test
- Do I have the documents required by my home state to do the test?
- Have I had enough theoretical and behind the wheel training?
- Does my vehicle meet minimum safety standards?
The answers to these basic questions should be automatic if you are preparing to obtain your license. However, by following the basic tips outlined in this article, you should be prepared to take your drivers license test.
First of all, in preparation it is advisable that you attend an accredited driving school. By going to a driving school, you will receive better training than if you were to rely solely on the training of a parent or guardian. Parents can be excellent teachers for young drivers because they have an invested interest in their teenager's safety. They are not likely to have adequate experience in training new drivers. By incorporating a strategy of both attending a driving school and using parents as a secondary resource, your abilities behind the wheel and knowledge of traffic laws will be substantially helpful when the time comes for you to take your road test.
Another method of improving your knowledge of road safety would be to take an online driving education course. In some states these courses are approved, in other states they are not approved. The cost of these courses also varies by state.
Driving Test Tips
Do a check
Before you even get into the car to do your test, make sure you do a check of the vehicle before starting your test. This check should include a check to make sure that all of your lights are working, including your signal lights. This is when you should also adjust your mirrors to ensure that you will be safe on the road. This may seem like common sense, but a large number of young drivers who are either nervous or excited on the day of their test forget to perform a simple check.
Changing Lanes
Your instructor will undoubtedly ask you to change lanes at some point during your test. Remember to signal every time you change lanes (up for a right turn, down for a left turn). And, never cross two lanes of traffic. Repeat this process every single time that you need to change a lane. Be sure to look over your shoulder to check your blind spot. Failure to do this could cause you to not pass the test.
Watch the Speed Limits
Once you are on the road and being evaluated, one of the main observations that will be made is your speed. It is important not to exceed the speed limit. You likely won't fail if you are a mile or two over the speed limit, but your evaluator will be checking to see whether you are aware of the speed limit if you enter a school zone or a construction zone. It is important to always be aware of speed limit signs in order to drive accordingly.
Slowing Down and Braking
By the time you are taking your road test, you should be comfortable with braking and accelerating smoothly. It is important to remember that even if you approach a stop sign and there is no traffic coming in an opposite direction, that you make a full and complete stop. Count to three in your head and proceed. It is also important to slow down properly while approaching a turn. This is a skill that can be taught by a driving school. The smoother you are at braking and accelerating, the more comfortable your evaluator will feel in your driving abilities. When you complete each parking segment of your test, be sure to use the handbrake.
Day of the Test
The best time of day to do your test would be sometime between 1pm and 3pm. This is because there should be less traffic on the road at this time. Try to avoid scheduling a test during rush hour because the added traffic on the road may make you a little nervous. Also, by scheduling your exam in the afternoon it should be possible to have your last lesson that morning. This will help you to warm up and relax. Finally, do not pay attention to what your evaluator is writing during your test. Keep your eyes on the road. Whatever your evaluator writes is beyond your control.
Remember that driving is a privilege, it is not a right. It is up to you to use the resources available to you in order to become a responsible driver.