After taking your driving lessons, the next step is taking your road test and proving that you can put all the theories you have learned into practice. But, apart from that, there are a few common things people fail during a road test.
It’s okay to feel nervous about taking the test, but you need to compose yourself and face the test with courage.
Several students fail their first attempt and are forced to book for another test.
Why do some students fail their driving test? Below are some of the most common mistakes students make while taking their tests.
Let’s dive in.
1. Driving Too Slowly
As a new driver, you may find yourself driving too slowly to avoid driving too fast.
However, slow driving is as dangerous as fast driving, if not worse. When driving too slowly, you will interfere with the usual traffic flow.
The road contains different kinds of drivers, slow driving combined with other careless drivers can lead to accidents.
To avoid driving too slow, you must observe the specified speed limits in the area you are taking the road test.
Note that the speed limits tell you the maximum speed you should keep practicing a speed limit slightly lower than the specified one.
2. Unfastened Seat Belt
Most new drivers fall victim to forgetting to fasten their seatbelts on the test day.
When you enter the vehicle, the first thing you should do is fasten your seatbelt, whether you are a passenger or the driver.
Nervousness, fear, and anxiety are some of the reasons you may forget to fasten your belt when taking your road test.
As simple as fastening the belt may look, it plays an essential part in awarding marks for your test, and you earn an automatic failure for not fastening it.
How do you ensure you remember to fasten the seat belt?
Well, make sure you practice fastening the belt every time you drive or the co-driver. After a while, it will become a norm, and you will have no struggles.
3. Inappropriate Lane Change
You need to concentrate when changing your lanes. The examiner will check whether you observe all the rules involved in the lane change.
Any mistakes in the switch will lead to marking out your points.
Before changing your lanes, check if the lane you intend to move to is clear. Use your rearview mirror followed by your side view mirror before changing your lane.
Additionally, you must remember to signal at least 5 seconds before you start changing the lanes.
4. Incomplete Stops
Incomplete stops are among the common mistakes, and you ought to avoid them at all costs in your driving test for a good score.
As a new driver, you may find yourself slowing down and failing to complete the stop. Make a complete stop before you get to the demarcation line.
A rolling stop is considered illegal in New York, and it results in the failing of your test not to talk about the fine between $75 and $500 that will befall you if you fail to stop.
Practice completely stopping at the road in your area to ensure you perfect it before the test.
Consider putting your leg on the brake when approaching the stop sign for an efficient stop.
5. Not Using Mirrors
Mirrors are vital in checking your driving environment and the position of other cars on the road.
You can see an upcoming hazard with the mirrors, and you will figure a way out.
The examiner is very keen to see if you use the mirrors regularly and adequately.
For a better score, keep checking your side and rearview mirrors after every 5 to 10 seconds. As a new driver taking the road test, check the mirrors more than in everyday driving.
6. Car Failure
The car you plan to use in the road test must be in good condition.
It must meet the legal guidelines for the use, including functional headlights, working brake lights, and a working windshield.
NY DMV won’t allow you to take your test on a car with an expired registration, emission checks, or an inspection that isn’t up to date.
When approaching the test day with the help of your instructor, perform a self-inspection on the car to ensure your mirrors are in good condition and all other parts are functional.
Additionally, clean up the interior to remove all trash and personal items that can slide and be hazardous when driving.
To avoid last-minute disappointment, sort out all your registration issues and ensure all your documents are updated. If your issues are not sorted, you must reschedule the test.
7. Driving Too Fast
When taking your test, you may fall victim to driving too fast. Keep up with the given speed limit to be safe regardless of how prepared you are for the test.
Overspeeding is dangerous and causes accidents. You earn yourself an automatic failure for overspeeding.
Over speeding may be caused by anxiety; practice regularly before the test, and you will feel more relaxed while taking your test.
8. Excessive Brake Application
Braking is not just about stamping on the brake pedal. There is a good way and a wrong way of doing so. Use enough brakes to stop or slow down the car.
Applying the brakes harshly and roughly will cause you to be deducted marks on your test. Familiarize yourself with your car brakes to know how soft or hard they are.
In the case of an emergency, hard brakes are allowed to slow down or stop.
Always apply your brakes consistently and do it gently; you can slowly increase your pressure depending on the distance ahead. Continued practice will increase your breaking skills before your test day.
9. Unsureness at the Four-Way Stop
To approach and tackle a four-way stop is something you ought to take your time to master. When at this stop, you are expected to do what is required without fail.
You need to show that you are familiar with the four-way stop and earn more marks, avoid prolonged stops to avoid confusing other drivers.
Rules on a four-way stop are straightforward: whoever arrives first at the four-way stop leaves first, and if all drivers arrive simultaneously, the driver on the right side should go first.
10. Following Too Closely
It’s advisable to keep your distance. Following a car too closely is risky. If your examiner observes that you are not keeping distance, your marks will be deducted.
Keep a reasonable following distance to allow you to act upon an emerging issue such as an accident.
Prepare well for your test and keep your distance during practice, and you will be at ease during the test.
Final Word
Getting familiar with the above tips will help make passing the driving test easier. It will be easier once you practice correctly and go through your notes. Please familiarize yourself with your test road and the signs imposed on them. With our Pierre Paul Driving School instructors, you will be confident to take your DMV test.