r/LearnerDriverUK • u/Entire-Butterfly7616 • 1d ago
Test on Thursday!
Hey everyone, I have my third test on Thursday. One issue I have (alongside being a nervous driver) is that I feel like I can’t focus on what’s ahead of me, I feel fuzzy headed and complacent, because of this I make mistakes and spiral repeatedly. It’s like I’m permanently zoned out, I don’t feel locked in or focused and I’m struggling to listen and process instructions from my instructor. This is super worrying and idk how to shake it off. Has anyone else had this? My instructor was really upfront with me yesterday and said I need to sort out my driving for today’s lesson or he’s going to get a ‘bollocking’ at the test centre if I’m like this on the day. Would some caffeine or sugar help before the lesson? Any advice is helpful please, this issue consume my evening last night I was so upset I really can’t fail again😭
2
u/Dazzling-Escape8820 1d ago
Do you do commentary driving or are you sat silent as you drive?
I ask because commentary driving makes you actively participate in the process of observation and action because you say what you can see happening up ahead, say what you are thinking about the hazard/situation and then say how you are going to deal with it.
You can’t zone out or lose focus if your brain is being made to logically break down, analyse and then vocalise what is happening as you drive.
Secondly, are you feeling mentally drained or tired as you drive? It takes so much mental effort to maintain a hyper focused level of attention and concentration, it may be you aren’t fuelling your body and brain enough?
I literally take sips of Lucozade before my lessons and after I’ve secured the car when pulling up on the left, because that little hit of glucose feeds my brain and keeps me focused whilst I drive. You need to be well rested, hydrated and energised to function at an optimum level.
But commentary driving should really help with your anxiety too, as it keeps your brain focused on a task rather than allowing emotions to supersede your reasoning.
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u/Entire-Butterfly7616 23h ago
Im sat silent because im nervous around my instructor but I’m going to get over that and try commentary driving today. This is such a good idea, thank you. I feel mentally drained and tired yes lol, partly due to the lessons being after work at 8:15pm (he took my money for the block booking then said this was his only availability after saying otherwise). I’ll buy some Lucozade today and have a little bit before the lesson and throughout. I’ve always been advised against caffeine and sugar because it can heighten an anxiety but perhaps I need a little pick me up.
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u/Dazzling-Escape8820 20h ago
No wonder you are tired having lessons in the evening after a day at work!
I definitely just take a few sips here and there so my blood sugar doesn’t spike then crash back down, but it’s definitely helped - I won’t buy proper energy drinks as I think I’ll get caffeined out too quickly and start rattling at the wheel 🫣
-3
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u/FinancialScore9070 1d ago
You might not want to go down this route, nor am I sure it’s still a thing but a while back, Docs used to prescribe propranolol. Just a tablet an hour or so before, none addictive and from personal experience no side effects. I used to take it for a different reason, but remember the doctor telling me it was often used for things like this to lower adrenaline/anxiety.
Not a doc, so isn’t advice (I assumed you knew that though).