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Overcoming the Practical Driving Test anxiety

Jul 31, 2023

Overcoming the Practical Driving Test anxiety: 7 Golden Tips to help you ace your test with confidence

Are you preparing to take your Practical Driving Test soon? You may be feeling anxious and nervous about it but it’s perfectly normal! After all, we are all humans and it’s part of human nature to feel so.
With the right knowledge and preparation, you can increase your chances of passing your driving test.

Here are the 7 Golden Tips, as we will walk you through the essential information and advice to help you steer ahead with confidence.  

1) Understanding the Test Structure:

Your Practical Driving Test comprises two parts and will be conducted by a tester, appointed by the Traffic Police.
The first part will take place at the driving circuit, 
whereas the second part will be on public roads to test your road ethics and adherence to the traffic rules.

Getting an immediate failure during the driving test is possible if you make a serious mistake while minor mistakes will result in demerit points, so stay alert and mindful on the road.

2) Get Sufficient Practical Driving Practice:

Get sufficient practical driving practice by allocating ample time ahead & booking additional driving lessons if required. Regular practice helps to build your confidence, sharpen your driving skills, and familiarize you with the various road conditions and situations you may encounter during the test.

Ensure that you are well-versed in handling the vehicle while familiarizing yourself with the vehicle’s instruments and learn how to adjust mirrors and use indicators effectively.

Practise proper maneuvering tasks such as steering, accelerating, braking, and clutch control as you may get points deducted unnecessarily during the test if not performed correctly.
For example, 
insufficient acceleration, wide turns or jerky braking. 

3) Know the Test Evaluation Criteria:

Understand the evaluation criteria used during the practical driving test. The tester will assess your ability to perform various driving maneuvers, obey traffic rules, and maintain situational awareness.

Pay close attention to proper lane discipline, signaling, checking blind spots, and executing turns.

4) Prepare for Common Test Scenarios:

Be prepared for common test scenarios such as vertical & parallel parking, lane changing, merging lanes, and negotiating roundabouts.

Continuous practice of these test scenarios can also help you build up the confidence in your driving skills. 

Always remember to develop a systematic approach for these maneuvers, focusing on accuracy and safety during the test.

5) Build Confidence in Different Traffic Conditions:

Expose yourself to different traffic conditions, such as heavy traffic and busy intersections.

Practise driving during 
different times of the day to gain experience in handling various traffic volumes and road situations.
This will boost your confidence and decision-making abilities during the 
actual driving test itself.

Remember to familiarise yourself with the Traffic Rules and Road Regulations 
which will be critical for the actual Practical Driving Test. (e.g., Bus Lane operating hours)

6) Revision on Test Routes and Review:

Simulate the actual test conditions by doing revisions and drive on all the possible test routes. As it replicates the actual test experience and helps reduce anxiety while your driving instructor will provide constructive feedback on areas that need improvement.

This will help you become familiar with the test format, improve your reaction time, and fine-tune your driving skills.

CDC instructors are trained in evaluating your driving skills performance & working to improve on them with you before you take the actual test. 

7) Manage Test Anxiety:

Test anxiety is common, but it’s important to stay calm and composed during the practical driving test.
Practise deep breathing techniques, positive visualization, and positive self-talk to manage stress and anxiety.
Remember, the 
tester wants to see you drive safely and responsibly.

Get a good night’s sleep, have a nutritious meal, and arrive at the test centre early.

Have trust in your preparations and remember that your driving instructor has thoroughly trained you for this moment.

Conclusion

Preparing for your practical driving test in Singapore requires a combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and confidence behind the wheel.
Remember to stay focused, stay calm, and always prioritise safety at all times.

B
ring all the necessary documents when reporting for your Practical Driving Test! Good luck on your journey to becoming a licensed driver in Singapore

P.S If you still require additional preparations to help you be better prepared, you can check out CDC’s training videos on various practical circuit courses before your Practical Test.

Login to the Learner’s portal with your Learner ID to access these learning materials today.

This article is brought to you by ComfortDelGro Driving Centre.
The article may not be reproduced, full or in parts, without prior consent.
Information is accurate as of 31 July 2023