Driving Test Stress

Good luck! I know it's easier said than done but try and relax and not think about your commute etc, don't put that pressure on yourself. Fingers crossed for you!

Ooh lots of luck Sakura. It took me a couple of attempts very stressful. I remember doing ridiculous things on my tests that i'd never do in lessons.

My instructor told me bananas are good for calming nerves! Have one tomorrow and lots of vibes!

Lots of luck sakura!

Thanks everyone. Sadly I failed again.

This time I stalled in the middle of the road as I slowed down for an oncoming car and narrow gap and didn't change down to 1st gear. I never make mistakes like that normally. It is so annoying the nerves really get to me and make me do stupid mistakes.

Not sure what I'm going to do now. I will have to pay to be on insurance again as I can't fit in another test before it runs out (I drive my partners car, I have already attempted 2 tests with an instructor and gave up on him as he seemed quite unhelpful after the second). I could squeeze in an early morning one in December if my Dad can get the day off work or just wait till January. Long time to be stuck getting the train though and expensive train tickets.

So miserable about this.

Ah, sorry to hear that Sakura. I know how crappy it feels to build yourself up and then fail on something stupid (i blindly drove through a temporary red light on my 2nd test - thankfully it was a deserted street!) those failures definitely made me a better driver though - i worry now how i'd have coped if i had passed the first time!

Are you with a driving instructor or just practising with your OH? My confidence improved hugely when i switched instructor. I just didn't feel relaxed with the first instructor.

Would your nerves be calmed if your OH, or your instructor sat in the back of the car during your test? It was offered to me, but i think it would have made me feel worse, ha!!

Don't give up though! You can do this!!

Yes I have done the last 2 tests in our car. It is my partners car but he doesn't use it for work. He can't supervise me driving though because he only passed 2 years ago and learnersmust be supervised by someone who has passed 3 years or more. Now I've been doing it in our car I much prefer it! We have a little C1 and I'm very little myself so a good match and I'm happy driving it. I originally did a 30hr course with an instructor and failed 2 tests with him, then he pretty much encouraged me to use our car and not use him anymore. Back then he was even saying theres not really anything else to learn. My Dad has kindly been driving over to supervise me driving at the weekends and he too feels there's nothing for me to learn and that I don't even drive like a learner, but obviously we're keeping up the practice so I don't lose any familiarity, its just I make stupid mistakes on tests.

Rebooked for 30th December. Such a long gap T_T

I was in a similar situation to you in that I kept failing for no apparent reason other than on the day nerves. After my third fail I gave up for a year as I had just started my first year as a teacher and I couldn't cope with the stress of that and learning to drive. When I eventually picked it back up again the following summer I just did intensive lessons with a new instructor who advised me to take the test in an 'easier' centre which was a small town rather than a large city.

Once again I didn't pass my test after the 4 weeks intnesive course, so I resigned myself to having to re-take the test in october half term which was 10 weeks later and still pay for the lessons in between. When I got home I looked for cancellations online but I never seemed to drop on lucky, so eventually I paid £15 for this website http://www.drivingtestcancellations.co.uk/ to constantly scan the cancellations and text me when there was one in the time frame I put in. Within 5 days I had a test rebooked for the end of the summer holidays and I passed. Maybe that is something you could consider?

Thanks for the advice. Nice to know I'm not the only one struggling! I used to fall apart as much with job interviews but I've got better over time so I think it's just a massive nervous overreaction holding me back. Clearly pressure to perform just gets to me too much!

I looked up places in UK with highest pass rates (theoretically easier test?) and I think if I fail the next time then in January I'll head to one in Wales that has a 70% pass rate (compared to my local 40-45%, I've done 2 different test centres). I feel like in some ways I've worked so hard I wanna earn my pass in a tougher area! But ultimately passing at all is getting quite desperate. I've mentioned it to my Dad as he has to come with me and I think he's in agreement. One more try (but a long gap till end of December) locally and then give Wales a go.

As much as the commute sucks the longer gap might mean I can have some weekends where I do something other than driving practice which would be great as I'm feeling a bit depressed that my life is working and driving practice at the moment.

There's much higher pass rates in Scotland but that would be way too far! At least Birmingham to Wales isn't terrible...

Edited to add: I have been trying to book tests as soon as possible previous tests. As much as the gap this time sucks it might be better for me to have a gap so some weekends I can do other things. Also my poor Dad can't have endless days off work, he retires end of December so he'll find time to help more easily then onwards.

Have you tried rescue remedy? I used to get super nervous for the driving exam, but when i used this, I was so calm. It worked a treat, and I passed easily. Perhaps worth a try if it's nerves getting in the way of you passing. Good luck!

I used this on my 8th and final test and whilst I am not convinced that is why I passed as I was still horrendously nervous it has to be worth a shot.

I was terrible on my tests, fell to pieces over the simplest of things purely because of the nerves and pressure. I never want to repeat the experience but I am glad I persevered so don't give up. You will get there and it doesn't matter how many times it takes.

I used this on my 8th and final test and whilst I am not convinced that is why I passed as I was still horrendously nervous it has to be worth a shot.

I was terrible on my tests, fell to pieces over the simplest of things purely because of the nerves and pressure. I never want to repeat the experience but I am glad I persevered so don't give up. You will get there and it doesn't matter how many times it takes.

I used this on my 8th and final test and whilst I am not convinced that is why I passed as I was still horrendously nervous it has to be worth a shot.

I was terrible on my tests, fell to pieces over the simplest of things purely because of the nerves and pressure. I never want to repeat the experience but I am glad I persevered so don't give up. You will get there and it doesn't matter how many times it takes.

I feel for you, l found learning to drive really tough as well. You will do it, as someone else suggested signing up for the service where the text you when there is a free slot. I do remember that re-taking my tests close together helped

I would sign up for it except I'm relying on my Dad to help and he can't guarantee he can have a day off work last minute (and I can't have days off whenever either). My first test was end of August so they have been reasonably close together... I know my Dad is totally busy weekend of 22nd 23rd November too so wouldn't want test to be after a weekend we can't practice. Thanks for the tip though maybe I'll try it if this carries on past December...

My advice is don't tell anyone you have a driving test booked.

I was soooo nervous first time and felt under so much pressure to not disappoint my friends/family I felt like I had a huge weight on my shoulders (although I think that was just in my head).

I didn't tell anyone before I had my second test and I was in a much better frame of mind. I had a 2 hour lesson before the test to practice parking etc then had my test and passed.