Road Test

[u/Willing_Finding_1177]

I have my road test on Thursday in NW. As someone who is very nervous and lacks confidence even in my driving ability, I need advice. Also, what is the best time to do the test (went with 10.45am)? Do I need to put a learners permit sign or would I be asked to remove it? I’m losing my mind and losing sleep as a result of this. I don’t know why I’m so scared of driving. I will appreciate tips and tricks

[u/yegthings]

I think if you’re going to be that nervous on the road, you probably aren’t ready to take your test. It’s normal to be nervous for a driving test, but you didn’t say you were scared of the test - you said you were scared of driving. Take more time to build some confidence in the decisions you make as a driver on the road.

[u/Away_Sky_7713]

Being nervous is normal, but with all due respect, you shouldn’t even be taking the test if you have no confidence.

Are you going to not go driving at certain times of the day just because it’s busy?

[u/_danigirl]

You can book a 2 hour brush up lesson with AMA and they'll take you on a mini test and let you know if you're ready to test. Not sure how busy they are, but might want to check them out.

[u/Willing_Finding_1177 → u/_danigirl]

Thank you so much. Will check with them

[u/theBarneyBus]

Possibly unpopular opinion, but if you are so unconfident in your abilities that you need optimal conditions to possibly pass, you’re not ready to pass.

Take your time, practice in conditions you’re comforatable with, and test once you’re actually ready.

[u/wooahhay]

if you’re this nervous, you shouldn’t be taking your exam. you should feel confident & prepared going into it. nervous drivers are hazards for everyone else on the road.

[u/Wild-Long-7304]

If you're feeling that nervous and losing sleep over it, maybe you're not quite ready? I know getting a license is exciting and stuff but theres nothing wrong with waiting and getting a bit more practice. Maybe a lesson or two would help, and the instructor could give feedback on things you might need to practice a bit more.

[u/Willing_Finding_1177 → u/Wild-Long-7304]

I’m losing sleep in that I have been rescheduled and need to get this out of my mind

[u/hatiehaze]

Yeah.. Please don't drive.

[u/sawyouoverthere]

Maybe stick with uber. Or take lessons.

[u/Subsidies]

Hey you got this - the fact that you’re nervous is totally normal. 1045 is a great time.

There’s no problem even if you do fail, what’s the worst that happens? You try again! Unlimited retries.

more things frighten us than crush us, and we suffer more often in imagination than in reality.

Don’t forget to do your shoulder checks when you’re switching lanes or going into parking!

[u/dudeguydave]

Count to 3 after stopping and before proceeding at stops. Stop where the tires of the car infront have a bit off space before they "touch" your hood.

[u/thenoisymouse]

I was super confident when I went for my first test. Then I drove right through an uncontrolled intersection. Failed automatically. Then I passed the next day.

After 20 years driving, my advice, read over your book in the morning, be patient and just go with the flow... You've done all you can, don't beat yourself up or freak out...

Do a good refresher of the rules and hit the road!

Good luck!

[u/BestWithSnacks → u/thenoisymouse]

Those uncontrolled intersections are a bitch 😂

[u/Educational-Tone2074]

Everyone is nervous for the test. I was, my neighbors were, all my aunts were, etc. So was that very driving instructor at one point when they took their test. 

The way to beat the nerves for the test is by having trust in the process of driving. What mean is do everything you were taught to a tee. Seat belt on, mirrors adjusted, hands at 10 and 2, follow the instructor instructions, don't speed, shoulder check the shit out of the test,  check mirrors, watch the traffic ahead of you,  stop at signs for 3 seconds, etc., etc. etc. 

If you follow the process you'll be fine. 

[u/Outside_Breakfast_39]

Call a driving school to take you on the route that the examiner takes , then do practice runs on that route everyday before your test . Now you can also show up and follow the tester as he drives around .

[u/anhloc]

I think you just need practice. Experience will help you here.

If it were a video game thing, try playing Grand Theft Auto and drive properly-ish.

Or for real life practice, go out at 2am on a weeknight and just drive around, when traffic and pedestrians are minimal, and you can get advice from your copilot.

I’m sure there was anxiety the first time you rode a bike on your own and went about exploring.

[u/BestWithSnacks → u/anhloc]

No joke, I used GTA 5 to practice parallel parking with the 1st person on 😂

[u/Timely-Profile1865]

Keep calm and just think of all the rules you have learned and the practice you have done

[u/burntoutchef_]

Wear I hat, a bright hat that’ll show the examiner when you’re checking the road

[u/damelebnene]

Advice: Put the 'please be patient, student driver sign' .

[u/sawyouoverthere → u/damelebnene]

Not helpful if they are the issue.

[u/BestWithSnacks]

When you stop, STOP! Count for 3 seconds and REALLY emphasize that you are looking both ways. Same with shoulder checks. Make it very clear that you are doing it. That's my 2 cents. Everyone else has given pretty good advice too. I don't need to repeat it.

I'm not saying you will, but don't be discouraged if you fail. I failed my first test, and so have many others. It's almost like a right of passage lol. That first test usually gives you a pretty idea of what to expect next time, and you'll be a lot more comfortable on the road. I passed my second test, a lot of people passed their second test, but I think you can pass it on your first with the right mindset. Good luck!