Performing For A Driving Test WITHOUT Melting Down?

[Twarg]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. My name is Megan.

I just really need people like me to talk to and ask questions. This in particular is about driving tests.. which you've all heard before.

I've had issues with GAD, SAD and chronic depression since I can remember which prevents me from being able to function in a job or school, or socially.

I don't have issues driving on the road, I seem to have a lot of patience for it and refuse to be wreckless (due to a speed and attention related crash I was in when I was 4, the reality of the road hit me young.) I've had my L's since I was 16 (now almost 21) and consider myself a capable, safe, non-hesitant driver.

I've never gone for my test. The problem is the combination of being with a stranger, and having to perform. If I'm anxious I do all sorts of dumb mistakes, which then turns into a full blown panic attack. That's if I even make it out the door from my pre-appointment panic attack. The stress of this triggers a particually dark period with my depression. It's no way to live as I'm sure you all know.

I want my licence. If I manage to get past the test, then it's one of the few things I know I can handle and any freedom I can have, I need.. even if it is just borrowing my Mums car now and then.

How did any of you cope with the test? Are there any medications that can be taken and not impact my ability to drive safely? I've been through 6-7 anti-anxiety/depression meds this year alone along with therapy, none of which helped, so I mean something meant for performance.. 'for when I need it' kind of pill. Any steps or techniques you've found personally useful?

ANY tips that aren't your usual 'if you fail you just try again until you get it' advice, because it -really- doesn't help me. I appreciate the thought, but I wouldn't be asking if it were that simple for me. Even if it sounds stupid, I want to hear it.

Thanks for reading my post and thanks in advance for taking the time to reply.

 

[Aussie_Lad]

Hello and welcome.

I guess the first question I would ask, is how desperate are you for your license? When you want something so badly that it almost hurts, that is the time when it is best to take action.

My tips:
- In the 24 hours before the test, go somewhere peaceful, close your eyes and focus on the sounds around you and of your own breath. This is a simple meditation exercise to help calm the mind.
- Take some rescue remedy immediately prior to the test, if you feel any signs of stress / anxiety coming on.
- Tell the tester that you are feeling nervous. He / she would have heard and seen it all before anyway, and it may put yourself at ease a little knowing that the tester is little more familiar with your situation.

 

[Unrequited]

My advice would be to try and focus on the confidence you feel for being able to drive the car well. You say your capable, safe and non-hesitant, so are a good driver; take confidence in that.

I really surprised myself on my driving test. I was extremely nervous beforehand (the room I was in started spinning while I was sat down at one point!), but as soon as I sat in the car to start my test everything settled down and my nerves almost vanished. I'm sure it'll be similar for you; when you have something to concentrate your mind on (e.g. the driving) the nerves can't bother you quite so bad because you aren't constantly thinking and worrying about them.

I also had a prescription for Propanolol (a Beta Blocker) and took a very small dosage of that before my test - but who knows if it really helped other than in a placebo way?

Good luck, and try and remember these things are usually a whole lot worse in our minds; when you actually get there and get going, I'm sure you'll find it's not half so bad as you fear.

 

[Untamed88]

I found my test really easy. It was just like a regular driving lesson but the instructor had changed. It wasn't a social situation, you don't have to talk or anything, just drive. I thought it would be really bad but it was actually really easy. Nowhere near as stressful as I thought it would be.

 

[Twarg]

Thankyou all so much for your thoughtful responses, it's given me some things to think about and some reassurance.

Interesting though, my mum happens to have Propanolol. I'm not even sure -why-.

Untamed, that tends to be my problem, I dont rationalize between what is and isnt a social situation. As much as I hear what you're sayin', simply meeting a new person like that is to my brain. I think it's a very deeply set learned thing, not so much an imbalance as medication hasn't helped.

Again, can't thank you all enough for your comments!