There’s nothing like the freedom that comes with a driver’s license. The first part of the test is a written examination, and most people say this part of the process is easy. However, when it comes to the driving exam, it can be a bit nerve-wracking. Have you wondered if there are any tips and tricks on how to pass your driving test on the first try? By following these tips, you can ensure that you only take the test once and pass with flying colors.
Before the Test
You need to do some research and find out where and when you can take your test. Before you schedule the examination, you want to ensure you handle a few things. There’s nothing worse than paying for a test you aren’t ready to take only to have to retake it.
Don’t Schedule Your Test Until You’re Ready
Most temporary permits expire in a year. You can renew your permit if needed. Don’t schedule your test until you are 100 percent sure that you will pass. Make use of your ability to drive with an experienced driver so that you can make sure you get the hang of things before the big day. Ask the driver to critique you and give you pointers. If they have been driving for several years, then their input can be valuable.
Maneuverability is the part of the test that makes most people nervous. Invest in some orange cones and find an empty parking lot where you can practice. If you pass the driving without issue but knock over a cone in maneuverability, then you will fail the test.
Familiarize Yourself with The Testing Area
To help ease your nerves, familiarize yourself with the testing area. By knowing the route, you need to take; it can drastically reduce anxiety for the big day. Practice until you have perfected the art of driving that route.
Depending on where you live, you may have the option to take your test in several locations. If you can schedule your test in a rural area rather than using urban, hectic roadways, then it will be better. You want to remember that testing in a city can have many traffic lights, an abundance of signage, and pedestrians. All these things add complications to your examination.
Have Your Car Inspected
You may be the best driver in the world, but if your car doesn’t pass the basic inspection, you won’t be allowed to take the test. Have your car inspected before taking the examination. You can’t have any cracks in your windshield, the turn signals, horn, and wipers must work. Take care of these small things to ensure it doesn’t put a damper on your test.
Learn How to Use Mirrors
It’s shocking how many people drive without truly knowing how to use their mirrors. Make sure you can use these mirrors to see around the car. The examiner is going to ask you about your mirrors and may have you adjust them. They are also going to ask you about hand signals should your turn signals ever go out. You must know these to pass your test in some areas.
The Day of The Test
The big day has finally arrived. You’re ready to become a licensed driver. The test is the only thing standing between you and the freedom of the roads. If you’re wondering how to pass your driving test without issue, then here are some things to make sure your test is done to perfection.
Use A Vehicle You’re Comfortable With
Sure, you may want to be classy and drive a sports car with a manual transmission to your test, but you’re better off to stick with a car you are comfortable in driving. You can learn to drive that stick shift after you get your license. You need to focus on getting that permission to drive before you tackle such a major undertaking. A standard vehicle adds a whole other layer of difficulty to the test, and it can make you fail. The car you take your test in must feel comfortable, be easy to see the mirrors and pass the quick inspection given by registrar.
Arrive Early
It’s acceptable to arrive about ten minutes early. The DMV frowns on people that are late, and you may be required to reschedule if you are too late. Remember, they schedule these tests back to back, and they don’t have time to wait around on one person. Know how long it takes for you to get to the DMV and pull up driving directions and share them with the person who is taking you there. If you arrive too early, just wait in the car or find a nearby spot to relax.
Keep Your Hands at 10 and 2
The reason why you are to keep your hands at ten and two on the steering wheel is that it allows you to have better handling of the car. Don’t try to do a one-handed stunt. You need to be in complete control of the automobile, and the examiner is going to look to see if you are observing this requirement for good driving.
Use Your Turn Signals
It sounds like a silly thing to tell someone about to take a driving test to use their turn signals. However, many people get nervous and caught up in wanting to listen to the examiner’s requests, and they forget about them. They know your nerves are working overtime as this is such a big day, but you need to use your signals, or they could take points off for that infraction.
Obey All Traffic Laws
Make an extra effort to observe all traffic laws. For instance, if a passenger happens to cross your path, remember that they always have the right of way. Also, don’t do a rolling stop at a stop sign. Make sure the vehicle comes to a complete stop before proceeding through an intersection. You should wait two or three seconds before you start moving again. Pausing allows time for any cars that are in the way to move so that you can go.
Remember that whoever gets to the intersection first has the right of way, and if you are turning across traffic, those going straight also have the right of way. While you won’t be tested on all these things during an examination, you never know what might come up while you have the examiner in the vehicle. Thinking on your feet is how you pass your driving test without issue.
Some examiners will purposely take you through an intersection that doesn’t permit a right turn on red. They want to see if you are paying attention to the signs and the laws. It can be an automatic failure if you turn right on red in a posted area.
Never Cross Solid Lines
You will fail your test immediately if you cross over a solid yellow line. You need to show the examiner that you can maintain your proper placement within a defined lane. Also, try to stay in the right lane and avoid the left, passing lane. If the examiner wants you to get over into the left lane, then they will instruct you.
Don’t Speed
Even if you don’t see a posted speed limit in the testing area, you still must maintain the proper speed. Don’t go 27 mph in a 25-mph area, or the examiner will deduct points. Remember, unposted residential areas are 35 mph, country and rural roads unposted are 55 mph, and school zones are always 20 mph. Everything else should be posted for you to see. Remember, this isn’t a race. You are trying to impress the examiner with your good driving skills, and you are not in a rush to get it done.
Observe Traffic Lights
People who have been driving for quite some time may take liberties on the road that you shouldn’t. For instance, speeding through an intersection when the light is yellow is not wise. Many times, the light turns red before they clear the area. If you should do a maneuver like this on the test, it could mean an automatic fail. Examiners don’t pass people who run red lights.
Be Prepared for 3-Point Turn
Some jurisdictions ask people to do a 3-point turn or to parallel park on their test. Other areas require what is called maneuverability. All three of these exercises are conducted to show how much control you have over the car. You should be prepared and comfortable with doing all three of them. You must have complete control over the vehicle and be able to act quickly as you need to in a 3-point-turn or when you are parking on the side of the road.
Mastering Parallel Parking
If your area does parallel parking, here are a few things that will help you to master it. First, check the distance between the car in front of you as you need to see how much area you have to fit your car. Check your blind spot to make sure no kids are around, and all cars have cleared the area. Turn your turn signal on to let others know you are parking in that spot. Put the car in reverse and turn the steering wheel to the right. Slowly align the car and pull into the spot. Now, turn your steering wheel in the other direction, and place the car in drive. Park the vehicle leaving about a foot or two between the car in front and the one in back.
Pay Attention to The Weather
The weather can play a significant part in your test. If it’s raining, make sure to turn on the lights and slow down. It’s easy to take your examination when the sun is shining bright, but you may have to deal with snow and ice or a few gray clouds. No law says you can’t go slower than average, especially if it means that you can have better control of the car and won’t wreck.
Walking Away A Winner
While it seems like the testing examiner is out to get you, they are there to help. Ask questions if you need to and make sure you understand their directions. However, don’t carry on a conversation and try to befriend them. Focus on driving and not the examiner as this can distract you. This can cause you to miss important road signs and other traffic situations.
When you have completed the test, the examiner will tell you if you passed. If you failed, remember that it’s not personal. They will tell you what you need to work on and when you can retake the test. However, most people who adequately prepare do indeed pass on the first time around.
Being a teen and knowing you have to pass your driving test before you can earn your freedom is a nerve-wracking experience. Luckily, we have all gone through it and we have amassed a great wealth of knowledge on the subject. Driving Test Sample is dedicated to helping you pass your driving test on the first try. Simply find your state and take our practice tests as many times as you need to feel comfortable with all the questions. Then, try your hand at our US National Signs test.
After you’re comfortable, head down to your local DMV, Secretary of State, or Law Enforcement office. There you will sit down with a state employee who will administer the test. If you’ve used our practice tests, we bet you’ll do better than you think!
Good luck!
