struggling with anxiety leading up to driving test

[spookedoutsum]

I've recently turned 21, and I have been on a long, strenuous driving journey. I have always been petrified to get behind the wheel and it took me an extremely long time to finally make the jump, yet this year I began doing driving lessons. It was one of the hardest things I've ever forced myself to do, and for someone who is extremely anxious in all areas of my life it proved to be a challenge. However, six months later brings us to now - and in about 2 days I have my driving test. 

I have been trying to control my nerves and anxiety, but it seems impossible. I have rationalised with myself - telling myself that it doesn't matter if i fail, there are plenty of other chances to simply just keep trying. Despite this i am still freaking out!

I have never sat the test before so I have no idea what it is like, and that is extremely daunting for me. I'm scared of the examiner, the routes, not being able to follow directions properly, making mistakes. Every part of me wants to just run the other way but I know it's an essential step forwards in my life and I have worked very hard to get here. I really just don't know what to expect. 

I hope at the very least I can pull myself together somewhat, and don't let the nerves take over me. I don't want to fail simply because I was an anxiety-riddled mess.

[Sophie_M]

Hi spookedoutsum,

Thank you for sharing here. It sounds like the anxiety around this test is really impacting you at the moment and we hope this can feel like a supportive space for you. 

First of all – congratulations on getting to this point! Getting ready for your test is a huge achievement and you have clearly worked hard to get here. 

It is completely understandable to be feeling anxious about your test, especially after all of the work you have put in to get here. Are there strategies that you have used in the past to help manage anxiety during stressful situations, such as an exam? It might be a good time to use some of these again. One example is some positive self-talk, such as “I have made it this far, I am confident in my ability”, or “I am going to do my best in the situation that I am given”. 

While we hope that you are able to pass on this first try, it is also very common to take a few tries, too. It is a truly daunting experience and we hope that you can treat yourself with kindness and feel proud of all of your hard work.

Please feel free to let us know how you went! We are here for support no matter what the outcome may be.

Kind regards
Sophie M

[Empathuniverse]

In was completely terrified about my test I think more than anything in my life. I imagined so many things about the day lol that did not happen the way I imagined. I did drive through a red light though - I was so nervous but everything else was good. I was calm the 2nd time I did my test and passed. You got this! And congrats your so close to getting your licence its scary cause you know how much its going to change your life no doubt!

[Scared]

Anxiety is no doubt an added stressor to this driving test.

Try to look at this test as a practice run

If you fail its no big deal but you will feel less anxious knowing how the test works on the second time around.

It took me 3 tries to get mine and each time it got easier to do.  
I wish you luck and remember its not a big deal if you do fail

There is always other chances to sit again.

[Jani]

Just think that it is okay to feel this way, you are human, we have emotions and everyone's brain is wired differently. For some, it's nerve wracking to speak in public, or meet socially. For you, it's the driving test. Just tell yourself, all these fears don't matter, everything will be forgotten, and no one is watching. People have their own problems to solve and face, and they wouldn't worry about you failing or passing, it won't matter to anyone, but you. So if you fail, it's not the end of the world, you can re-take, it's not life or death situation, it just driving, tell yourself that. You'll have more important, scarier challenges ahead of you, this driving test is just one of those that fills you life experience bucket.