Let’s be honest. Taking the written portion of your driving test can be a nerve wracking experience. You’ve studied hard, and you know you’re ready. The last thing you want is for nerves to get in the way of getting your driver’s license. That said, it doesn’t have to be this way. There are a few things a person can do to relax before taking the test. So let’s take a look at five ways you can reduce anxiety before taking your driving test.
Study, Study, Study: Making sure you’re well-prepared for your test is one of the best things you can do to relieve stress. Knowing you’re ready will help you feel more confident as you take the test. Keep in mind that cramming the night before will likely have the opposite effect. You’re not going to be able to retain all of that information at once, which will only create unnecessary pressure. The best thing to do is find time to study regularly every day before taking the test.
Take a Free Practice Test: One of the best things you can do to reduce anxiety is take a free practice test. You have the option of taking a test that will be similar to the real thing. Doing this can do a couple of things for you. For one, it will give you a better idea of what to expect on your real driving test. This means you won’t have to worry about any big surprises. Second, it will give you a good indication of how ready you are. If you do well on your practice test, you won’t have worry so much about the real thing. The practice test is free, and you can take it as many times as you need to. So practice as much as necessary until you feel confident.
Keep Yourself Busy: If you keep your mind occupied with other things, it won’t have time to worry about the test. One of the best ways to stay busy is by studying for the test. Working on other school projects or hobbies is another way to keep yourself distracted. You might also consider scheduling your test early in the morning if you can. This way, you won’t spend all day thinking about it.
Eat Well and Rest: Taking care of your body can help a lot with reducing the symptoms of anxiety. This is especially true on the night before the test. Make sure you’re getting plenty of sleep. Also, avoid caffeine and sugary snacks. These can make the symptoms of anxiety even worse and make it harder for you to concentrate.
Control Your Breathing: Oftentimes, people start taking short, shallow breaths when they get nervous. This can make a bad situation worse. Taking long, deep breaths while you’re taking your test can go a long way towards calming your nerves. Make sure you breath in through dyounose and breath out through your mouth. Doing this will help you focus on the task at hand.