Almost everyone gets in with some nerves at the first lesson. That makes sense: you are doing something new, in a car, among other traffic. For some learners the tension is bigger and keeps coming back in later lessons or around the exam. The good news: there is a lot you can do about it.
What tension does to you
You feel tension in your body: a racing heart, clammy hands, a tight body. Your attention narrows, so you see less and forget sooner what you just learned. As a result you make mistakes you normally would not, which makes you even less sure of yourself. That is the circle you want to break.
How I work with it
I am a trained exam-anxiety instructor. That means I recognise physical signs of tension and know how to turn them into more calm. If you get in tense, I help you relax. In practice that looks like this:
- From easy to difficult. We start somewhere quiet and only go into traffic once you feel comfortable.
- I show it first. I drive every new task first, then you drive it following my instructions, and only then on your own.
- You are in control. You decide whether we push on or slow down.
- Mistakes are allowed. That is how you learn. You do not have to get anything right the first time.
- The same car and the same instructor. From your first lesson to your exam, so you never have to get used to something new.
What you can do yourself
- Simply say so when you feel tense. We take it into account, and often just saying it helps.
- Choose lesson times when you are not rushed, for example not between two school tests.
- Breathe out slowly and deeply before you pull away. A long exhale helps your body calm down.
- After every lesson, also look at what went well, not only at what could be better.
And the exam?
Towards the exam we practise extra with the interim test. It runs at the CBR just like the real exam, so the exam situation is no longer a surprise. The CBR also offers a separate exam for candidates with severe exam anxiety. You get a specially trained examiner and more time to settle in; the requirements to pass are the same. The driving school books that exam for you, so if you think it suits you, we discuss it together.
Would you like to meet first? Request a trial lesson or read more about Reynoud.
