How do you overcome the nerves prior to test? I`m an absolute wreck just thinking about it 
I really struggle knowing “someone” (the Examiner) is going to be scrutinising my every move … and I end up losing faith in my own judgements. Eeessshhhhhh, this is harder than I thought it would be 
Trouble:
How do you overcome the nerves prior to test? I`m an absolute wreck just thinking about itI really struggle knowing “someone” (the Examiner) is going to be scrutinising my every move … and I end up losing faith in my own judgements. Eeessshhhhhh, this is harder than I thought it would be
I smoked at the time and obviously with your pre drive then your test i couldn’t smoke much, so I banged some of them niquitin chewies in me gob… Worked a treat for me lol 
Silence will make you even more nervous,try and engage the examiner into conversation on my test we talked general chit chat virtually the whole way to the point the examiner said he almost forgot he was on a test,it also may distract his attention away from the odd little balls up if he is chatting away 
I wish I could offer a solution. Just believe in yourself and have confidence in what you’re doing.
Some folks use Kalms with varying results.
Try to actually enjoy the drive rather than look on it as a test. Remember, this is what you want to do, presumably, for the next few years - day in, day out. So it should be enjoyable rather than a task.
But, sadly, we all suffer with the dreaded nerves to some extent. Just try not to let them get in the way too much. The examiners have seen nervous folks before! And yes, they will normally talk to you, especially if you start the conversation. But they wont distract you when you’re faced with something “interesting”.
All the best with it, Pete
Nerves are a result of the importance YOU are placing upon the result. YOU are the only influencing factor on that, so only YOU can decide whether they play a part in the result…
Try to adjust your mindset so YOU don’t negatively impact the result by crippling yourself. Thinking that it’s important will only hinder your capabilities, so I’d suggest you TRY to have a mindset that it’s ONLY a test, and not life and death!So what if you don’t pass this time, there’s always next time.
Best of luck!
Cheers all, I failed, rookie error caused by the nerves and me shaking like a ■■■■■■■■ dog for most of the way round
Nailed the reverse park and the questions/show and tell, and only had 5 minors … best start banging the overtime in to pay for the next attempt eh?
Examiner didn`t talk to me at all, the silence was deafening and made it worse to be fair, I tried striking up a convo and got one word answers in reply so gave up and started talking to myself instead, at least I reply to myself
Youre right Peter, it is something I want to do, and theres no limit to the amount of times you can take it, so I`ll keep going til I do. Have the Kalms, and some spray under my tongue thing. Just have to wait for another slot now 
That’s a pity. But you live to fight another day.
Evil has put up some good advice most eloquently:
[/Nerves are a result of the importance YOU are placing upon the result. YOU are the only influencing factor on that, so only YOU can decide whether they play a part in the result…
Try to adjust your mindset so YOU don’t negatively impact the result by crippling yourself. Thinking that it’s important will only hinder your capabilities, so I’d suggest you TRY to have a mindset that it’s ONLY a test, and not life and death!quote]
How very true!
Better luck next time, Pete
Evil8Beezle:
Nerves are a result of the importance YOU are placing upon the result. YOU are the only influencing factor on that, so only YOU can decide whether they play a part in the result…Try to adjust your mindset so YOU don’t negatively impact the result by crippling yourself. Thinking that it’s important will only hinder your capabilities, so I’d suggest you TRY to have a mindset that it’s ONLY a test, and not life and death!So what if you don’t pass this time, there’s always next time.
Best of luck!
Cheers Evil, and Peter … I know what youre saying, but its an uncontrollable/involuntary reaction. I physically cannot switch off or stop shaking, no amount of breathing or calming thoughts stops it. On the plus side I`ve involuntarily lost about half a stone in weight this last 2 weeks if you catch my drift
It was an afternoon test and I was up at 5am with nowt to do as I was obviously not at work, total killer, waaaaaaaay too long to dwell on it all.
I hope next time round itll be a tad easier as at least Ill have a better idea of what to expect.
Cheers Pete, but I wasn’t going for eloquent. I was trying to give the OP a epiphany but sadly it didn’t work. 
You need fix your quotes though mate, don’t you know how YOUR forum works? 
You will do better next time Trouble!
You now know what to expect, so any trepidation should be…
Best of luck and don’t let the nerves beat you!
Do not worry mate, it took me three times to pass the artic test, the night before turn off the tv, have a hot bath with Radox or bath salts, a walk before going to bed , the night before, you may forget what is learnt, no need to panic, that is how the brain copes with filing information like a computer, the next day it will recall what is needed .
Has others have said Kalms are very good to take the edge of things .
My instuctor told me to drive as if the trailer was full of livestock , so i was steady on the brakes and approaching roundabouts and traffic lights .
A big breakfast on the test day to keep the blood sugar normal and if breakfast is missed, you will feel dizzy and nauseous .
My nerves weren’t too bad. I’d done the week’s worth of training, and by the night before the test had the attitude of “Well, I’ve done all I can as far as training goes.” And had the best night’s sleep that week.
On the day, I was a little nervy. Went for a last practice drive. Foot was trembling on the throttle a bit. So my instructor took me down roads I’d never been down before. The extra concentration quelled the nerves. And that was the key to the test. Concentrate. Don’t let the mind wander, just concentrate. And it worked a treat. Passed Class 2 first time.
Some examiners are chatty, some aren’t. Some are pleasant, and some seem gruff. Just put it down to their way of doing things, and concentrate on doing everything they way you’ve been taught.
Getting through Class 1 was harder, and I had three different examiners. All with different personalities.
Personally, not having a chatty examiner was fine by me, as it suits me. But at some point in each test I did have brief chats/remarks with each examiner on easier sections of the route, usually instigated by them.
I was told that if i found an examiner’s chat to be distracting, to politely tell them that I preferred not to chat whilst driving.
I always looked at each test as being just like a drive with the trainer, except I’ll get my feedback at the end. And it’s just that, a drive.
Most of my tests were late mornings/lunchtime. Which worked well for me, as i worked nights at the time, and didn’t have to wait all day.
Good luck next time.
And just concentrate, don’t let the mind wander. Concentrate.