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Driving and Anxiety

Halima

Hello, 

I recently did my driving test and failed due to anxiety , I just wanted to get some tips from autistic drivers who failed first time what advice they may have for me to smash the next exam? 

Parents

  • I haven't taken my tests yet as I have just started to drive but remember it's okay to feel anxious, especially during a test. I've heard chewing gum can help take a bit of anxiety away. Also if it helps, narrate what you are doing. It can give you reassurance but also give the Driving instructor reassurance and they know that you know what you are doing! :) Good luck :)

Reply

  • I haven't taken my tests yet as I have just started to drive but remember it's okay to feel anxious, especially during a test. I've heard chewing gum can help take a bit of anxiety away. Also if it helps, narrate what you are doing. It can give you reassurance but also give the Driving instructor reassurance and they know that you know what you are doing! :) Good luck :)

Children
  • in reply to Riz

    Narrating is something that is done in advanced driving courses. Don't feel odd doing it, it is good.

    It obviously requires that you can speak reasonably freely and that it is not using too much mental capacity so that start to struggle with everything else. 

    It shows what you are seeing, what your decision process is and makes it a conscious thing you are actively engaged in.  It makes it easy for the examiner to know what you are doing.

    I think I also had to do it when I took some flying lessons.

  • in reply to Riz
    Riz said:
    narrate what you are doing

    Yes, I decided to give an out loud commentary - when I encountered unusual situations to navigate around during my driving test. 

    During any car journey; it is possible to come across situations which are new to you - the examiner wants to know that you are observant, apply the Highway Code, consider risk mitigation and are not hesitant about safely actioning your solution (in a manner suitably communicated for the understanding of other road users and pedestrians).

    I passed my test.

    Good luck with your next driving test.

  • in reply to Riz

    These days you have to know how to use a satnav as part of your theory test, I'd fail that if I had to do the test again, I've never used one and I think the only thing I'd want to know is how to turn it off.