Shoutbox

So I have my driving test tomorrow morning, I've had about 20 lessons so far, I'm a good driver, my instructor and I have gone over the every test route in the area my test is in and I've been great.

I'm just a wreck with nerves I know that I'll f**k up with an examiner there, couldn't sleep this morning because I was so nervous. Can't get it out of my head and I'm constantly all butterfly-ey. ()

So has anyone got any ideas how I could de-stress myself! Or stories about your first go at this? Would really help. Thanks.

This is going to sound a bit silly as an answer to your question, but here goes....

Breathe in - and breathe out.

Being nervous is normal, just think about green fields and whatever makes you happy.

I don't know how the system is over there, but I'll share my experiences anyway

In Finland we have to take a certain number of lessons, both theoretical and practical, and first take a theoretical test and then a practical test once the we have passed the first one. I was also extremely nervous for my tests, especially the practical one which I assume is similar to yours - you drive around in normal traffic with an examiner as passenger.

What I think is good to remember is the fact that the exam is not meant to be insanely difficult - it's meant to be just like normal driving. That means that if you actually know how to drive and behave in traffic then you'll pass, and if you fail then there is a reason for it. Granted, with an examiner you are usually much more nervous but (unfortunately?), if you can't drive properly just because of that, then maybe you really aren't qualified to drive?

I did end up passing all of my tests at the first go, even if I made a mistake during the driving part (messed up my parallel parking and did stop a bit late for a car coming when I was turning out to the road). I was sure I was going to fail, but the examiner said that overall I did pretty good so I passed. Once I started driving, I was more concentrated on that than on being nervous, I think you'll be more relaxed as well as soon as you get behind the wheel.

Good luck with your test! (and please tell us how it goes )

Canada is a bit different as well. We have a graduated licensing system. Kind of like elementary (pre) school.

We have the G1, G2 and G for standard motor vehicles.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Driver%27s_licence_i...da#Ontario.5B11.5D)

My story goes as this:
I was late at getting my license. At 16 you can get your learners permit (G1) and I failed the written test. I was 18 or 19. I went a second time and this time I was the only one writing. Apparently I failed. The examiner actually asked me a few questions and changed my answers so I would pass.

My first road test was about a year later. I hadn't really practiced much and lucky for me they didn't make me do a lot of the standard tests, for instance parallel parking.

Fast forward to September of last year. My license was about to expire (they expire every 5 years and you need to renew it). I booked a test in another city. My test when I booked it originally I tried for 1PM but it was taken so I took 130PM. I got to the licensing place only to find out that they actually had me booked in for 1PM. Needless to say they had to fail me because I couldn't take my test. I re-booked for the last day my license was valid... talk about nerves! I passed but imagine doing a full 45 minute driving test on everything possible on the last possible day... I was a wreck but passed

As for your 'nerves', I can't say much for driving because I don't drive myself yet. I hear alcohol will take your mind off things, and does wonders for your driving abilities!

Well my grandmother suggested I have a glass of whisky for the nerves . My driving instructor suggested two paracetamol and a banana.

quote:

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Originally posted by Vimto
Well my grandmother suggested I have a glass of whisky for the nerves . My driving instructor suggested two paracetamol and a banana.

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Whisky sounds like a good idea.

Yeah, might as well have the drunk driving experience early on .

solution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA2J92HOQmw

quote:

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Originally posted by ShawnZ
solution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WA2J92HOQmw

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better solution: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WruyjJwyf0M

but seriously try to take your mind off it...
play brainless games... go visit people...
or you could always try a mild sedative if you're really really really really desperate...