Best Tips For Nerves Before Driving Test – Updated 2023

When it comes to teen anxiety, learning to drive and the driver’s test are two of the biggest sources of nerves and anxiety. Test anxiety is already an issue for many learner drivers and then when you compound it with how people fail their tests, the horror stories that abound, and the range of driving examiners out there, it’s wholly understandable how rarely people feel comfortable and assured that they’ll easily be passing your driving test. There are a lot of driving laws, and the road test is stressful, between parallel parking, nervous drivers, and traffic (depending on the time of day when you take your test). Fortunately, we’re here to help you overcome driving test nerves so that instead of feeling nervous, you can boost your confidence and pass your test on the day of your test—all without those uncomfortable test nerves and anxiety.

Let’s jump right in!

Best Tips For Nerves Before Driving Test

So what are some of the top tips for reducing driving test nerves? While practicing driving skills and other safe driving tips certainly can help reduce test nerves, as can working with a test center, there are lots of other ways to limit nerves and practice staying calm, too.

For instance, think about things that help you feel comfortable in everyday life. Getting a good night’s sleep, for instance, feeling confident in your skills before dealing with driver’s test anxiety, and practicing deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves can all go a long way in calming driving test nerves.

15 Tips & Tricks To Calm Nerves Before Driving Lesson

But what if you’re nervous even before your driving test? What if you’re nervous about your driving lesson? Consider these top tips to calm your nerves:

Get a good night’s sleep. Getting enough rest plays a key role in reducing anxiety and stress, as well as boosting confidence and staying calm.
Review what you have learned so far. You’re in a learner car and working toward a practical test by taking it one step at a time. So review what you know, and take confidence in the skills you’re developing.
Practice stress management techniques such as reviewing other areas in which you are skilled, which can help in staying calm and boosting confidence.
Practice skills you already possess. Move your head both ways to look at intersections. You’ve been doing that your entire life.
Try deep breathing exercises. Taking a few deep breaths in and out can help lower your heart rate and, in turn, calm your nerves and help you feel more comfortable.
Break down the skills you need by making your own mock test. Then focus on one piece at a time, getting skilled at each piece as you go.
Boost your confidence by seeing all the ways you practice safe driving. No matter how much you may be feeling nervous, odds are you do far more things right than you might immediately realize. Focus on those positives.
Practice being at your best at the relevant time of day. Odds are good your driving less will be at the same time of day each day and that you’ll be in the same learner car each time. So visualize your driving lesson at that time of day in the days preceding to help lower your test nerves and anxiety; make your driving lesson feel comfortable.
Make flashcards to review driving laws. Developing a new knowledge base takes repetition, no different from when we learn our multiplication tables.
Ask family and friends for driving tips—as well as what helped them in overcoming driving nerves.
Ask them which parts of each driving lesson were easier than they expected, too, as well as what advice they might have for you.
Visualize yourself at different stages of your driving lesson and along the way as you learn how to drive. See yourself practicing safe driving. See it all the way through to the day of the test, passing your driving test, and following driving laws as a licensed driver.
Parallel parking got you down? Keep in mind that very few people, outside professional driving, feel comfortable with parallel parking.
Remember too that while the driving lesson progression and driving test in the theory test your ability to follow driving laws and safe driving, practiced driving in the real world is a bit more malleable. Be gentle on yourself and kind; seeing the number of bad drivers out there can only boost your confidence that you’ll be a good one!
Finally, remember that if you’re feeling nervous, odds are everyone else with you in the learner car is a nervous driver, too. It’s okay to feel nerves and anxieties—they’re pretty universal in new situations.

Related Content: 27 Positive Facts About Teen Driving

Why Am I Nervous For My Driving Lesson?

It’s a normal human reaction to feel nerves and anxiety when learning a new skill or in a new situation! The key is to embrace that this is something new, that you’re going to do your best as learner drivers, and pay attention to each driving lesson. You already may know more driving laws than you realize, so as you prepare for dealing with driving test nerves, one way to calm those nerves and boost confidence is to be gentle with yourself in realizing it takes time to learn a new skill. You won’t be a professional driver your first time behind the wheel—and that’s okay!

So pay attention to driving instructors and driving examiners, give yourself plenty of time to react to new situations on the practical driving test, and as you learn how to drive, you’ll pick up the skills you need.

Finally, remember that student car insurance and van insurance are more expensive for a reason: People fail sometimes to take the responsibility of developing safe driving skills as new drivers. But you won’t do that, will you?

Instead, you’re going to make the most of each driving lesson. You’ll review the material as you’re learning to drive—and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to professional driving status!

Related Article: Why 16-Year-Olds Should Not Drive

FAQs – Helping Teens Deal With Anxiety On Driver’s Tests

If you’re preparing for your driving test, it’s normal to feel nervous. But don’t worry, there are strategies you can use to combat driving test nerves and increase your chances of passing. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you prepare:

How Can I Beat Myself Up Less The Day Before My Test?

The day before your driving test, avoid dwelling on negative thoughts and past mistakes. Instead, focus on positive affirmations and visualize yourself passing the test with flying colors. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep and take care of yourself.

Can Chewing Gum Help Me Stay Calm During My Driving Test?

Yes, chewing gum can be a simple but effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that chewing gum can lower cortisol levels, which is a hormone associated with stress.

How Can I Focus On My Driving During The Test?

Stay present in the moment and pay close attention to your driving. Don’t worry about what’s coming up next or what you did wrong in the past. Keep your eyes on the road and follow the rules of the road.

What Driving Maneuvers Should I Focus On For The Test?

Be prepared to perform a variety of maneuvers, such as parallel parking, reversing around a corner, and turning in the road. Practice each maneuver until you feel confident and comfortable with them.

How Important Are Road Signs For The Driving Test?

Road signs are an essential part of the driving test, as they communicate important information to drivers about speed limits, hazards, and other road conditions. Be sure to study and memorize the most common road signs before your test.

What If I’m Nervous About A Particular Maneuver?

If you’re feeling anxious about a particular maneuver, practice it as much as possible before the test. You can also ask your driving instructor for tips and advice on how to perform the maneuver correctly.

What Can I Do To Combat Driving Anxiety?

There are several strategies you can use to combat driving anxiety, such as deep breathing, positive self-talk, and visualization. You can also try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation, to help calm your nerves.

How Can I Be A Calm And Confident Driver On The Day Of My Test?

Before the test, take some time to review the rules of the road and practice your driving skills. Make sure you’re well-rested and well-fed and arrive at the test center with plenty of time to spare. During the test, stay focused on your driving and stay positive.

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Joy Nguyen

Teen Safety Expert & Writer at Tracking System Direct

Joy Nguyen is a freelance writer based in California with a focus on education and teen safety. A regular contributor to the Tracking System Direct blog, she frequently writes about teen driving safety, providing essential statistics and safety tips for concerned parents.