Story-Part 2 The Written Test

​The written part of my driving test came first.  It was in two parts, multiple-choice questions and hazard perception video clips. 
 
I began studying the multiple-choice practice questions and memorizing information from the driving test book.  There was so much to learn.  For example, one thing I had to learn was the braking time for every type of vehicle under every type of road and weather condition.  I worked on the practice tests daily, committing to memory the answers both right and wrong.
 
Part two of the written test was a series of hazard perception video clips.  You watched a driving scene play out and then had to accurately click when you thought a hazard was taking place.  I hadn’t played video games before, so this was very hard for me.  I worked on the practice video clips over and over again. 
 
This went on for three months before I felt like I was finally ready to take the test.
 
On the day of the test, I felt relatively confident because of how much I had studied.  When I arrived at the testing center however, everything changed.  I became so nervous and anxious.  What if I didn’t pass? 
What if they asked questions that I didn’t know the answer to? 
What if I clicked too many times on the video clips?
What if?  What if?  What if? 
 
My heart started beating faster. I had trouble breathing. I was getting light-headed.  I was sweating.  My stomach hurt.  I was having a panic attack!
 
I had to get this under control, so, I started counting my breath, even inhales and exhales.  Slowly, the panic attack became manageable, my symptoms eased.  All of this happened and I hadn’t even taken the test yet!
 
I went into the testing center and to my assigned cubicle.  I made note of the time since this was a timed test.  I began with the hazard perception test.  I failed the first clip and began panicking again.  I stopped to do my even inhales, even exhales breathing practice.  That really helped.  After finishing all the video clips, I started the multiple-choice questions.  When I finished, I wasn’t sure I passed or not.
 
I waited in the reception area for my test to be processed.  I was given the results in a sealed envelope. I walked outside shaking and scared to open it.  When I finally did, I burst into tears.  I had passed!  I was so relieved that I cried and cried.  After a while, I pulled myself together and went home.
 
I had passed, but the anxiety was still crippling me, both mentally and physically.