The driver’s test can feel like a daunting task to people who are new to driving, or even to people who need to re-familiarize themselves with the process. However, if you take driving lessons at Alliance Defensive Driving School and try the other following tips, the driver’s test will not feel as nerve-wracking.
1. Driving Lessons
The expression “Practice makes perfect” may sound very cliché, but there is truth to it. The more you drive, the more it becomes second nature. And if it becomes second nature, then you will feel very prepared for the driver’s test. So, once you have a learner’s permit, try scheduling some driving lessons.
Alliance Defensive Driving School has calm and patient instructors who are accustomed to helping teens, adults, and seniors with behind the wheel training. You can feel safe knowing that the instructor would be able to take control of the gas and the brake from their passenger seat if need be. Once they have assessed that you are ready for the driver’s test, you will feel confident, having driven the streets and gotten experience under your belt.
2. Study and Remind Yourself of What to Expect
It is also crucial to keep in mind what you need to remember for the driver’s test. It will last 20 minutes, and the DMV is very open about what you need to know: left and right turns, stops, straight-line backing, lane changes, driving in street traffic, and driving on the freeway. You should expect to be assessed on any and all of these. So get your hands on whatever study materials are available, and visualize (as well as put into practice during driving lessons) what needs to be done when you encounter these steps. Be sure to divide up your study time into manageable increments so that you are not cramming at the last minute.
3. Sleep Well the Night Before
While studying is important, it is possible to study for too long the night before. Set a bedtime for yourself that would allow you to get a healthy amount of sleep. And, make sure that your study time does not extend beyond that point. You want to feel very rested and awake on the day that you take the test. Whether you end up taking it in the morning or in the middle of the day, getting a good night’s sleep will make you feel ready to take on what’s ahead of you.
4. Eat Well Beforehand
A balanced meal can do wonders for you. After all, you would not want your stomach to make any distracting noises during the test, or for hunger to take your focus as you drive. So eat a healthy meal beforehand. Try not to have too much sugar, and stay away from caffeine. You might think that caffeine is helpful for staying alert, but it can also make you feel more anxious. It can feel very uncomfortable having your heart beating faster during the test. If you have a good night’s rest beforehand, then there is really no need for anything with caffeine to keep you awake.
5. Deep Breaths
Taking deep breaths is an effective relaxation technique. You can take deep breaths during the test to calm yourself (in such a way that is not too distracting). But you can also take deep breaths prior to heading out to take your test. Schedule a period of time during which you can sit comfortably, close your eyes, take a deep breath in, and take a deep breath out. You can try out variations of this technique and even add motivational words to say to yourself. After all, you are the only person who needs to believe that you can pass in order for that belief to become a reality.
You Can Try Again
If you end up not passing the test, just take what you have learned from the experience and try again another time. If you made it this far, then it is possible for you to take it a step further. With the help of Alliance and the other aforementioned tips, you can master a relaxed mindset, and then the driver’s test will not feel like it is too challenging of an experience.
Alliance Defensive Driving School will teach you the skills you need to know for driving. Curb your nerves with a driving school and become a safe and confident driver. Contact us with any questions you may have about our driving lesson packages.
