We've all been there: the dry mouth, the racing heart, and that nagging voice in your head wondering if you’ve forgotten everything you ever learned in a matter of seconds. Whether it's a GCSE paper, a university essay, or even a driving test, anxiety can feel like a heavy weight.
I recently finished my Master's degree in International Relations. You would think that after years of school exams and a Bachelor's degree, I'd be a pro at staying calm. Yet, even now, I get incredibly anxious before big presentations or important life events. I'm also currently trying to pass my driving test - I've failed twice already.
Does this anxiety mean I'm not confident? Does it mean I don't know my stuff? Actually, no.
According to research by David Putwain (Putwain, 2025), a leading expert on the subject, exam anxiety isn't just about "being nervous." It often stems from two main places: The Worry (the mental thoughts about failing) and The Emotion (the physical feelings in your body).
Putwain suggests that anxiety often comes from how we perceive the 'threat' of the situation. It isn't necessarily a sign of weakness; it is a sign of importance. We feel anxious because we care about the outcome. When I’m sitting in the driver's seat of my instructor's car, my heart is racing because that licence represents freedom and a new chapter. The anxiety is a reflection of my values, not a lack of skill.
Is Anxiety a Bad Thing?
Not always. A small amount of pressure can actually help us focus. However, it becomes a problem when the "threat" feels bigger than our "resources" to handle it. Putwain’s work highlights that anxiety often grows when we feel that a single test defines our entire future.
Three Tips for Students (and Parents)
- Reframe the Feeling: Instead of saying "I am scared," try saying "I am excited" or "My body is getting ready for a challenge." They feel physically similar!
- Focus on the Process, Not the Result: In my driving test, I try to focus on "checking the mirrors" rather than "what happens if I fail." Break the big task into tiny steps.
- Parental Support: Parents, the best thing you can do is remind your child that their value isn't tied to a grade. Anxiety thrives on the fear of "letting people down."
Failing my driving test twice didn’t mean I couldn’t drive; it just meant that on those days, my anxiety got the better of my focus. If you’re feeling the pressure this exam season, remember: you feel this way because it matters to you. That’s a sign of a passionate, motivated person. Take a breath - you’ve got this.
Reference:
Putwain, D. and EBSCOhost (2025) Understanding and
helping to overcome exam anxiety: what is it, why is it important and where does it come from? London; Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group. Available at: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&scope=site&db=nlebk&db=nlabk&AN=3961724.
