By Sascha Rettig Aug 26, 2010, 18:24 GMT
Berlin - For most people a driving test is a daunting prospect. What happens if I overlook a cyclist or don't give way when I should? There are plenty of dangers to look out for when doing your driving test but it is possible to get those nerves under control.
It is perfectly normal to be at least a little nervous when undergoing a driving test. 'Nervousness can have positive effects but it shouldn't get above a certain level,' says the psychologist and author Helga Knigge-Illner. Lying behind exam stress is often low self-esteem or fear of being judged. Some people view a driving test as a judgement of their entire being.
In most cases the theoretical test causes much less fear than the practical exam. 'The theoretical side is a source of less angst and it's a little bit like being in school: you've spent your time learning and you more or less know what you'll be asked,' says Wolfgang Hesser from Germany's Professional Association of Driving Instructors. However, the practical test contains many unknown factors.
One of them is that you don't know the person who will test you. 'There are plenty of situations that a driving pupil cannot prepare for,' says Hansjoerg Weichenrieder from the Bavarian Association of Driving Instructors. In many cases pressure is put on the pupil to perform or they place the pressure on themselves.
'Some students engage in a kind of competition to see who can pass the test fastest or they try hard to pass the test before holidays begin,' says the instructor. 'But parents can also be a source of pressure and expect their child to pass the test in as fast a time as they did.' Today, it is quite common to require between 35 and 40 hours to pass the exam.
To prevent your fear from getting out of control it is a good idea to avoid being with fellow students who are nervous or to avoid listening to friends with driving test horror stories. Instead, the rule is to remain calm. 'Your inner voice is very important,' says Knigge-Illner. 'Keep repeating to yourself: You can do it! You've managed other difficult situations in the past!'
To keep insecurity to a minimum try going through the test in your mind first. 'Think about where difficult situations could be,' says Weichenrieder. 'Apart from that, you should also get as much experience as possible in different driving situations.' If you are still worried, try dealing directly with your fears by using breathing and relaxation exercises to reduce stress.
Dealing with driving test fear is also best tackled early by choosing a good driving school and a good instructor. 'But most people think it's best to go to a cheap school and get instruction over and done as soon as possible,' says Hesser. It is much better to choose a school that builds you up mentally for the task ahead. Try and find an instructor who can prepare you so well that you are aware of what is expected of you and can head into the exam feeling confident.
'The instructor should build your confidence and reduce the perfectionist instinct in you because a driving pupil simply cannot be perfect,' says Hesser. One way to find the right school is to ask friends.
When you reach the driving test stage do not allow yourself to be thrown off track by a small mistake. 'Whatever you do, do not get hung up on one mistake otherwise more will follow,' says Weichenrieder. 'It's a bit like playing the piano: if you strike the wrong note, there's nothing you can do about it, so you have to keep looking forward.'
Your Talkback on this Story