EACH DAY in the UK, around 6,000 people take their driving test. For most candidates, it’s a stressful time not least because, according to the AA, they’ll have spent about £1,000 in lessons and test fees getting to this point. Unfortunately, for many candidates it will have felt like money wasted since about 40% of them will fail. Lack of preparation and being taught by a relative rather than a qualified instructor are largely to blame. The bad habits resulting from poor tuition were revealed by Driving when we listed the top 10 reasons for failing the driving test. But there’s another, equally troubling reason: nerves. The moment your hands go sweaty, your heart rate becomes erratic and you get that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach, can undo even the most thorough preparation. Surprisingly, the examiner isn’t the enemy. Lesley Young, the Chief Driving Examiner, even has some helpful advice. “It’s normal to be nervous before your test, but if you’re properly prepared and your instructor thinks you’re ready, then there’s really no reason to worry. Your examiner’s not trying to catch you out; they just want to make sure that you can drive safely.” If you fancy doing so, she says it’s OK to listen to the radio during your test. A piece of soothing music may be just the thing to calm your nerves. “If it makes you more comfortable then it’s fine to listen to the radio, and there aren’t any rules against talking to the examiner – just make sure you keep your concentration. It’s also a good idea to ask your instructor to sit in the back on your test. They won’t take any part in the test itself, but it might give you some moral support, and it means they can also hear the feedback you get from the examiner at the end.” The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency offers information on the driving test and tips on surviving it here. Meanwhile miDrive, an independent driver training organisation, suggests the following: The 10 most effective ways to combat nerves on a driving test 1. Tell yourself you’re ready You wouldn’t be taking your driving test if you weren’t good enough to pass it. A good driving instructor won’t put you forward for your test until you’re at test standard. Knowing you’re just doing something you’ve done before many, many times before can really help. 2. Keep it a secret Don’t tell everyone you’re taking your test. Keeping quiet about it takes some of the pressure off, so only tell the people you want or need to tell. 3. Don’t skip meals Eating might be the last thing on your mind but without food, you haven’t the brain fuel you need for your test. Eating something before your test will help you concentrate. A full English isn’t necessary; a banana will do. 4. Pretend it’s a mock The examiner may be in a hi-viz jacket and holding a clipboard but try to regard this as just another mock test. You’ll still put in your best performance but you’re less likely to panic about it all going wrong. Remember: no one is asking you to do anything you haven’t already done in your lessons. 5. Arrive at the test centre in good time and make sure your diary is free Get to the test centre about 15 minutes beforehand so you’re not hurried or waiting too long. And make sure it’s a day and a period in your life when you have no other stressful things happening. 6. Don’t do too much on test day You’ve spent the last few days, weeks and months preparing for your test, so there’s no need to beat yourself up about parallel parking now. By all means, have a drive around beforehand, but don’t convince yourself you need to do the perfect turn in the road just before you get to the test centre. 7. Stay off the caffeine You might think you need all the coffee in the world after being awake all night worrying but drinking too much caffeine before your test can make you feel more agitated and nervous. Instead, drink plenty of water or something naturally calming such as a camomile tea. 8. Go to the lavatory We don’t have to elaborate, do we? Suffice to say, you don’t want any distractions during your test. 9. Remember, there’s no rush Your driving test isn’t designed to determine how fast you can reverse around a corner. Take your time when it comes to the manoeuvres, and remember that you can always correct yourself. The examiner will want to make sure that you make the right checks and complete the manoeuvre safely, so take your time. 10. Don’t beat yourself up