test nerves

bikerbob · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 02 Aug 2004 Karma :

I have my test for the second time next week and I am already feeling nervous when I think about it.

Just wondered if anyone had any tips on beating the nerves?

Peat · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Karma :

My instructor told me that statistically the second test is the worst because you get really nervous as you currently are. By the time you've reached your third test you've lost your nervousness and don't care (you just want the test over and your license in hand) hence it's an easy pass becuase you're confident and relaxed and perform at your best. So the best thing to do is not think "oh my god, I failed my first test because of x,y, and z", rather think to yourself, "I know I have covered all the angles, this is going to go well and I can't wait to get out on the road!"

Seriously, don't get wound up, relax, be confident and you'll breeze it! Pretend you've done the nervous second test thing and pretend you're on your third Wink

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Peat
"Life is something that happens when you can't get to sleep."

mr jamez · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Aug 2003 Karma :

You have nothing much to lose, if you fail you can take it again. Just turn it around so it is positive, you will be riding on a big fast bike when you pass Wink

Munday · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 17 Jun 2004 Karma :

stryker · Brolly Dolly Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Karma :

I hate this whole "failed my test because I forgot one lifesaver" or "failed because I left an indicator running once"..... that is what makes me nervous at the thought of my test this month, its the fact it seems to be a damn lottery.... any experienced rides here who can honest to God claim they've never done either of the above?

I wish the test was more of an assesment of ability, like the CBT!

As for nerves.... I'm still trying to think of things to help me, although one idea I had was not exactly PC and possibly not legal Wink

Peat · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Karma :

stryker · Brolly Dolly Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Karma :

Good points, but I think we've all seen many people in both cars and on bikes who should NOT hold a license and would not be holding a license if it not for an obvious run of good luck on test day.

This is why I stick to my belives, that it should be an assessment of ability and understanding, not a 30 min test with set rules and no discretion.

ducatigirl · L Plate Warrior Joined: 14 Jul 2004 Karma :

I had some training last year but didn't do my test then as wasn't confident enough. Bought myself a cg125 and used it all the time. When it came to my test i just pretended it was a lesson, failed the first one, and passed the second with 1 minor Very Happy

and at £48 a test, was a lot cheaper than booking training course. The first examiner was a misery, the second one, we hit it off straight away, he had a totally different attitude and it put me at ease. Once you get out there riding you will be fine, just remember to be really really observant and confident. Let us know how you do, and good luck Thumbs Up

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

you will either pass or fail. think about it, if you fail, then you cough up another £48 and come back again in a few weeks time. what is there about that which cases you to be shitting bricks? allright its not great, but its not like your on death row or anything!

stryker · Brolly Dolly Joined: 30 Aug 2004 Karma :

I think the nerves come about thinking how annoying it will feel knowing your up to the standard but failed the test anyways..... IE WANNA RIDE A BIKE! <stamps feet> Laughing

NickD · World Chat Champion Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Karma :

Not to advocate polluting your body, but if you can get hold of a mild beta blocker (half inderal L.A.80, or similar), they will lower tension without adverse effects on mental function or drowsiness (DISCLAIMER... Obviously, only on your doctors advice). Also, a friend of mine was advised by her instructor to take 'Kalms', a non drowsy herbal relaxant available from any chemist, for around a week up until the test. A number of friends have done this since, and all believed that they made a difference.
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I was only doing what it said on my licence officer....
Tear along the dotted line!

Davo · Davo To The Rescue! Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Karma :

I've always been told that having a strawberry yoghurt before taking your test is a good idea, I thought this was a load of rubbish, but it appears to work. Apparently has something to do with an agent in the yoghurt making you relax.

loply · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Mar 2004 Karma :

Personally I think its all mental.

best thing to do to not be nervous for your test, is practice so much that you simply KNOW its a breeze for you.

Gazdaman · I did a trackday!!! Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Karma :

I was shitting bricks on my first car test.

I failed.

Technically I stopped too quickly at a zebra crossing, but really I was going too fast.

I just wasn't as relaxed as I should have been.

Second test, I was much happier, much better examiner, we got on quite well.

I misunderstood a command, momentarily panicked, and edged into the right lane on a roundabout.

The thing that best prepared me for that second test was failing the first one..

If you pass, great. If you fail, you'll feel so much more at ease for the second.

Gaz

tony532 · World Chat Champion Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

i was a bag of nerves before my test

the way i got round this was when the examiner said to go and start your bike up and get your self ready i used all the available time to do some deep breathing and get myself calm and ready for the test

worked wonders and i passed with 3 minors

every time they ask you to pull over at some point use that time to get yourself composed and think about what you need to remember.

life savers,turning off the indicator e.t.c