If you are looking to do your practical driving test soon then you will have no doubt heard about the man in Leicester who has failed to pass his theory test 92 times (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leicestershire-16742529).
And you may have thought ‘Oh Lordy, that could be me with the car!’ Well relax; if you’re getting ready for the practical test you have already passed the theory so you’re already better than him. Of course, that doesn’t mean your nerves aren’t justified – it can be daunting to be in charge of two tonnes of metal travelling at thirty or more miles per hour while a severe looking man sits next to you making discrete ticks on a clipboard and occasionally barks ‘turn left, next right’, and so on.
The pressure can be even greater if all your friends have passed and your dad’s already rung his insurer to get you added to the policy. Fear of failure is a strong impulse in human beings, but relax, if everyone you know has already passed their test how hard can it be? You probably know a couple of people who you are amazed they can tie their own shoelaces let alone drive a car, so if they can do it you sure as hell can! You just need to deal with the nerves. Here are a few hints to help you deal with that most stressful of hours.
Timing helps
Image by Earls37a
When booking your test try and get a slot as early in the morning as possible as it gives you less time in the day to work yourself up. Also, try not to book the test at a stressful time such as in the middle of exams or just before moving house.
Keep it quiet
Image by katietegtmeyer
If you don’t tell anyone about the test you won’t get lots of good luck messages and other reminders that everyone knows what you’re up to. Tell your parents by all means, because they’re sure to support you no matter what, but keep the news from everyone else until you’re able to burn your L-plates.
Practise, practise, practise
Image by RhysAsplundh
It’s a cliché, but practise makes perfect is also true. That’s why most of your driving lessons involve you doing the same manoeuvres again and again. If you find certain parts of driving tricky (and who doesn’t?) then in the last couple of lessons before your test ask your instructor to go through them again and again. If possible, get your instructor to do a mock test with you so you know what to expect.
Get comfortable
Image by Harmonica Pete
Wear comfortable clothes for the test and avoid high heels or any other fancy shoes – it’s a driving test, not a fashion one. You should also take the time to get the car adjusted for you – mirrors, seat, steering wheel if it moves, even the temperature.
Here’s one little hint about the mirrors – don’t set the rear view mirror perfectly, have it slightly off so you have to move your head, not just your eyes, to see clearly in it. The slight movement shows the instructor what you are doing and could contribute to your being considerate of other road users score.
Talk to yourself, not the examiner
The car can be a pretty quiet place during a driving test, and that can be off-putting to some, but try not to be, it’s not personal. The driving examiner doesn’t know you and he’s got a job to do which involves him not only watching you but also being aware of the traffic and road conditions. Small talk will be distracting to both of you.
However, the occasional little muttering to yourself could be beneficial when engaging in manoeuvres because it lets the examiner know what’s going through your head.
Having said that, if you don’t understand one of the examiners instructions do not be afraid to ask for clarification – you’re doing a driving test not 'The Knowledge'!
Say no to drugs
RambergMediaImages
Some people like to calm their nerves with a quick nip of alcohol. No, no, no, no! Do not be tempted by this no matter what anyone suggests (and I have seen it suggested, along with chewing gum to disguise the smell). Nor should you take any form of pharmaceutical substance, legal or otherwise, because anything that could compromise your brain function could lead to an instant fail if the examiner finds out.
By following these simple tips you could be throwing away your L-plates in no time and jumping behind the wheel on your own. Then you’ll really start to learn to drive!
This article was written by Rob Powell from Confused.com, the car insurance price comparison website: http://www.confused.com
And you may have thought ‘Oh Lordy, that could be me with the car!’ Well relax; if you’re getting ready for the practical test you have already passed the theory so you’re already better than him. Of course, that doesn’t mean your nerves aren’t justified – it can be daunting to be in charge of two tonnes of metal travelling at thirty or more miles per hour while a severe looking man sits next to you making discrete ticks on a clipboard and occasionally barks ‘turn left, next right’, and so on.
The pressure can be even greater if all your friends have passed and your dad’s already rung his insurer to get you added to the policy. Fear of failure is a strong impulse in human beings, but relax, if everyone you know has already passed their test how hard can it be? You probably know a couple of people who you are amazed they can tie their own shoelaces let alone drive a car, so if they can do it you sure as hell can! You just need to deal with the nerves. Here are a few hints to help you deal with that most stressful of hours.
Timing helps
Image by Earls37a
When booking your test try and get a slot as early in the morning as possible as it gives you less time in the day to work yourself up. Also, try not to book the test at a stressful time such as in the middle of exams or just before moving house.
Keep it quiet
Image by katietegtmeyer
If you don’t tell anyone about the test you won’t get lots of good luck messages and other reminders that everyone knows what you’re up to. Tell your parents by all means, because they’re sure to support you no matter what, but keep the news from everyone else until you’re able to burn your L-plates.
Practise, practise, practise
Image by RhysAsplundh
It’s a cliché, but practise makes perfect is also true. That’s why most of your driving lessons involve you doing the same manoeuvres again and again. If you find certain parts of driving tricky (and who doesn’t?) then in the last couple of lessons before your test ask your instructor to go through them again and again. If possible, get your instructor to do a mock test with you so you know what to expect.
Get comfortable
Image by Harmonica Pete
Wear comfortable clothes for the test and avoid high heels or any other fancy shoes – it’s a driving test, not a fashion one. You should also take the time to get the car adjusted for you – mirrors, seat, steering wheel if it moves, even the temperature.
Here’s one little hint about the mirrors – don’t set the rear view mirror perfectly, have it slightly off so you have to move your head, not just your eyes, to see clearly in it. The slight movement shows the instructor what you are doing and could contribute to your being considerate of other road users score.
Talk to yourself, not the examiner
The car can be a pretty quiet place during a driving test, and that can be off-putting to some, but try not to be, it’s not personal. The driving examiner doesn’t know you and he’s got a job to do which involves him not only watching you but also being aware of the traffic and road conditions. Small talk will be distracting to both of you.
However, the occasional little muttering to yourself could be beneficial when engaging in manoeuvres because it lets the examiner know what’s going through your head.
Having said that, if you don’t understand one of the examiners instructions do not be afraid to ask for clarification – you’re doing a driving test not 'The Knowledge'!
Say no to drugs
RambergMediaImages
Some people like to calm their nerves with a quick nip of alcohol. No, no, no, no! Do not be tempted by this no matter what anyone suggests (and I have seen it suggested, along with chewing gum to disguise the smell). Nor should you take any form of pharmaceutical substance, legal or otherwise, because anything that could compromise your brain function could lead to an instant fail if the examiner finds out.
By following these simple tips you could be throwing away your L-plates in no time and jumping behind the wheel on your own. Then you’ll really start to learn to drive!
This article was written by Rob Powell from Confused.com, the car insurance price comparison website: http://www.confused.com