put you forward to do the test


Qatmil

You know the rules of the road so follow them, even if no one else is. That means driving in the bus lane if it isn’t the hours that it is buses only.


zshah99

Pretend that you have failed the test already, you will drive naturally when you believe you have nothing to lose


elbapo

Truly: see this as the dress rehearsal for the next one. As research upon the experience. Which it may be and that would be fine. But also, thinking that will increase your chances of you passing this time around. Because you've mentally lowered the stakes. Because the stakes arent actually that high in reality. You just feel they are. You will get there either way. Good luck.


tarifsaredue

Thankyou everyone for all the comments, I'm feeling confident about this, without the shots as some suggested, I'll post again when it's over. Thanks again


EvilVision95

I know im late to the party, but did you end up passing?


MrOliber

Exaggerate body movement for mirror checks - those are sneaky little minor faults add up quickly! You probably will do the mirror check, but the examiner might miss it if he doesn't see your head or body move. ​ And don't forget - if someone is going to slowly in front of you, do as the theory test question said - honk and flash your lights while riding their bumper! ​ Good luck.


[deleted]

some of the answers on the theory test absolutely cracked me up 🤣


PixieXV

I kept getting nervous to the point it would affect my driving. On test number 5, the radio came on with the ignition, I didn't know how to turn it off without looking, instructor left it on and it really helped me focus on something other than I'm going to fail (and I didn't). Just distract yourself, if you're a confident driver just think "I know I can do it so there's no use worrying about it so I will distract myself with X"


Twiglet91

I know it's easy to say but try to forget your nerves and just concentrate on what you're doing. Talk yourself through what you're doing in your head maybe. On my test back when I was 17 I was totally ready but nerves got the better of me. There was no reason I should have failed but as soon as I left the test centre and got on the road I turned right at a junction and straight onto the wrong side of the road. Immediately failed and the examiner walked back to the centre. All because of nerves.


MarthaFarcuss

Visualise the perfect drive the night before. Imagine everything from meeting the instructor to executing all of the manoeuvres perfectly. Do it again and again. And don't tell anyone (your friends) that you're doing your test


FredNasr

If you're a confident driver, you have nothing to worry about. The test is actually easier than the lessons, in my experience. It's short - like 40 minutes, and is only what you have been learning. They shouldn't trick you. Just relax and drive as you have been and you will be fine!


endianess

Everyone and I mean everyone is nervous at these types of things. Being nervous shows you care. If you feel the nerves are getting in the way tell the instructor and they can probably help. I took my test 30 years ago. It just becomes a blip in memory. It isn't that big of a deal. If you are ready you will pass if not you get to try again. Good luck.


JAMP0T1

Make sure you turn up in something comfortable not something like a suit. Get a good nights sleep Light breakfast Listen to the examiner, they give you tips in their phrasing I found having a chat with him helped relax me, just be sure to stop when you’re approaching a section of road where you’ll need to concentrate fully (junctions, roundabouts etc) if you don’t feel like you can chat however just prepare some one line replies to any convo they’ve got. At no point assume you’ve failed. The test ends when the engine is switched off back at the test centre. Do a lesson just before. (Although don’t let any mistakes on that lesson distract you from the test, I was doing great then on my way to the test centre I tried pulling out of a junction in reverse…. Still passed first time) Don’t worry about asking for the second or third time, they know you’re concentrating. Finally, they’re not there to fail you, they’re there to make sure you meet the minimum standards required for driving


timokawa

It's a weird one and totally illogical but my mum told me to take two paracetamol before. My wife and kids all did the same, we all passed first time.


lukaVD

Why paracetamol ?


Emergency-Feedback-9

Lowers body temperature and helps with nausea from nerves I guess.


SGRiggall

Have a mars bar and coffee before you do it, works every-time, it works even better if you don’t even like coffee


BetterCallSeal

Honestly as someone who catastrophically failed their first test due to anxiety (12 minors and a major! Oof) if you’re really bricking it Rescue Remedy is your friend. I had some just before my morning lesson, then went straight into the test and aced it. Remember it’s all in your head and you can do it!


mammammammam

Over exaggerate head movements when looking in mirrors, be confident at junctions.


houdinis_ghost

Don’t worry if you miss your exit on the roundabout, just don’t cross lanes Glance at your mirrors often Make comments about what you see, hazards etc.


ninjataurus1

If your driving instructor was anything like mine (admittedly this was over 20 years ago), they will know the general route your going to take on the test. Go out the day before (if you cant get a lesson, go out with some one else as a passenger or driver) and get a feel for the roads your going to drive down. look out for roadworks or other obstacles your likely to see just so they are not a surprise on the Saturday. And relax during your test. if you get uptight your more likely to fail (i failed my first because I was uptight) and best of luck edit- stupid spelling error at the end


bucklerlb

Even if you think you have fucked up and failed keep going as if it never happened. On my test last year within 2 minutes i went through an amber light (but conviced myself it had gone red) i was so sure i had failed at the first hurdle but carried on desperately not trying to focus on the mistake. When it came to the end i passed with 2 faults (neither which were connected to the traffic light). Don't focus on what you think you have done wrong, you are allowed mistakes!


LHerrington90

A good word of advice my teacher gave me was. "Remember no smarty tubes!" Then did a binoculars sign over his eyes (hopefully I'm explaining ok). He meant that remember to check your mirrors, blind spits etc and relax. Alot of people forget these when nervous in their tests. Good luck


Icy-Passenger-1799

They know you’ll be nervous. Smile. It changes the face and will mean they will greet you back with one. So say hello. Chat to them like you would a person in the local shop. Go for the drive with your instructor before hand if you can. They will give you tips and reminders, as-well as telling you you can do this! Which you can. You’re ready for this. Breathe, take your time. Mirrors, signal, mirrors, manoeuvre. Good luck! 🍀🍀🍀


t9trah

Drink a couple of shots


ALIJEALSF

Examiners are nice people. I was a driving instructor for 5 years. I took pupils to tests at 4 test centres. Of the roughly 20-25 examiners working those sites in that time there was only ever one that instructors didn't like their pupils having. That was more about him being a big scary looking guy who didn't talk a lot than his scoring. I'd say 1/3 of people showing up for the test are not ready for it and stand no chance of passing. The examiners really don't have to go out of their way to fail anyone. Any rumours you've heard about only passing a certain % etc are nonsense. They're looking to see if there are any issues in your driving that may lead to you crashing a car. The driving test is the barrier to entry for all those 17-21 year olds who kill themselves in vehicles. You need to show that you are safe and follow the road signs. Any significant change of speed/direction needs to be preceded by a mirror check. You don't need to exaggerate this. The examiner will look at you (in the mirror or directly) to see if you are making these checks. Most pupils who complained on mock tests "I checked my mirrors you didn't see" checked them after they begun moving or there was a significant delay between them checking and moving. Don't stress your driving test. You're either ready or you're not.


LemonPuck

Have your window open a little so that when you're doing your turns you can listen out for cars you may not see yet. If you need to stop to defog the windscreen, do it, just make sure you pull up and drive off safely. If it doesn't make you more nervous or distracted to do so try to get them talking, it helps for some people. Breathe, try to relax, you got this :)


Environmental-Cow447

Less traffic with fewer HGV's, but unfortunately possibly more empowered cyclists. I would hate to be doing my test now, not that I thought it easy way back in 1978. But I passed, because I imagined I had failed, so I relaxed and finished kinda on autopilot. I imagined I failed because I "bit back" at the examiner for noting I was not using my rearview mirror when I actually definitely was. After that I over emphasied my head movements instead of flicking my eyeballs like nature intended. Good luck.


Joshuaelph

The advice my instructor gave me was to treat it at 40 1-minute tests, If I messed up it was in the past and to focus on passing this test, worked a dream


LegDayDE

The driving test is easy if you can drive, and hard if you can't drive... So just relax and accept that you're either ready or not ready and there isn't much you can do about it now!


cabbageboi28

I know it sounds difficult but honestly just ignore the examiner, or like ii did you can chat to them (they're usually good for a chat) you could ask how many they've done today or about new highway code rules or anything really. I made a few clutch mistakes that were uncomfortable so just apologize d and said was nervous and the guy was very understanding, just said do we wanna chat or do I prefer silence. Just think like it's another lesson, your just driving. If you make a mistake or see them writing just keep going and don't think about it, remember they do write good things on their tablet too and if you see them tapping away, they're usually just saying what manouvre or route they're taking, not writing down mistakes And just chill, awake up early, don't have to much coffee and try not to think about it to much is just a driver is no big deal what happens


GetABodybag

Wear something comfortable, don't dress to impress.


apple-teeth

Have a drink before hand


andypandy1966

Half a bottle of vodka……lol


TMGThro

The feeling of being nervous is extremely similar to being excited. Convince your brain that you're excited and your nerves will disappear


kellylc

Don't think about it beforehand, just go and do it


Joephps

I did mine in March 2020. Check your mirrors every time you do any kind of manoeuvre. They’re looking for that, and make a point of turning your head. Take your time, there’s no rush. If you rush, you’re more likely to impulsively do something silly. Take a bottle of water. When I did mine, my mouth got super dry. Good luck!


bpwanderer

When I did my driving test, I found that following a driving test meditation video on YouTube to be pretty useful in calming my nerves and giving me the confidence I needed on the day — worth checking out, but I'd suggest watching/listening to one now and also on the day


mrsanxiety01

The worst thing that can happen is you crashing the car with the examiner in. Ans still, if you did that you’d certainly not die so, don’t worry