Dear Patti,

I’m 81 and have to take the DMV road test in order to keep my license. I passed the written exam but when I took the actual driving test last month, I failed. It only took 20 minutes but it seemed like forever. I was fully prepared. I’ve taken a driver’s prep course of over 50 hours with 10 hours of night driving. As my family will attest, I’m a very good driver with good eyesight and keen reflexes. I was just so nervous at the possibility of losing my driving privileges that I didn’t pass, and as the re-test gets closer, I’m getting more and more apprehensive. If I don’t succeed, I have only one more chance. I’m very independent and hate the idea of being a burden on others if I lose my license. If I’m calm and focused and still unsuccessful, then maybe it’s time to stop driving, but if I fail because of my nerves it would be a shame. Do you have any suggestions on how to keep my composure?
— Betty

Dear Betty,
You’re not alone in your angst about test-taking. Whether it’s a job interview, a school exam, an athletic competition, or even sex, anxiety can occur when someone has a strong need to perform but becomes so afraid of failure that all their knowledge, experience and confidence flies out the window. Concentration can also be impacted by extreme stress, or following a traumatic event. Let’s say, for example, you and I visited a hospital emergency room and encountered a man who’d just been in an accident. Imagine asking him to study trigonometry on the spot; remembering his phone number and address might be challenging enough.

When your anxiety level is so high that cognitive disruption (unclear thinking) occurs, it’s important to understand the causes. Let’s start with thinking of your body as a radio with three channels. One is a channel to all your thoughts, another channel is to the physical and emotional feelings in your body, and the third is all of the senses (smell, taste, sight, touch and hearing) that connect you to the outside world. Since it’s difficult to listen to three radio stations simultaneously, it’s important to focus on what each separate channel is communicating.

First, let’s concentrate on your thoughts. Explore your worst fears; i.e., you don’t want to lose your independence. Face these thoughts, explore possible alternatives, and then turn that channel off. Don’t allow yourself to ruminate, especially during the test. Every time these frightening thoughts return, dismiss them by saying “I don’t need to scare myself.” Concentrate on how to demonstrate your driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws and stay focused in present time.

I’d recommend driving to the DMV road test site a few days before the exam. Sit in your car in the parking lot and focus on the second channel, your physical and emotional feelings. Imagine yourself getting in line to take the test. Do you have physical anxiety symptoms such as knots or butterflies in your stomach, racing heartbeat, shallow breathing or tense muscles? Are you experiencing feelings such as sadness or anger? If so, pay attention to these feelings and focus on your symptoms until they go away. Lie back, stretch out, close your eyes and breathe in and out, deeply and slowly. Count backwards from 10 to one, feeling the tension gently leave your body with each breath as you relax your feet and legs, your torso, your arms and hands and, lastly, your neck and head. When you’re completely relaxed, open your eyes and, again, imagine yourself taking the test. Repeat this relaxation exercise each time the anxiety returns until you’ve desensitized your fears and can easily visualize yourself confidently taking the test. Even under stress, you’ll be able to recall the knowledge and skills you know you have.

Get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam. Don’t go on an empty stomach. Take a small snack — maybe fresh fruits and vegetables. Arrive early with your thoughts free of fear and worry, your body calm and relaxed. Stay focused on the third channel — giving full attention to your senses; stay in the present, and focus on the task at hand. Good luck.