Test Day Jitters
The day of your test YOU are the most important person on the road!
Yes, I know you’re nervous as hell and most probably your test would be the very first practical test you’ve ever done in your life. This day, you’ll have to be quite comfortable with your set of skills.
The pressure might be almost unbearable because so many people are expecting you to pass on your first attempt and this is over and above the pressure you’ve put on yourself not to let Mom and Dad down. And “What will my friends say when I tell them I failed?” echo through your mind the whole time.
Well, I guess it’s easy for me to say, but CHILL!!!!
Your test is about YOU – I can’t emphasize that enough.
Just like an exceptional sportsman has to “Get In The Zone” before game, you have to try your best to also psychologically prepare yourself before your test. I’ll list a few pointers.
- DO – Get a good night’s sleep before your test.
- DO – Breathe as normally as you can. More oxygen to the brain keeps it calmer. Less oxygen brings it under the false assumption that danger is imminent – Your test isn’t dangerous at all!
- DO – Check that you have all required documentation before you leave home
- DO – Arrive quite early for your test. A rush just builds up unnecessary anxiety
- DO – Practice an hour before the time, if you feel it will improve your confidence
- DO – Take a subtle help-me-calm-downer, like Rescue Remedy in tablet form, IF required
- DO – Slow down at any point when you start feeling anxious. Give your mind time to THINK.
- DON’T – Tell yourself you’re going to fail. Tell yourself: “I have a good change of succeeding”
- DON’T – Stress if you make a small error. Tell yourself: “I can improve on that”
- DON’T – Look at what the examiner is writing. Tell yourself: “I’m almost done with this exercise”
- DON’T – Focus on your weak spot (rolling, for instance). Focus on the next exercise instead.
- DON’T – Rush through your Yard Test. You have 20minutes – use all of it if you want!
I leave you with this invaluable sound clip…
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