So one day, you’ll finally feel ready to explore the mysterious and alluring lifestyle
of a motorist!
The only thing still left between you and the stretch of a highway is your driving test.
And even though the very thought of taking such an exam might be pretty intimidating
for a new driver, there’s no need to panic!
Several simple tips will put you on the road to success!
- It may sound obvious, but before scheduling your road test, have tons of practice.
Don’t just wing it!
You need to get comfortable behind the wheel of your car.
- If possible, practice in the vehicle you'll be driving during your actual test.
The thing is, every car has its own peculiarities, and you'd better get used to them before your
exam.
- While preparing for the test, ask your driving partner, be it your instructor, your friend,
or your Dad, to be entirely honest with you and grade your performance.
They should note every single mistake you make: every missed turn signal, and every
blind spot you failed to check.
- A great idea is to practice in office parking lots - they're usually deserted on weekends,
and nothing will disturb your training.
Also, try to get several orange cones to work on parallel parking.
- As soon as you set the date of your test, make yourself familiar with the area where
your exam will take place.
Usually, it happens close to your testing site; that's why it makes sense to explore
that district as well as you can.
Drive around and pay attention to the road signs and speed limits.
Also, try to spot all the potential hazards and think about how you would deal with them
should they arise.
- If you have a choice, opt to take your test in the suburbs rather than in downtown.
In the city center, it’ll be harder to drive due to the abundance of traffic signs, crowds
of pedestrians, tons of streetlights, and heavy traffic.
- Even if you're taking your test in the summer, no one can guarantee that the weather on exam
day is going to be dry and sunny.
That's why you should learn to drive in different conditions, for example, when it's rainy,
foggy, or dark.
- Take your test at a time when you don't have anything else on your mind.
If you're distracted by your schoolwork, college exams, or some family issues during the test,
you're more likely to make a serious mistake and fail.
Your driving exam should have your undivided attention.
- If you know somebody who’s recently passed their driving test, ask them to tell you about
the whole procedure in detail.
This way, you'll know what to expect.
What's more, you'll find out what you should watch for, especially if the person you're
"interviewing" remembers some particularly tricky parts of the test.
- Right before your driving test, the car you're going to use will be inspected.
That's how examiners make sure vehicles meet minimum standards.
To avoid any last-minute delays, take the car you'll be driving at the exam to a pre-test
inspection.
- Make sure that all the lights, including brake lights, blinkers, and headlights, work
as they should.
Otherwise, you may fail the exam before you even start.
- Figure out where all the basic buttons are in your car and learn how to use them.
The examiner can ask you to turn on the wipers, emergency brake, defrost, hazard lights, and
horn, and you're supposed to do it immediately.
- Another thing to check before the test is the condition of your tires, the level of
your wiper fluid, and the cleanliness of your windshield.
There shouldn’t be any cracks in the windshield either.
- Learn all the hand signals by heart because they’re among some of the most frequently
asked driving test questions.
- Before the examiner joins you in the car, adjust the mirrors in such a way so you can
see the road and any potential hazards clearly.
Also, as soon as the test starts, make a show of checking your mirrors - this way, your
examiner will know that you realize how important it is.
- On the exam day, remember to take all your paperwork with you, including your permit,
the insurance for your vehicle, and the proof of registration.
- Use the vehicle you feel comfortable with, but keep in mind that it's always easier to
pass the driving test in an automatic.
So, if you're going to drive a manual at some point, probably leave it until after the exam.
- To start the test on the right foot, show up on time.
The best time to arrive at the test center is 15 to 20 minutes before the exam.
This way, you'll have time to prepare, but won't have to wait for too long, growing more
and more anxious.
- As soon as you get into the car, put your seat belt on.
The trick is that sometimes test takers get so nervous, they forget all about this basic
and mega-important step.
- In most test centers, you're allowed to have your driving instructor in the car during
the test.
So, if you feel like it might put you at ease, go ahead and invite them for a ride!
- If you failed to hear the examiner's instructions clearly during the test, keep calm and ask
them to repeat.
There's no need to panic - if you do, you might lose focus and trip up.
- Even if you make a mistake, don't worry, or assume that you've failed.
You can make up to 15 minor errors during the test, so there's no need to dwell on your
mishaps.
- Be extra concentrated when passing school zones, residential areas, or parks - in short,
all the areas where the speed is likely to be limited.
- While driving, keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times.
Remember to control your hand placement throughout the test.
On top of that, keep in mind that you shouldn't let the wheel slide between your hands when
you turn.
Hold onto it tightly the entire time.
- Avoid stopping too close to the car in front of you.
You should be able to see its back tires from your seat.
- Every time you change lanes, look over your shoulder and remember to use the blinker.
- Maintain a constant speed while driving.
Don’t drive too fast or too slowly.
Follow the speed limit, or you'll lose test points.
- Don't be afraid to use the horn when necessary, for example, if another car comes up too closely,
or if it's trying to squeeze into the lane right in front of you.
- You can imagine that there’s a glass of water on your dashboard.
Try to drive so smoothly and carefully that this imaginary water doesn't spill over.
- Some new drivers find it helpful when their windows are a bit open.
This way, they feel more aware of potential hazards or other cars - after all, you can
often hear vehicles approaching before you can see them.
- Pay extra attention to school buses.
If you see one parked on the side of the road with the lights flashing, stop the car and
wait.
It means that children are getting off at the moment.
- When you back up, always look over your shoulder, as well as to the right and to the
left.
Also, look in your mirrors to assess the situation - the examiner will definitely expect you
to use these aids.
- When you turn, switch your blinkers on well before you make the maneuver, but not too
early; otherwise, you may confuse other drivers.
However, keep in mind that there's no need to use the blinkers if you're just following
the curve of a road.
- At an intersection, watch out for kids, pedestrians, bicycles, other vehicles, or
any other potential hazard.
Do it BEFORE you enter the intersection.
- Always come to a complete stop at all the junctions with a stop sign.
Do NOT let your car make a rolling stop because this is both dangerous and illegal.
Also, after you've come to a complete stop, wait for several seconds, and only then start
to move again.
On the other hand, don't stop unless you have to, or you'll hinder other cars.
- No matter whether you've passed or failed, your examiner will give you some feedback
at the end of the test.
Listen attentively because it might be the best driving advice you'll ever get.
This way, you'll learn all about your driving style, the mistakes you've made, and how to
do better the next time (that is if you've failed).
If you've already passed your driving test, tell me how it was down in the comments!
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