Anyone taken beta blockers for driving test??

[Cataya]

I have been prescribed propanolol (beta blockers) for my driving test in a few weeks. . . how long do they take to take effect eg. when should i take them if my driving test is at 11:41?

Thanx =] x x
As i said they have been prescribed to me . . by my GP for the sole reason that i get nervous when im on my driving test.
Beta Blockers are NOT sedatives!! Ihave incredible shakes in my arms and legs when on test but not when im doing my lessons . . the doctor wud not have given me them if it were unsafe to drive on them! duh

[juliawright2002]

Has your G.P prescribed them they are quite a strong medication, I take them for high blood pressure. They do slow the heart rate and Ive been told that snooker players use them to help concentration. Be careful though, if you really do need them take them a couple of days before test so as your body adjusts before the big day. If your doc has not prescribed and you've been given them by a friend I would be tempted not to take them. Anyway good luck with your test and happy driving!!!

[DEBORAH C]

take them the day before and on the morning ,about 8 am , of yur driving test. they work for me. good luck

[insomniac]

Fail. In the Highway Code, you may remember "You must not drive under the influence or alcohol, or any other drug", or words to such effect. If you think you need a sedative to help you drive, please stay off the roads when I use them! You either can drive, or you can't. You should have been not only having lessons, but been added as a named-driver to a family-members' car insurance, and should have been doing all the driving you can, until the novelty wears off, at all times of the day, short trips, long trips, country lanes, dual carriageways, day and night.
Learning to drive is about exactly that - LEARNING to drive. Take your time, don't rush it. I had 27,000 miles in 18 months as a learner. I have now had 25 years of driving, have a clean licence, and have had no accidents.

[LauraLorLor]

It seems a bit extreme to prescribe beta blockers for nervousness. Anyway, I would take them a while beforehand, to give you time to adjust and in case you react badly.

[ladypam]

Beta blockers such as propanolol have been "prescribed" to overcome performance anxiety or stage fright. It affects the response of the brain so that it will supposedly help you stay calm and not be nervous about a forthcoming event, which in your case is driving.

It is best to try and take it beforehand to check its effect on your body. You can also check on how fast it acts on your body. You wouldn't want to go on your driving exam looking drugged, right?

Hope this helps.

[shelzter]

to insomniac: yes it does say in the highway code that YOU MUST NOT drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol but the GP's wouldn't prescribe it if it wasn't safe to do so. plus as long as the examiner or your driving instructor knows then it isn't illegal and is safe. i know this as i have been prescribed beta blockers and my instructor has told me that it is safe to drive whilst taking them. also i would like to say that i can drive as a matter of a fact my instructor has said that im am the best driver she has seen but when that man gets in the car next to me and knowing that he can give me that card that will allow me to drive on my own all the excitement and nerves just seem to roll in. its not a matter of either you can or can't drive its the fact of nerves and excitement all rolled into one!!!