Coping Strategies for Driving Test Anxiety
Irish people are accustomed to having test anxiety. Research conducted back in 2017 shows that almost two-thirds of Irish students suffer exam anxiety despite being well prepared.
When it comes to driving test anxiety, the likelihood is that the figure for students suffering driving test nerves is even higher. This may at least partly explain why the Irish driving test has such a high failure rate.
In this article, Driving Class looks at some coping mechanisms for anybody suffering anxiety over the driving test.
Is driving test anxiety normal?
Of course it is. To paraphrase the Irish author Barry McDonagh in his outstanding book on overcoming anxiety, Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks, don’t think for a second that your anxiety makes you any different to anybody else. It’s totally normal.
That also means that it’s not insurmountable. The fact that you’re reading this indicates that you’re taking a proactive approach, which is great. Keep reading. We’re about to get into some of the coping strategies for dealing with those driving test nerves.
- Practise until the last minute: There are probably a few things behind your driving test anxiety: uncertainty around a particular manouevre or the questions that you’ll be asked. Use whatever time you have left to practise these as much as possible. We’ve all gone into exams knowing that if one part comes up, we’re doomed. Now is your chance to avoid that scenario.
- Deep breathing and relaxing exercises: This always seems a little cliched. You could find yourself saying, ‘so if I learn how to breathe, everything will be okay.’ Not quite. Practise slow, deep breathing through your nose and out through your mouth. Combine this with tensing your muscles and then relaxing them. It won’t feel natural at the start, but it’s a proven technique for reducing anxiety.
- Visualise success: You’ve probably already visualised hitting a kerb or stalling at a traffic light. Why not pivot to something more positive? Think about what it will be like when you pass the driving test. Think of how you execute those manouevres that you’ve been dreading. Imagine the worst driving examiner possible and how he or she doesn’t even bother you, because you’re in control.
- Positive self-talk: Positive reinforcement probably gets a bad rap because it’s been parodied so much in sitcoms. Remove your cynicism for a moment and give it a go. Saying things like “I am going to pass the driving test” and “I am calm and focused” can positively impact your driving anxiety. Just remember to not say them during the driving exam, so as not to freak out the driving test examiner.
- Get adequate rest and nutrition: Prioritize your physical well-being in the days and hours leading up to the driving test. Avoid alcohol for at least a week, and adopt a ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ style of living, at least until the exam has passed. Drink plenty of water. Eat a balance meal beforehand to sustain your energy and concentration during the driving exam. Nutrition plays a huge role in managing anxiety.
- Arrive early and be prepared: This seems terribly obvious, but through conversations with driving examiners, we’ve learned that around half of all students arrive ‘just in time,’ meaning they’re going to be rushed, stressed, and without the necessary time to compose themselves. Your driving examiner will appreciate you arriving early, and may even indulge in small talk, enabling you to soothe those nerves.
Conclusion
Driving test nerves are completely normal, so don’t crucify yourself if you’re feeling nervous on the day of your driving test. You’re just one of thousands to feel the same emotions. And the driving test examiner has seen people far more nervous than you.
Do your best to put some of these coping strategies into effect in the period before your driving test. You’re bound to see at least a little bit of a difference if you do. The team at DrivingClass.ie has your back. Chill out, enjoy the experience, and do your best to pass the driving test!
