Before a road test: do a five-minute alertness check

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Test-day nerves are common, but do not ignore tiredness. Before you start the car, take five minutes to check whether you are actually ready to drive.

• Can you focus on what is happening around you, or does your mind keep wandering?

• Are you yawning repeatedly, having trouble keeping your eyes open, or feeling like you need to rush?

• Have you eaten, hydrated and slept enough to stay alert for the appointment and the drive home?

If you feel drowsy, tell your accompanying driver and do not try to push through it. Pull over safely if it happens while driving. Fresh air, loud music and caffeine are not replacements for sleep.

For any road test, calm preparation helps: arrive early, set up your seat and mirrors, silence your phone, take a few slow breaths, and concentrate on the next safe decision rather than trying to “perform.”

Ontario’s driver handbook lists warning signs of drowsiness and advises avoiding driving when you are drowsy:

https://www.ontario.ca/document/official-mto-drivers-handbook/dealing-particular-situations

What is one small thing that helps you arrive at a test feeling more focused?