How I did it: Found a good instructor, and practised as much as possible in my spare time - stretching myself when I felt that I could handle a more difficult route.

Before the test day, I listened to a hypnosis CD a couple of times (hey - it's worth a try), and also stopped driving in our own car as the handling was too different from the driving instructor's car.  Rather than drive every day, I took a couple of one hour lessons and concentrated on other things instead. This helped to take off the pressure.

Lessons & tips: A good instructor is the key. If you suspect that you are not clicking or seeing progress after a few lessons, then look for someone new.

Also, retain your confidence and keep on trying. There were days when my driving was rubbish, and I thought that I had lost my skills, but looking back on it, I cocked up due to other factors - tiredness mostly. I made sure that I had decent sleep before the test, and took my mind off it until an hour before. I also wore my lucky trousers.

Jan 28, 2009, 07:11AM PST | 4 comments | 11 cheers