The excitement of having your driver’s license in the coming months can be overwhelming. But you shouldn’t let it cloud your confidence because you’ll take on a lifetime responsibility. And you still have to pass your DMV road test to prove to yourself and the DMV that you’re ready for the huge responsibility that lies ahead.
So what will it take you to pass your DMV test? There are so many ways you can prepare yourself well to ensure you nail the test on your first try. After all, you studied the traffic rules and road signs comprehensively to get your learners’ permit. You need to put everything you learned to practice during the road test.
Though you have all the confidence, the thought of taking the driver’s test can send chills through your spine because you don’t really know what to expect. That’s why we’ve prepared everything you need to help you pass the road test right here;
Skills Tested During the Driving Exam
The goal of the DMV’s behind-the-wheel exam is to determine whether you can safely operate a vehicle and whether you understand the traffic rules. And you have to prove this by demonstrating all the essential driving skills you’ve acquired in school and during practice.
The skills you have to demonstrate include;
- Lane changing
- Making left and right turns
- Driving on freeways and in regular street traffic
- Stopping at controlled or uncontrolled intersections
- Parking lot driving
- Straight line backing
Preparing for Your Road Test
Before you schedule and take the road test, you must be sufficiently prepared.
Take Lots of Practice
Practice enough and in the right way. It is recommended to get 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training, and 10 of those practice hours should be done at night.
Since you’ll be practicing under the supervision of someone with experience, assume you are taking the road test and ask your accompanying driver to help you point out your mistakes and correct them. Later on during the real test, your examiner will note how you handle your car and the traffic rules.
Make sure you improve your driving skills by steering and accelerating smoothly at all times. Use the correct gears, obey the speed limits, the three-second rule, and the traffic signs. Always make sure you use the right lanes and signal when turning or changing lanes. Scan your surroundings for potential hazards by frequently checking your mirrors. Practice defensive driving by anticipating other motorists’ errors.
Getting comfortable behind the wheel will help you prepare for your road test. Make good use of empty parking lots during weekends to practice.
Familiarize Yourself with the DMV Testing Location
After scheduling your driver’s exam, you should familiarize yourself with the location of your testing. The driving test will take place on roads near your testing site, so drive around the area while focusing on the road signs, speed limits, and potential hazards. This will help you understand what to expect during the test.
Get Additional Training from Practice Test Companies
Although it will cost you some money, you can get a driving and practice test company to help you enhance your driving knowledge and real-time road experience. Training companies are often aware of what the driving test will entail and will help you prepare better. This may be an expense, but you should consider it an investment into your road test and driving success. While training, study, and master all the laws and rules of the road so you can ace the road test.
Give Your Vehicle a Pre-Test Inspection
On the day or night before your driver’s test, your car will be subjected to inspection to ensure it meets the DMV standards. To ensure it’s in good operational condition, you can give it a pre-test inspection. Check the brake lights, headlights, and blinkers to make sure they are working.
Understand all the basics of your car, brakes, steering, turn signals, AC buttons, lights, wipers, horn, hazard lights, defrost, and other car buttons. Give them a try, so you know how to use them on the D-day. Check the car tires to confirm they are all in excellent condition. Inspect and clean the windshield to make sure there are no cracks. Adjust the mirrors to the best position that’ll help you spot hazards. Review and practice your hand signals until you master them with confidence. (Tip: It’s easy to pass your test when you use an automatic car.)
Get Your Requirements Ready
Tomorrow is your big day, and you’ll need to have your papers together to present to the DMV official before you get behind the wheel. Your photo ID learner’s permit, vehicle insurance, proof of registration, and any additional paperwork are essential – you can’t take the road test without these. Keep everything ready, including corrective lenses if you need them. Make sure also that someone drives you to the driving exam. Finally, get enough sleep so you can wake up fresh and ready.
On The Day of Your Driver’s Test
Now that you’ve goteverything ready (your papers, your vehicle, and yourself), wake up early, and prepare. Arrive early at the testing site so that you have some time to relax and mentally prepare for the road test. As soon as you enter the car, put on your seatbelt.
During the road test;
- Be very attentive. Watch out for all the areas with reduced speed limits, such as parks and school zones.
- Follow all the road signs, especially the speed signs.
- Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands throughout the test, even when you’re turning.
- Use the correct hand placement. The 9 and 3 placement is ideal because it will keep you safe in case of an airbag deployment.
- Observe the three-second rule
- Don’t cross the solid lines
- When you are at a four-way stop at the same time with the motorist across, allow them to go first, especially if they’re turning.
- Stay in the right lane when driving. Change lanes only when it’s safe. Look over your shoulder first, then use your blinker to alert other drivers. Your examiner will tell you if you need to drive in another lane.
- Use your horn only when necessary
- Finally, focus on speed. Maintain a constant speed and only change when you encounter speed signs in children’s play areas and school zones.
The Bottom Line
A driver’s test takes a very short time. You can make the most of this critical moment by staying confident and focused. When you make a mistake, don’t worry too much about it; just keep going to avoid making more mistakes. Be comfortable behind the wheel, and you’ll overcome any nervousness and fear as you go.