Are you nervous about your road test?
Your big day is nearing. You have spent the last couple of months practicing. You feel you have perfected all of the necessary driving tactics to become the safe, informed driver needed to take your license to the next level. The thought of messing up the practices you have studied for so long is causing you nagging anxiety. Will this feeling spoil your big day? Do not worry. It is normal for a vast majority of people to feel some sort of fear or anxiety before trying to impress someone you do not know, ultimately leaving your near driving future in their hands.
So, how do you conquer this nagging anxiety before the day and on the day of your test? Here are a few small, but powerful methods.
Take a mock test.
In Master Drivers’ most recent blog, we went over what to expect on the day of your big test (click here). Having these answers will give you the time and ability to practice with a parent, sibling, or friend weeks before your test, building your confidence, and putting true trust into your skills.
Do not drink caffeine 2 hours before your test.
Everyone knows coffee, tea, energy drinks, and sugary drinks contain caffeine. But what can caffeine really do to your body? According to goodrx.com, “too much caffeine can result in the “jitters.” So, what impact does that have on anxiety? Can coffee cause anxiety? The short answer is: no, coffee doesn’t cause anxiety. But, caffeine, in general, may worsen symptoms in people already prone to anxiety.” In other words, if you are already experiencing anxiety, it may be best to save your energy drink or coffee run until after your test.
Make sure you are on time.
Being late, or rushing to be on-time can cause or increase unneeded anxiety. Make sure you give yourself some time on the day of your test to review what you have learned and relax while doing so to keep your nerves at bay.
Do not tell everyone in your circle.
We know. It is your big day and you are excited and want to tell everyone. But, that extra pressure to perform and live up to all of your practice and impress everyone can be a make or break come test time.
Remember, the examiner is your friend.
The examiner is not there to fail you, but to make sure you have what it takes to take your license to the next level. While it can be nerve-racking to try and impress a stranger, just remember they will feel the energy coming from your body. They will sense your fear and anxiety. Stay calm and breathe. You got this!