To get your driver’s license in New York, you must pass the road test. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, as most new drivers don’t know how to pass a driving test, which is why, a majority rarely get it right the first time.
According to a study by Siegfried and Jensen, New York is one of the states where it’s easy to pass a road test and get a driver’s license. When it comes to passing a road test, New York has a difficulty score of 49 out of 100, which is the third easiest in the U.S. after South Dakota and Ohio with the difficult scores of 42 and 45 respectively.
But why do most people fail their road tests even up to three times in a row? Here are 15 common mistakes that make it hard for people to pass a road test.
How to Pass a Driving Test by Avoiding 15 Common Mistakes
1. Rolling Stops
A common mistake to avoid during the DMV road test in New York is making an incomplete stop. Most drivers will slow down, but not actually make a complete stop while driving.
It’s important that you come to a complete stop, but behind the demarcation line. Ensure to stop before this line.
2. Improper Change of Lanes
It’s not difficult to let other drivers know that you would like to change lanes, and check your blind spot and mirrors before you change the lane. But, most people fail to do this all the time, especially during a road test.
Thus, be sure to change lanes accordingly. When your examiner directs you to change lanes, you should look, activate the turn signals, check the side and rearview mirrors, tilt your head to check for a truck, car, or motorcycle in the blind spot, and if all is clear, change the lanes. Watch out for the traffic ahead of you as well, and keep the speed up.
At Pierre Paul Driving School, we teach you how to change lines to help your prepare for and pass your road test so you become a confident driver on New York roads. Register today.
3. Distracted Driving
Most people keep touching their phones and switching their music tunes. Distracted driving is unsafe and common among teen drivers. This can earn you a fail in your road test.
Thus, you should keep your smartphone and music off while behind the wheel. Pay attention to the task at hand and remain focused on the road.
4. Lack of Control over the Steering Wheel
While it’s important to show confidence while driving, don’t be over-confident that you use one hand to drive. When possible, keep both your hands on the steering wheel.
Also, learn to make hand-over-hand turns and use controlled slippage to release from a turn.
5. Make the Wrong Decision at Four-Way Stops
When you arrive at an intersection that has stop signs, you should know what to do, particularly if other vehicles are at that spot. You should wait your turn and go.
Remember to signal your intentions before turning. In general, if two vehicles come to an intersection simultaneously, the one to the right will go first.
6. Driving at an Extremely Low Speed
During the road test, you should display confidence. If you are too careful and keep driving below the required speed limit, you might end up creating unsafe conditions for both yourself and fellow drivers.
7. Driving Too Fast
While doing the DM road test in New York, stay within the required speed limit even if you notice other drivers are moving much faster.
You should be aware of places that require a drop in speed as well. For example, don’t drive too fast at work zones, construction zones, school zones and other areas that require a special speed limit.
8. Braking Too Hard
Familiarize yourself with how hard or soft the brakes are in the vehicle you intend to use for your road test. You can use a hand brake during emergencies, but if you want to stop or slow down, press the right brake, but don’t press too hard such that you and the examiner are thrown forward.
Enroll for driving lessons in Brooklyn, NY to learn how to brake correctly so you become a safe driver and pass your road test as well. .
9. Driving Too Fast Under Certain Conditions
At specific conditions, it isn’t safe to drive at the required speed limit. For example, if there’s fog, heavy traffic, rain, or an accident, slow down the vehicle to a safe speed.
10. Improper Merging on the Freeway
Your DMV instructor may not take you to the freeway, but if it happens, you should know what to do to merge safely from an entrance ramp into the freeway traffic at speed.
Most novice drivers usually stop at the ramp’s end instead of merging in. Doing this can lead to an unsafe road situation.
11. Changing Lanes when Passing an Intersection
It’s not recommended to change lanes when passing at an intersection, whether you’re making a turn or going straight. Even if the road is clear and you are sticking to the rules for changing lanes, don’t do it at an intersection. Go safely past the intersection first before changing lanes.
12. Following Too Closely
Always stay at a safe distance behind the vehicles in front of you. Maintain a safe distance such that should the vehicle in front of you brake or swerve, you’ll have enough time and space to react in a way that will keep you and the passenger from any harm.
13. Improper Parallel Parking
You may be required to demonstrate your parallel parking ability during a NY road test. During parallel parking, you should be careful not to roll over the curb or hit other vehicles.
Touching the curb may be fine, but don’t run over it. Even if you lose some points for not being able to parallel park your car properly, provided you don’t hit the curb or car too hard, you should be able to pass the road test.
14. Not Checking the Mirrors
During your road test, be sure to check your mirrors more times than you typically do while driving. Most new drivers often forget to check the side and rearview mirrors. Additionally, it’s always crucial to know where the other cars are with regard to your own even if you aren’t switching lanes.
15. Car Fail
Ensure the vehicle you bring to be used for your DMV road test meets all the safety requirements. The car’s windshield should not have a crack.
Besides, ensure the taillights, headlights, windshield wipers, and turn signals function correctly. Clean the car’s interior and exterior to ensure there’s no dirt or personal items that may slide around and endanger your driving.
Also, ensure the windows are clean to enhance visibility. If your vehicle isn’t up the expected standards, you may need to retake the road test later on, as most examiners start by inspecting the condition of your vehicle.
Final Take on How to Pass a Driving Test
To increase the odds of passing a road test, take practical driving lessons from the best driving school in Brooklyn. Some driving schools provide you with a car for the road test, thus, allowing you to get familiar with a car that you will eventually use for your road test. This reduces nervousness and improves your chances of passing the road test.
Enroll at Pierre Paul Driving School today and learning everything on how to pass a driving test. We have affordable packages for your needs. Most of our packages come with road test scheduling and a car you can use for the road test.