How Do I Pass My Driving Test?

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How do I pass my driving test? Here are some tips to help you pass your driving test on your first try. You can do it, I know you can. Feel free to call me at Western Auto Insurance for any assistance.

• Get lots of practice. Try to practice as much as possible in the vehicle that you will take to your actual test.
• Practice in an empty parking lot. Office parking lots are usually deserted on the weekend and are great for practicing. If you can find a couple of orange cones to borrow so that you can set up a parallel parking area.
• Practice Practice Practice. You should be very comfortable with parallel parking, parking uphill, downhill, regular and even reversing into a parking stall.
• Once you schedule your test familiarize yourself with the testing area. Generally the driving test will be completed on the roads that are very near to your testing site. Spend some time driving around the area. Pay special attention to the speed limits, road signs and potential hazards. This way you will already know what to expect when you go in for your test.

The Night Before Your Road Test

• Your car will be inspected to make sure that it meets minimum standards.
• Make sure that the lights work. (headlights, brake lights, blinkers, etc) or you will automatically fail.
• Understand where the basic buttons are in the car and how to use them. You should be able to turn on the AC, turn signal, wipers, lights, defrost, emergency brake, horn and hazard lights easily.
• Check your tires and make sure they are in good condition.
• Clean your windshield. Make sure that there are no cracks in the windshield.
• Adjust your mirrors. During the test the examiner will be watching to see if you use your mirrors properly, so make sure that you are ready.
• Review and practice your hand signals. This will be one of the first things that they will ask about on the test.
• Gather up your test paperwork. At the very least you will need your permit and proof of registration and insurance for your vehicle.
• Take the vehicle you have practiced in. It is always easiest to pass your test in an automatic. If you plan on driving a manual, wait until after the test.
• Plan on getting to the test early. This will help you to have time to relax and prepare mentally before you actually have to take the test.
• Wear your seat belt. Put it on as soon as you get in the car, before you start driving.
• During the test pay attention. Watch specifically for school zones, parks and other areas where the speed limit might be reduced. Obey all road signs that you see, especially speed signs.
• Hold onto the steering wheel with both hands at all times. Use proper hand placement and focus throughout the test.
• Don’t stop too closely to the vehicle in front of you. As a general rule you should be able to see the tires of the car in front of you.
• During the test do not cross solid lines as this will result in an instant and automatic fail.
• Watch for a no right turn on red sign. Paying attention to all the road signs is critical if you want to pass your test.
• When you come to a four way stop pay attention to who arrives first. When you come to a four way stop it is always first come first served. If you arrive at the same time as the car across from you, let them go first especially if they are turning.
• Try to stay in the right lane as much as possible. When you make a left hand turn into the left lane, wait until it safe and then carefully change lanes into the right lane. Always look over your shoulder before changing lanes and be sure to use your blinker.
• Focus on your speed. Maintaining a constant speed is important. Watch for speed signs and always observe them. Remember that school zones and children’s play areas may have a reduced speed, so pay attention.
• Only change lanes when you are absolutely certain that it is safe. If your test administrator asks you to change lanes, make sure that it is safe first. Never cut anyone off or change lanes without looking.

Backing Up

• When backing up make sure that you look over your shoulder. Also look to the left and to the right. Make sure that there is nothing in your way before you start moving.
• Use your mirrors. Your test administrator wants to see you use these aids to safely back up.

Turns

• Using your turn signals is important for all your driving test maneuvers. It helps let other drivers know what you are planning on doing.
• Make sure that you turn your turn signal on plenty of time before you are actually going to turn. This will give other drivers a chance to notice and plan accordingly.
• When making a left hand turn make sure that you do not turn your wheels while waiting. Instead pull up to the junction, wait until it is safe to turn and then turn your wheel as you make the turn.
• Take turns slowly. If you are going to be turning, you should slow down.
• Make sure that you use the appropriate blinker when turning. Flick your signal up for right hand turns and down for left hand turns.
• Always check your blind spot when changing lanes. It is a good idea to check over your shoulder around the same time that you turn on your signal. If it is clear you can change lanes, if not wait until you can safely change lanes. Keep your signal on until you are safely in your new lane.

Yield Signs

• Don’t come to a stop at a yield sign unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Make sure that you slow down for each and every yield sign.
• If you are approaching a yield sign and there is a car on your right approaching, make sure that you let them go first. Right of way is critical on your driving test. Do not violate it, even if another car indicates that you should go. It is better to be honked at for driving correctly during your test than to fail for making other cars happy. The only person that you need to please is your test administrator.

Stop Signs

• During your test you will encounter 2 way, 3 way and 4 way stops. Make sure that you know what to do at each type of stop and that you handle each properly.
• When you approach a stop sign, make sure that you come to a complete stop BEHIND the line. But, don’t stop too far back. You should be right at the line with your front bumper just behind it.
• Stop for at least 2-3 seconds at each stop sign before moving again.
• Do not come to a rolling stop since this can result in an automatic fail.
• When you come to a stop make sure that you check in both directions and that you check all of your mirrors.

Parking

• Practice your parking skills a lot before the test. This way you will be able to confidently park each and every time that you need to.
• It is important to park properly on your first try. This is why practice is so important.
• If you are parking on a hill make sure that you get close enough to the curb (use your mirrors) and then slowly let your tires hit the curb before you stop and put the car in park.
• When you parallel park make sure that you put the car into park once you are into your space.
• Use your parking brake when parking. This is easy to forget, especially if you drive an automatic, but is very important on the test. Before starting the car again, make sure that you disengage the parking brake.
• Make sure that you know how to parallel park. Some test administrators won’t ask you to do this, but some will. Practice until you can do it easily and get into your space on the first try. It isn’t worth failing your test because you didn’t take the time to learn this skill. Plus it is an important skill to have once you start driving on your own.
• When parallel parking make sure that you don’t hit the curb, but that you do get close enough to it.

Conquer Your Driving Fears

• Be calm and focus on your driving, not on the test.
• Relax – it is only a driving test. Fight your fears. While it may be stressful, you will do much better if you learn to relax during the test.
• Try to have fun during the test. You have come a long way in preparing for your license and you are almost there. Look forward to getting your license and celebrate how far you have come.
• Try not to get too nervous. If you get nervous you might make a simple mistake that could cost you the test.
• Drive with confidence.
• Be alert. If you watch the road you will have less time to focus on your nerves.
• Know your vehicle. If you want to do well on your test make sure that you practice in the vehicle that you will taking to the test. This is very important.

That’s it. How do I pass my driving test? Just relax and follow these tips!

If you have any questions please call me and Good Luck!

413-543-3800