10 Tips To Help You Relax Before Your Driving Test

If you are doing your intensive driving course with Car Captain and your driving instructor tells you are ready for your practical test – it is now time to prepare and get ready for your examination. Like with any test, people are bound to get nervous, which is why we have made a list of 10 tips that will help you to relax before your driving test to ensure that you pass your driving test first-time and obtain your driving license.

• Comfortable clothing

Although you are bound to be celebrating after you have passed, it doesn’t mean you should be dressed to impress or to celebrate for your test itself. You should plan to wear comfortable clothes so that you are relaxed, but also so that your body movements are not restricted whilst driving.

• Praise your progress

Regardless of the outcome, you should reflect back on your progress so far whilst you are learning and praise yourself on how far you have come. No matter whether you have completed an intensive course with Car Captain or taken your time through a standard course, you have gone from not knowing how to perform a simple manoeuvre to be able to operate the vehicle by yourself without input, which is something to be proud of. 

• Don’t over think

It’s understandable if you are getting late minute nerves, however one of the most important steps is to not overthink the test. One of the most recommended approaches is to consider your test as another driving lesson, where you are relaxed and simply driving, which is what the instructor will be looking for as they want to see you be comfortable as you drive. 

• Nutrition 

Although simply saying nutrition doesn’t sound like much, you should consider what you eat and drink before your examination. We’re not saying treat yourself to a three-course meal or protein-enriched dinner, but simply make sure that you have eaten a basic meal so that you are not driving on an empty stomach and your brain has fuel for the upcoming examination. 

• Arrive at the test centre early

To avoid late minute stress, it’s always recommended to arrive at the test centre at least 15 minutes before the test. This way, you are not sitting at the centre waiting too long, but you will also not feel rushed and further stress yourself out. 

• Go to the toilet

Like with any test, it’s always recommended that you go to the toilet beforehand, more so because you are unable to stop during your practical driving test. If you are distracted by the fact that you need to go to the toilet, you may lose focus on driving and make silly errors that could potentially cause you to fail.

• Chat to someone

Whether you chat to your driving instructor, a friend or a family member, simply talking and distracting yourself from the nerves can significantly relax you ahead of your exam. They are likely to provide you with support and guidance, as well as provide you with the confidence in yourself to pass.

• Keep your mind preoccupied

The more you think, the more you will get stressed out, which is why one of the best techniques is to listen to music. Whether it’s upbeat, smooth or simply generic music, it’s bound to calm your nerves and put you at ease ahead of your exam. Alternative options include playing games on your phone or reading, all of which are great to take to keep you relaxed. 

What’s the worst that can happen?

Here at Carcaptain, we recognise that taking your examination is a big moment, as it can result in you being able to legally drive. However, it is important to understand that the worst that could possibly happen is that you fail, and have to try again. Not everyone passes first-time, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t book again, as you are able to rebook the test only 10 working days after the initial exam. 

If you have any questions regarding our guaranteed driving test pass courses, or would like some more driving tips, please feel free to visit the Carcaptain website today. If you would like to have a chat with a member of our team, please feel free to complete the contact form on our website and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.