This just in; driving tests are currently ‘like gold dust’, with the BBC reporting that “Most centres are currently booked up until August, with a backlog of around 420,000 tests because of the pandemic”.
Yep, you read that right; a whopping 420,000 are on the waiting list to take their test. That’s nearly half a million folk taking the bus for the foreseeable future.
STV explains that the DVSA are urging students to be patient while it takes “steps to ease the backlog caused by the pandemic”. This includes training more examiners and making extra slots available at weekends and out of hours.
However, they’ve stressed that students must be “test ready” when their call comes in. All of this risks adding up to extra stress for those taking the tests, with the lack of those much coveted tests meaning there is a lot of pressure for learner drivers to pass first time. If they fail, they may face an equally long wait to retake their driving test.
The experience of learning to drive can be daunting and nerve-wracking, but the scariest part, for the majority of learner drivers, is that final practical test. With driving tests beginning to resume post-lockdown, you may be sitting at home with your test day drawing closer, and with it, you feel your nervousness rise.
Fear not. With the help of driving lesson extraordinaire Beverly Slater, here are some top tips on how to help you stay cool, calm, and collected once the big day finally arrives.
PREPARATION IS KEY
To ease your pre-test nerves, it is always best to prepare. Eat a good breakfast as your brain is going to need fuel to help you concentrate. It’s a good idea to skip any coffee before your test as caffeine can wreak havoc on your nerves. Swap your cup of Joe for a soothing and calming tea and stay hydrated, which will help with your concentration levels, too.
Wearing a comfortable outfit, including some suitable shoes, is also key. And to ensure you enter the test centre on the front foot, make sure you arrive there in good time to avoid rushing and any unwanted stress.
Perhaps repeat a few mantras in the mirror in the lead up to your test, telling yourself that you’re ready. Remember, if your driving instructor believes that you’re ready to take your rest and you’re properly prepared, then have confidence in yourself that you’re ready, too.
Your instructor will likely offer to book a lesson with you just before the test. This is highly recommended as you can go over any rules, manoeuvres and tips before the actual test. Getting behind the wheel a few hours prior to the test will also get you comfortable in the driver’s seat, particularly if you’ve not had a lesson for a while.
KEEP IT A SECRET
For many learners, the pressure of passing the first time can make test day a much more frightening experience. Take the pressure off yourself and keep your test date a secret. There is no harm in this and if you unfortunately don’t pass, no one will have to know. Feeling as though you must pass for the approval of others will only make the nerves (and your driving) worse.
FOCUS ON YOUR DRIVING
Once the test begins, pay attention and listen carefully to your examiner. Remember that the actual test is very similar to a typical driving lesson; the only difference is you are being marked. Focus on the road and driving the car, not on the examiner and their marking.
As much as you may want to know how it’s going, it is best to complete the test and let the examiner do their job; they will let you know the final results at the end of the test. Remember that if they need to stop the test for any reason, they’ll inform you, so just keep calm and carry on driving until that moment.
Rest assured that the examiner isn’t trying to ‘catch you out’ and wait for you to make mistakes. They simply want to know if you’re competent and can drive safely on the road.
THINK ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Many learners have said in the past that it might help you to pretend that you’re doing a mock test and to imagine your instructor in the passenger seat, instead of the examiner.
Although it’s currently not allowed because of COVID-19, some learner drivers like to have their instructor sit in the back of the car for moral support during their test. If government legislation allows passengers to ride along by the time you take your test, this may be something you want to do, too.
WHAT IF YOU DON’T PASS?
In the event that you don’t pass your driving test, it can be very easy to beat yourself up and, inevitably, allow this to knock your driving confidence.
The best thing to do is to reflect on the mistakes made during the test with your instructor and address these in new lessons. You will soon be ready to take the test again and get that all important pass mark.
Good luck to all learner drivers with forthcoming practical tests. As much as the big day seems daunting, once it is done you will be so pleased with yourselves. Learning to drive is a huge accomplishment and a great life skill. Be proud, you have put the time and dedication into learning this valuable skill!