Driving Test

[natalie_1982]

My baby bro (ok, he's19) has his driving test tomorrow (2nd try) and he's a reall worrier.  I don't drive so does anyone have any tips to calm him?  Ta x

[jno]

as someone suggested in Body & Soul recently - Rescue Remedy is a great calmer.

[netibiza]

andy hughes is right (of course).  Don't panic.  I was on my fourth test when I stalled on a hill.  Totally fed up I just got on with  starting up and doing all the rest.  It was a new Renault and I had to wait for the dashboard lights to go off, so I explained this is English to a Spanish examiner, then pottered off.  I was so amazed when he passed me, because I was convinced I had failed but because I didn't panic, I passed.  Good luck to your bro.

[natalie_1982]

Thanks for all your answers.

I've tried telling him to keep a clear head, focus on what he's doing and as much as posible keep calm and relax.  He's a natural worrier and panics at everything, always has done - I guess I'll just have to send him happy, calm thoughts.

[sam82]

a cup of tea always calms you down, well thats wot my mum will say, go have a cup of tea and sit down and think of nothing...

if its his second time tell him at least he knows what to expect this time as the first time your that nervous because you dont know what to expect. all you can do is reasure him that he is obviously ready for this or his instructor wouldnt have put him forwarded for it. take deep breaths before he goes into the car, make him tell himself he can do this. then get into the car and go for it....

[MORELLO]

Above all - RELAX...

[don1]

If he fails this time because of nerves tell him to go see his doctor next time and ask him for a beta blocker, it is a capsule that prevents a rush of adrenalin which is what causes the feeling of panic.

They are good for that big job interview, or when you have to stand in front of a room full of people and speak.

The one I use occasionally is called "half inderalla 80mg"

[natalie_1982]

I don't think I'll encourage him to go on beta blockers, he's 19 I think the med is generally intended for 80 year old men with high blood pressure!

[don1]

I'm not suggesting he "goes on" beta blockers just takes one for one driving test.

[spinchimp]

How did he do (by the way Mrs Spinchimp had beta blockers for the test she passed - after failing 5 - and she was only 25!

[natalie_1982]

Ooops sorry both I obviously getting confused re beta blockers.

And he probably could have done with them as he failed :(