Nerves Can Cause Driving Test Failure

It is a common cause of mild amusement between friends about who passed their driving test first or second time. Usually those who pass second time have some iron clad excuse as to why they failed the first test. Now, it seems, people may have a genuine reason to fail.

We are all nervous during exams and the driving test is no exception. Many people are finding that the nerves are just too much and can cause more than just a few harmless butterflies.

Researchers at the Liverpool John Moores University have discovered that shaky nerves really are enough to affect a driving test. People who failed were found to be twice as anxious and to have faster heart rates than those who passed.

Nerves brought on by fear of the examiner and anxiety about failing before family and friends were found to cause a significant collapse in performance. This is a common problem especially in younger people. There is so much peer pressure to pass your driving test and get ‘some wheels’ and impress your mates or a potential partner.

Scientifically speaking, this is a phenomenon known as "choking" say researchers.

In one test researchers found that a student driver who went on to pass had a heart rate of a very cool 120 beats per minute. People who flunked were found to be pumping away at around 140.

Some driving schools and motor insurance firms now offer advice on relaxation techniques.

Some tips on how to relax during a stressful situation:

•    Take a couple of deep calming breaths – breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.
•    Straighten your spine and lower your shoulders.
•    Visualise yourself in a happier situation, such as on a beach.
•    Smile – very often this simple action can completely change your outlook.

If you want to know more about driving why not ask AnswerBank Motoring.