(By Barka Driving School – Your local driving experts in Romford, Ilford, Barking & beyond)
😬 Feeling anxious? You’re not alone!
If your practical driving test is coming up, it’s normal to feel nervous. In fact, research shows over 60% of UK learner drivers experience serious anxiety before their test. Sweaty palms, racing thoughts, sleepless nights — we’ve all been there.
But don’t worry. With the right strategies, you can turn those nerves into positive energy and give yourself the best chance of passing first time.
🔍 Why are you nervous about the driving test?
It usually comes down to three things:
✅ Fear of the unknown:
Will the examiner be strict? What route will they take? Will they fail me for a small mistake?
✅ Performance pressure:
Friends and family might keep asking, “So, when’s your test?” which only adds to the tension.
✅ Low confidence:
Maybe you’ve stalled a few times, struggled with parallel parking, or worry about roundabouts.
💡 Tips to calm your nerves and boost your chances of passing
1️⃣ Know the test inside out
Ask your instructor to simulate a full mock test, complete with an emergency stop and independent driving. The more familiar it feels, the less scary it will be on the day.
2️⃣ Practise your manoeuvres until they’re second nature
Whether it’s bay parking, pulling up on the right, or reverse parallel parking, these are usually what trip people up.
Tip: practise in different car parks and side streets so you’re ready for anything.
3️⃣ Focus on what you can control
You can’t control the examiner or the weather, but you can:
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Eat something light before your test.
- Arrive early so you’re not rushing.
4️⃣ Breathe and reset after mistakes
If you stall or take a wrong turn, don’t panic. As long as it’s safe, you can still pass. Examiners are looking for safe driving, not perfection.
5️⃣ Visualise success
Before your test, close your eyes and imagine driving smoothly, checking mirrors, executing a perfect parallel park. Athletes use visualisation to calm nerves and improve focus — it works for driving tests too!
🚦 Most common reasons people fail in the UK
According to the DVSA, these are the top reasons learners fail:
❌ Not making effective observations at junctions
❌ Not using mirrors correctly when changing direction
❌ Poor control when steering
❌ Failing to move off safely
❌ Incorrect positioning on the road
If you’re aware of these, you can pay extra attention to them on your test.
✅ Quick test day checklist
- ✅ Bring your provisional licence (and glasses if you need them)
- ✅ Arrive 10-15 minutes early
- ✅ Listen carefully to the examiner’s instructions
- ✅ Drive like it’s just another lesson — not an exam!
🚀 Ready to pass your test with confidence?
At Barka Driving School, we specialise in helping nervous drivers overcome their fear and become safe, calm drivers for life.
👉 We’ll take you on local test routes in Romford, Barking, Ilford, Chadwell Heath, Hornchurch, and more, so there are no surprises on the day.
📞 Call us on 07956869047 or book online at www.barkadrivingschool.co.uk.
Your first lesson is just £23 — perfect to get started!
✌️ Remember: you’ve got this!
Nerves are normal. They just mean you care. With enough practice and the right mindset, you’ll soon be tearing up those L-plates.
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