Nervous drivers - don't give up!
I was so deflated after failing for the 2nd time, and I really wanted to quit. More than anything I just didn't want to go through the stress and hassle of it all again. I think it's difficult when you're so close to passing, too. Skills-wise I could probably have passed even on the first test, it's really just the nerves that kept getting to me, but today was finally my day!
I was a nervous wreck again this morning but managed to rein it in and I'm so happy I did! I had a good breakfast, went over the Show Me Tell Me questions, and then had the obligatory banana and an electrolyte drink (which I highly recommend). I was not great during my warm up, the slightest mistakes made me feel like crying, though I was trying really hard to stay in a positive mindset.
It sounds a bit mad, but before the test I went into the loo to dance around and shake out my arms and legs to release some of the tension. I honestly think it helps! I also sang "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida in my head while I was waiting, which was not planned but definitely didn't hurt! And I tried to force myself to be as smiley and cheerful as possible chatting with my instructor and the examiner when he came out.
During the test I kept water beside me, took lots of deep breaths, and had some strong mints to suck which can help if you feel sick from the nerves, and is just quite grounding/ calming. After messing up my manoeuvre I was so freaked out that my legs started shaking a little, but thankfully I fixed it, had some water, and managed to calm down a little and keep going. I started to feel super nervous again when we got close to the test centre, which led me to cut the corner turning into the car park, but thankfully it was just a minor.
Good luck to everyone who has a test coming up, especially those who get nervous like me! Believe in yourself, you can do it!!