How to Not Be Nervous when Taking a Road Test

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Taking the road test to get your driver’s license can be extremely nerve-racking. While it might be easy to develop nervousness over something so important, you’ll be more successful with a calm and confident mindset. But how do you rid yourself of all that anxiety? Prepare with study and practice, calm down with a new frame of mind, and listen and take it easy during your test in order to push those nerves aside.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Preparing for the Road Test

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  1. Familiarize yourself with all of the information in the books that were given to you and notes that you took while taking any required classes. [1] Read through and memorize rules, road sign symbols, and other information that will be necessary to know during your test. [2] This will take a little of the nervousness away because you’ll be mentally prepared to pass the test .
  2. Take advantage of having your learner’s permit and drive with someone as much as you can. Think about what they might ask you to do on the test, such as parallel parking, and practice executing those techniques. Have the person riding in the car with you grade you on your driving skills and learn from their constructive criticism. [3]
    • Practice driving in the car that you will take your test in. You want to be very familiar with this vehicle so that you are comfortable during the actual test. Make sure you know all of the controls and safety features as well. [4]
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  3. If you schedule your test early in the day instead of in the afternoon or evening, you’ll have less time to obsess about it and overthink everything. Otherwise, your anxiety might build up throughout the day and throw you off. Scheduling your road test earlier in the day may make the test easier because of lower traffic.
  4. Well beforehand, make sure you have all of the documents together that you’ll need on the day of your road test. This might include your permit, your insurance, and a form of identification. Having these things all in one place and ready to go prevents you from becoming flustered moments before your test while you’re digging through your bag to find a required document.
  5. It’s especially important that you’re eating right the day before and the morning of your test. Don’t skip any meals and stay away from excessive amounts of sugar, because sugar might make you jittery or lethargic. [5]
    • Consider bringing a banana to the DMV for a quick, healthy, energetic snack that’ll help you focus during your test. [6]
  6. You might want to load up on coffee before your test, especially if you had trouble sleeping the night before. Unreasonable amounts of caffeine will only make you more agitated and on edge. Instead, stay hydrated with water and calm yourself with a camomile tea. [7]
  7. Especially if you’re already on the verge of being nervous, running late will probably extinguish any chance you have at a calm and confident mindset. Leave your home with plenty of time to get to the DMV, and once you’re there and waiting, read a book, watch TV, or check social media on your phone to distract your mind. [8]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Staying Positive

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  1. When the road test is quickly approaching, it might be a good idea to confide in one or two people that you trust. They might give you advice, help you stick to a studying schedule, and boost your confidence by reminding you of your abilities.
    • Resist confiding in too many people. This might increase the pressure to do well because you’ll feel obligated to tell so many people the outcome. [9]
  2. Try inhaling deeply for five seconds and then exhaling slowly. You may be able to relax your body by squeezing your hand into a fist, relaxing your hand, and then imagining your whole body relaxed. These types of exercises can quickly dial back your nerves.
  3. Repeat positive statements to yourself over and over, and you might start to believe them. Affirmations will help you to recognize that you have the power to pass the road test.
    • Consider saying one or more of these positive statements to yourself: “I am relaxed,” “I am prepared,” and “I have the skills that I need to pass my test.” [10]
  4. Your road test may seem extremely important, but it’s really just a small piece of your life. Take a moment to recognize some of the major issues in the world, such as poverty, and tell yourself not to sweat the small stuff. After all, you will be able to retake the test if it doesn’t go the way you want it to. [11]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Taking the Road Test

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  1. Whether or not the examiner is friendly and polite, you should be. Make sure that you greet them kindly and ask any questions you have about instructions after they’re given.
  2. Remind yourself that your test instructor is a human just like everyone else. It doesn’t make them happy to see people fail, and they only want to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If you see them as helpful rather than as someone to be intimidated by, it'll help ease your nerves. [12]
    • If you feel comfortable, ask the examiner if they have any last-minute tips before the exam begins. They want to see you succeed and could provide some helpful information. [13]
  3. Think before you act. Don’t let your nervousness encourage fast decision-making. Acting too quickly may increase your chances of skipping something important. Also, driving above the speed limit is a big no-no during a road test. Slow and steady wins the race. [14]
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      Tips

      • Be completely aware of everything, especially potential pedestrians who have the right of way.
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      • Use common sense. If a truck jumps out in front of you and you have to swerve out of your lane without signaling, it isn't a demonstration of bad driving, but defensive driving. Normally, unless you speed, tailgate, don't use turn signals, or recklessly change lanes without reason you will pass.
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      • Concentrate on the positives instead of thinking 'what if I fail'.
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      Warnings

      • Don't play the radio because it may distract you and make it seem like you aren’t taking the test seriously.
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      References

      1. ↑ Simon Miyerov. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 4 December 2020.
      2. ↑ http://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/practice-makes-perfect-how-to-pass-your-driving-test-the-first-time/
      3. ↑ http://driving-tests.org/beginner-drivers/practice-makes-perfect-how-to-pass-your-driving-test-the-first-time/
      4. ↑ Simon Miyerov. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 4 December 2020.
      5. ↑ Simon Miyerov. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 4 December 2020.
      6. ↑ https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/top-10-ways-to-avoid-stress-on-your-driving-test/
      7. ↑ https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/top-10-ways-to-avoid-stress-on-your-driving-test/
      8. ↑ https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/resources/making-your-driving-test-a-relaxing-experience/
      9. ↑ http://www.uncommonhelp.me/articles/how-to-pass-your-driving-test/
      1. ↑ https://www.drivingtests.co.nz/resources/making-your-driving-test-a-relaxing-experience/
      2. ↑ http://www.uncommonhelp.me/articles/how-to-pass-your-driving-test/
      3. ↑ https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/top-10-ways-to-avoid-stress-on-your-driving-test/
      4. ↑ Simon Miyerov. Driving Instructor. Expert Interview. 4 December 2020.
      5. ↑ https://www.driving.co.uk/car-clinic/top-10-ways-to-avoid-stress-on-your-driving-test/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Taking the road test to get your driver’s license can feel nerve-wracking, but you can take some easy steps to stay calm. Schedule your test early in the day, which will give you less time to stress about it on the day. Arrive at the test venue well in advance so you don’t have to worry about missing your start time. If you start feeling nervous during the test, take a few deep breaths, since steady, deep breathing can help you calm down. You should also repeat positive statements to yourself, such as “I can do this” or “I can drive safely,” since a positive attitude can help boost your confidence. As you drive, always think before you act, because nervousness can often rush you into making bad decisions. For example, driving over the speed limit can cause you to fail your test. For tips on how to prepare prior to your road test, keep reading!

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