Reporter Emma Snedden had thirteen attempts before passing her driving test – the main problem being mind-numbing nerves. Here, as the Lincolnshire Echo teams up with the AA to offer a money-saving deal on driving lessons, she recalls her terror of tests.

I was quietly confident when I approached my first driving lesson – there was nothing to suggest it would take me nearly five years, 13 tests and four instructors before I could tear up my L plates.

On my 17th birthday, an instructor met me in front of the quiet village post office.

I already knew about clutch control and road signs, my dad had taught me well.

As I chatted away, my instructor seemed quite impressed.

“You are a natural,” he told me. “You will have no trouble passing.”

The first three tests were washouts. I drove so badly.

Conversely, as I got more confident on the roads I got more nervous on the tests.

Tests five, six and seven were appalling. I couldn’t control the shaking in my legs, let alone the pedals or gear stick.

There were just three examiners at the test centre in my home town – and I was on first-names terms with them all.

By test number eight, fear had taken hold. My nerves had got the better of me, and I hyperventilated so much they wouldn’t let me get into the car.

I did what I thought was sensible. I gave up and didn’t get behind the wheel again until last year.

My instructor talked me through my nerves, and finally in June, after five more tests, I passed.

So I proved it is possible to pass. Stay calm, and do what you’ve been taught. You’ll do it.

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