Are you about to take your road test and wondering what’s in your control when driving? When steering the wheel, ensure you are sober to take your test, as the examiner believes you are ready for the test.
Some learners assume that the instructor or the examiner will always chip in to help them control the wheel and end up failing the test.
Keep reading as we check out what you are in control of when driving.
But first
Check our video on what’s in your control when driving.
What’s in Your Control When Driving
1. Speed
Various features revolve around speed, and you are the only one who can adjust the speed limits to the required ones. Your examiner glances at the speedometer to ensure that you are doing the right thing, and mistakes lead to mark deduction in your scoring sheet.
The sensitive pedal at the far right keeps your car moving, and the more you press, the higher the speed. Your foot placement is vital, and your shoes will also determine your comfort when pressing the accelerator.
Remember that you should always use your right leg and the ball of your foot to press the pedal and be gentle to maintain control.
The brake pedal helps you reduce your speed when necessary, and the red lights at the back will notify other drivers of your intention. You use the right foot on this pedal since you can’t brake and accelerate simultaneously.
Manual cars have the clutch where you must put higher gear when accelerating and lower ones when slowing down. Always pay attention during your driving classes to ensure you master every pedal for a safe maneuver.
Keeping the proper distance between your vehicle and others helps reduce the chances of collisions and accidents.
2. Steering Wheel
You are the only one holding your steering wheel, and it helps control where you are in the car. Please keep your hands in the correct position to avoid crossing them. For efficient control, you must have a firm yet gentle grip.
The grips help you minimize steering wheel reversal and avoid sudden movements. The NHTSA recommends the 9 and 3 hand position for safety since the 10 and 2 one is dangerous for cars with smaller wheels and blocks the airbag position. You also reduce the chance of injuring your face.
3. How You Stop
When driving during your road test, you oversee how you make your stops regardless of the signs. Making incomplete stops is against the law. When taking my road test, the examiner asked me to stop by raising his hand to test whether I would do the right thing.
When making a complete stop, ensure your car is in neutral and that you lift the handbrake. The stopping instruction helps build your reaction to emergencies as you control the vehicle. For your convenience, check your mirrors before moving from the stop.
4. Where You Go
By saying where you go, it doesn’t mean the route you take for the test; it’s how you judge when getting into a space. For example, if you find a tight spot and something tells you it’s small, don’t fix your car and collide with another.
Your examiner is not responsible for telling you which way to turn. It would help if you made the proper judgment when changing lanes. You should maneuver well in the parking area and take your time with parallel parking, which can be challenging for new drivers.
After taking your turn, you decide whether to move to the right or left lane and remember that you must keep right when driving in New York for an effortless experience.
5. Paying Attention to the Surrounding
It may seem obvious that you are in charge of checking your surroundings, but some learners assume that the examiner will help them glance at the mirrors. Check your rearview and side mirror to ensure there are no pedestrians on your way.
You must be alert during your test for the best results. Avoid taking alcohol or other drugs that impair your judgment on the road.
What’s Beyond your Control when Driving During Your Road Test?
1. Other Drivers
You can’t control what other drivers intend to do on the road, and the best you can do is observe the rules and practice defensive driving. All kinds of drivers are on the route, from aggressive, intoxicated, and distracted ones.
Teens are most victims of distracted driving, and you should keep safe by ensuring you keep your phone away or put it in flight mode. Some drivers trigger road rage and are likely to tailgate hence the need to prepare for the unexpected.
2. Inclement Weather
Weather conditions are often abrupt, and you have no control over them. The NY DMV allows you to reschedule the test if there are adverse weather conditions until it gets better.
During your driving lessons, you learn to drive in the rain, which will prepare you if the rain hits when taking your test.
3. Traffic Control
You can’t decide when a traffic police pulls you over to check your credentials or when the green lights will be on for you to get moving. Ensure you obey the traffic rules for the best experience on the road.
The best part is your examiner can change your test route to a less congested one.
If a traffic jam catches up with you, ensure you drive cautiously and look out for tailgaters and aggressive drivers without confronting them.
Wrap Up
When behind the wheel during your road test, the examiner expects you to drive through the route with minimal mistakes. You are in control of the steering wheel, and keeping your hands in the correct position will keep you safe. Ensure you observe speed limits for a smooth traffic flow.
Your driving lessons play a significant role in how you perform in your test, and fortunately, our skilled driving instructors will ensure your skills are top-notch. Hurry and start your driving lessons with us.