Driving Test Nerves - how to stay calm on your driving test.

Summary

This video script offers practical advice on staying calm during a driving test. It emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared, not overthinking mistakes, and focusing on the present. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and insights from an instructor's perspective, suggesting strategies like having jokes ready to lighten the mood, understanding the examiner's role, and not letting external pressures affect performance. The goal is to approach the test with confidence, patience, and a mindset geared towards driving well rather than merely avoiding failure.

Takeaways

• 😌 Nerves can significantly impact performance during tasks, including driving tests.
• 🕗 The hour before the test is for warm-up and mental preparation, not for learning new skills.
• 🔑 If you make a mistake during the warm-up, view it as an opportunity to correct it before the test.
• 👩‍🏫 Driving examiners conduct multiple tests daily and likely won't remember your previous attempts.
• 📱 Examiners using a tablet to record does not necessarily mean you've made a mistake.
• 🚫 Avoid situations that create undue pressure, such as needing a license urgently for a job.
• 🎯 Focus on the present during the test to avoid being distracted by past or future concerns.
• 🛑 Remember, you can still pass with up to 15 minor faults; don't dwell on mistakes.
• 🚗 Approach the test with confidence, not fear; trust your abilities and make decisive actions.
• 🍌 Prepare by staying hydrated and energized, possibly with foods like bananas.
• 🕘 Arrive early at the test center to avoid additional stress from rushing or traffic.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video script is to provide tips and advice on how to stay calm and perform well during a driving test.

Why is the hour before the driving test not considered a lesson?

The hour before the driving test is not considered a lesson because it is meant to be a warm-up period for the candidate to get used to the car and have a chat with the instructor, rather than learning new skills.

What should a candidate do if they make a mistake during the warm-up before the test?

If a candidate makes a mistake during the warm-up, they should view it as an opportunity to correct it before the test, rather than worrying about the looming test.

Why might driving examiners seem robotic or unemotional during a test?

Driving examiners might seem robotic or unemotional because they conduct around seven tests per day, which can lead to a certain level of routine and formality in their interactions.

What is the significance of the examiner using a tablet computer during the test?

The significance of the examiner using a tablet computer is that they are recording the test report form. A candidate should not assume they are doing something wrong just because the examiner is touching the screen.

Why is it advised not to put oneself in a position where they can't afford to fail the driving test?

It is advised not to put oneself in a position where they can't afford to fail because the extra pressure can make it harder to pass the test and may lead to more mistakes.

What is the maximum number of minor driving faults allowed to still pass the driving test?

You can get up to 15 minor driving faults on the driving test and still pass.

What is the advice against trying not to fail during the driving test?

The advice is to focus on driving well rather than trying not to fail, as the latter can lead to being overly cautious, hesitant, and making more mistakes.

Why is it recommended to arrive early at the test center?

Arriving early at the test center allows the candidate to review questions, chat with the instructor, and get in a good frame of mind without the added stress of rushing or being late.

What is the importance of knowing the immediate area around the test center?

Knowing the immediate area around the test center can help reduce nervousness and make the start of the test easier, as the candidate will be familiar with the roads and not be caught off guard by unexpected junctions or road conditions.

Why is it suggested to keep the fact that you have a driving test to a minimum number of people?

Keeping the fact that you have a driving test to a minimum number of people can reduce the pressure and potential embarrassment of having to tell others about a failure, allowing the candidate to focus on the test itself.

What should a candidate do after their driving test?

After the driving test, it is best for the candidate not to drive immediately, as emotions will be high and they may not be able to focus on driving safely. Instead, they should let someone else drive them where they need to go.