Managing driving test nerves

There’s something nerve-racking about taking your driving test. Whether it’s the fact you’re heading into the unknown, are outside your comfort zone or are worried about the significant amount of time, effort and finances you’ve put into getting to this stage, feeling anxious is completely normal.

Overcoming driving anxiety can be tough, but there are a number of things you can do to calm your nerves before your driving test. While there is no magic one-size-fits-all solution for everyone, the following tips and advice can help you prepare effectively and keep calm during the test itself.

Before your driving test

1. Once your driving instructor confirms you’re ready – or you feel confident enough – to take on a driving test, it’s time to book it in. As long as you’ve passed your theory test, you’ll be able to book a practical driving test.
2. Be aware there may be a long wait to book a test at your local driving test centre. Many learners book a test at an alternative centre and hope for a cancellation at their local one.
3. You can try to choose a time that suits you e.g. if you’re a morning person, maybe book a slot in the morning but leave time for a last-minute lesson if you feel you need one. Many drivers prefer to take their test outside peak times when there should be less traffic.

Remember that the more you practice, the more confident you’ll become. With the average learner needing 45 hours of driving lessons with an instructor and 22 hours of private practice, it may be worth getting some learner driver insurance for extra time in the car with a friend or family member.

This temporary car insurance lasts from 12 hours to 28 days, meaning you can get in the car four weeks before your test for some essential extra practice – all for one set fee rather than having to pay out for more individual driving lessons.

You can lean on friends and family members if you have worries or concerns and, along with your instructor, they can offer reassurance and advice while helping you master all the manoeuvres. Your instructor can talk to you about their experiences with other nervous drivers.

Familiarising yourself with the test routes (your instructor will be able to confirm these) and taking mock tests in the build-up to the big day will also put you in good stead, lowering the chances of being surprised on the day. It will be helpful to know where you’re going.

The night before your driving test

Anxiety and nerves are likely to increase as the big day approaches but it’s important to get some proper rest the night before. Before switching off, double check the details of your test and the time/date/location etc.

• Avoid drinking alcohol – You should be sober when you take your driving test. The best way to ensure this is to not drink any alcohol in the hours leading up to it.
• Don’t drink too much caffeine – Excessive amounts of caffeine could keep you awake into the early hours. Swap your night-time coffee for something with fewer stimulants.
• Get some exercise – Take your mind off things by going for a walk, run or heading to the gym. The endorphins released during a workout will leave you feeling positive and ready to take on the world – or at least a driving test, anyway.
• Have an early night – It’s going to be a big day. Switch off and head to bed early. Set your alarm and switch off notifications. Maybe read a book to take your mind off things and have a good night’s sleep.

Remember the build-up can sometimes be worse than the actual test.

During your driving test

Treat test day like any other day. Stick to your routine and drink plenty of water, again trying to avoid too much caffeine, and eat well. Dress comfortably with shoes that you can drive in.  

If you’ve booked a lesson before your test, talk to your instructor about any last-minute concerns and ask them if you want to practice specific manoeuvres. They’ll also be able to go through the ‘show me, tell me’ questions one last time.

Some people like their driving instructor to sit in the car with them while they take their test. This means you have a familiar face nearby but be aware they cannot offer any support or advice during the test itself.

After your lesson, it’s time to head to the test centre. Have another drink, pop to the loo and when your time is announced, introduce yourself to the examiner.

The first part of the test will be your eyesight test.

When you head into the car, take your time in the opening moments. Make sure you:

• Have a look around.
• Fully prepare the car (make sure mirrors and seating is in the right position etc).
• Start the engine.

Listen to the examiner’s instructions carefully and remember you can ask them to repeat any questions if you don’t understand or want some reassurance. The examiners are looking for competency and safe driving. Stick to what you know and what you’ve learned in your lessons.

If you make a mistake or a decision you’re not happy with, you can explain to the examiner why you did it. Remember, you can make up to 15 minor faults and still pass so try not to let errors worry you.

If you come across a new or unexpected situation, take a deep breath and think about what you should do next. With all your lessons and practice, you’re likely to have an idea of what to do.

You should also prepare for some last-minute manoeuvres. We’ve heard stories of examiners asking learners to bay park when they arrive back at the test centre. Stay alert throughout the whole test.

Do driving examiners allow for nerves?

One in 10 people who fail their driving test say it was mostly down to nerves.

Driving examiners do understand that it is human to be nervous and will do their best to put you at ease

After your driving test

When you finish your test, you’ll be told if you’ve passed or failed right away. If it’s good news, congratulations! Whether you pass or not, listen carefully to your examiner’s feedback. 

If you pass

After being given the good news, the DVLA normally sends you your full licence. After the test, your examiner will:

• Take your provisional photocard driving licence.
• Give you a driving test pass certificate.
• Arrange for DVLA to send you your full licence.

You can start driving as soon as you pass the practical test. What are you waiting for? Just keep the driving test pass certificate with you while you await the arrival of your driving test pass certificate. 

Once you pass your driving test, your temporary learner insurance will no longer be valid. You’ll need to take out a new insurance policy as a fully qualified driver.

If you fail

If it’s not the news you were hoping for, don’t get too despondent. The average pass rate in 2023/23 was 48.4% so you are not alone. Take some time out and treat the test as a learning experience so that you’re fully prepared for next time.

Book your next test, again being aware there may be a wait for the date you need and discuss what happened with your instructor. They will be able to give you guidance on what to do next.

Can I take medication to calm my nerves before my driving test?

If you take regular medication, you should continue your daily routine. It’s not recommended you take medication specifically for your driving test, due to potential side effects.

The government’s Ready to Pass scheme recommends mindfulness as an option for some people who want to calm their nerves ahead of their driving test. From deep breathing to muscle relaxation exercises, you can find out more about mindfulness options on the NHS website.

I keep failing my driving test because of nerves – what should I do?

If you just can’t seem to get over that final hurdle of the practical driving test, try not to worry. Speak to your instructor for reassurance and enjoy more private practice with friends of family. You could keep the date of your next test secret or only tell a few select people and try to view it as a drive, rather than an important test.

Watching mock test videos can also help you prepare for what’s to come. Having already completed the test, you’ll have more idea of what happens and will start to recognise some of the routes and when you’ll be asked to perform a manoeuvre.

Try to view the previous tests as practice and preparation for this test. You can find more driving test tips in our blog post.

Again, it’s important to get plenty of rest and avoid alcohol and caffeine the day before your test. You can also look at relaxation and mindfulness techniques to put your mind at ease.

I passed my driving test but am still scared to drive – what should I do?

Many people are scared to drive after passing their test. It’s important to recognise you’re not the only one who feels this way.

To help overcome this driving anxiety, stick to local roads and short journeys outside of peak times. Add P plates to your vehicle to let other road users know that you’re new to driving and hopefully they’ll have a little more patience if you do make mistakes.

You could also look into getting some refresher or confidence-building lessons, or taking on an extensive course like Pass Plus. A course like this is designed to help build your confidence and get you used to driving on faster roads like motorways.

Make a plan before setting out on any journey and if things do get overwhelming, stop in a safe place and just take some time out. You could also drive with someone you trust in the passenger seat. If not covered by your annual policy, buy temporary car insurance so they can take over the wheel if things get too much.

The more you drive, the more relaxed, comfortable and confident you will become.

More tips on overcoming driving test nerves and anxiety

With the current long waits between driving tests, many learners are increasingly anxious about taking their test – and driving after passing. To overcome these nerves, it’s important to reiterate the following:

• Practise your driving. Whether with your instructor or privately, the more hands-on experience you get the more confident you will become. If you take a break from driving, take some time to prepare for your return. Head to a quiet place out of peak hours and refresh all the learning from your lessons.
• Ask questions. Your driving instructor (and friends and family) can all offer support and guidance as you prepare for your test and driving independently. Explain to them what is making you anxious and see if they can help.
• Reduce your stress levels. Avoid drinking caffeine and eat healthily before your test. Do some exercise or listen to your favourite songs as you prepare to tackle the test.

If you’re preparing for your driving test and need some extra time in the car to practise, buy learner driver insurance. Tempcover’s flexible and comprehensive policy runs from 12 hours to 28 days.