Nine ways to combat driving test nerves

Times

06-08-2025

We are told that young people aren't interested in driving but, according to the latest figures, driving tests have never been so in demand. Between January and May 2025, the number of test centres with a maximum possible waiting time of 24 weeks rose from 161 to 258 locations, accounting for 81 per cent of the total.
The average waiting time across all test centres is now 22 weeks, up from 14 weeks in February 2024, according to AA Driving School, which obtained the figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
The driving test backlog is primarily due to a surge in demand following the Covid-19 pandemic, which led to test cancellations and suspensions. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said in April the Labour government had inherited an enormous backlog but was acting fast.
Nerves can get the better of us
For most candidates this only adds to the pressure. Learning to drive and taking a test is a stressful time, not least because, according to the RAC, a candidate could have spent up to £2,059 on 45 hours of lessons to get to that point, as well as 22 hours of practice driving in readiness.
Unfortunately, for many candidates it will have felt like money wasted as more than half will fail their test (the average pass rate from January to June 2025 was 49.5 per cent, according to the DVSA). Largely to blame are a lack of preparation and being taught by a relative rather than a qualified instructor.
But there's another important reason you might fail: driving test nerves — the moment your hands go sweaty, your heart rate races and your head spins. It can undo even the most thorough preparation.
But it's important to remember that the examiner isn't the enemy.
Lesley Young, a former chief driving examiner, 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.'
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In fact, Young says it's OK to listen to the radio during your test — as long as it's at a low volume and not a distraction. 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.'
Young also says it may be 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,' she says. '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. But driver training organisations may suggest the following nine tips for keeping calm during your driving test:
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.
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.
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 or porridge are ideal.
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.
The examiner may be in a hi-vis jacket and holding a clipboard but try to regard this as just another mock test. You'll still put on 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.
Normally you should aim to get to the test centre about 15 minutes beforehand, so you're not hurried or waiting too long. If you can, try to make sure it's a day and a period in your life when you have no other stressful things happening.
You've spent the past 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.
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.
If you don't pass, don't worry — as mentioned above, around half of learners fail their driving test, so you're not alone. But learn from the mistakes and practise any blind spots (metaphorically speaking) before your next test. You'll be better the second time around.