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Free psychological test · Transactional Analysis (TA)
The Drivers Test — The Five Commands That Push You
Be Perfect · Be Strong · Try Hard · Please Others · Hurry Up
“Why can I never stop, even though I know this is good enough?” “Why do I end up saying I’m fine, even when the words ‘this is hard’ have risen all the way to my throat?” If rest does not feel like rest, and your mind is not at ease even when you are told you did well — behind that there may be a command that pushes you on (a driver), carved into your mind since childhood.
The drivers test measures which of the five commands described in Transactional Analysis (TA) — Be Perfect · Be Strong · Try Hard · Please Others · Hurry Up — moves you most strongly now. These commands were originally a childhood survival strategy: “If I do it this way, I can be loved.” The problem is that the command still runs automatically now that you are an adult, and when you do not meet the condition, you drive yourself hard.
30 questions and about 3 minutes are enough. The moment you put a name to the command you have been tied to the longest, the self-blame of “Why am I like this?” begins to turn into understanding: “Ah, I was following this command.”
Quick sign-up, then start right away · About 3 minutes · 30 questions
The theory behind this test
Driver theory comes from research published in 1974 and 1975 by the American transactional analyst Taibi Kahler. While observing clients in counseling, Kahler found five behavior patterns that appeared again and again in tone of voice, posture and facial expression in the few seconds just before a person went into a stressful situation, and he named them “drivers,” which replay the life script from moment to moment. This discovery developed into miniscript theory and became one of the core concepts of Transactional Analysis.
A driver is a conditional message: “You are OK as long as you…” While you are meeting the condition you look like a capable, diligent person, but the moment the condition breaks down, anxiety and self-criticism follow. So knowing your driver means understanding at the same time where your strength came from, and when that strength wears you out.
The types you will meet in your result
Be Perfect
This is the command of many people who only feel at ease when there are no mistakes, and who check again and again before submitting. Its strengths are thoroughness and a high level of finish, but it is hard to get the sense that “this is enough,” so finishing a piece of work can itself become difficult. If the one thing that falls short catches your eye before the things you did well, this command may be running strongly.
Be Strong
This is the command of people who do not let it show even when things are hard, and for whom asking for help feels like losing. Its strength is a steadiness that does not waver in a crisis, but when feelings are held down for a long time, it becomes hard even to know what you yourself are feeling. If “I’m fine” has become a habit of speech, it is worth a look.
Try Hard
This is the command of being tied to “trying” itself, more than to the result. Its strength is the energy to throw yourself into something new with enthusiasm, but the process of making an effort becomes the goal, so your strength gives out just before the finish, or you keep starting new things. If you are always busy and always trying, and yet strangely feel you have little to show for it, you may suspect this command.
Please Others
This is the command of people who, when the other person’s face darkens even a little, check whether it is their fault, and for whom refusing is the hardest thing in the world. Its strength is the empathy to read other people’s feelings quickly, but in trying to please everyone, what you yourself want easily gets left for last. If you cannot remember when you last said “No,” this command may be moving you.
Hurry Up
This is the command of people who get anxious when there is time to spare, and who only feel at ease when everything is finished fast. Its strengths are quick reactions and drive, but things get missed in the rush, and waiting itself becomes painful. If you eat fast, your speech speeds up, and you find standing in line unusually hard to bear, the voice of this command may be on the loud side.
Who this test is for
- People who, even after finishing a piece of work, cannot relax for thinking “I could have done it better”
- People for whom it has become a habit to tell no one when things are hard and to swallow it alone
- People who cannot refuse, and so keep taking on more work and more relationships
- People who get anxious when resting, and only feel comfortable when they are getting something done fast
- People whose burnout keeps repeating and who want to know why
Frequently asked questions
Is the test free? Do I need to log in?
Yes, the test is free. With a quick sign-up your result is saved, and the saved result is used automatically in later AI analysis and counseling, so you can get a deeper interpretation.
If a driver comes out strong, does that mean something is wrong with me?
No. Everyone has drivers, and they were originally strategies learned in childhood in order to be loved and recognized. They are also the root of strengths such as thoroughness, responsibility, empathy and drive. But the command wears you out when it runs too strongly, so noticing it is itself the start of recovery.
Is the result of this test a medical diagnosis?
No. This test is not a medical diagnosis. It is a tool that helps self-understanding. It is like a mirror in which to look at your behavior patterns, based on the theory of Transactional Analysis. If your psychological difficulties feel severe, we recommend counseling with a professional as well.