The freedom of the open road is calling to you, and there is just one thing standing in your way – the driving test.
If you’re feeling nervous about it, know you aren’t alone. And failing the first (or second or third or 30th) time is no indication that you’re a bad driver.
To help you feel more confident when it gets time to make the trip to the Department of Motor Vehicles, here are five tips to help you pass your driving test and get your driver’s license.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
The whole point of having a permit is to give you time to learn by doing. So make sure you log plenty of time behind the wheel and not just during driving school.
More driving time makes it more likely you’ll have encountered and learned to deal with situations that might arise during the driving test. You’ll feel more comfortable with the basics, and making smooth stops and remembering your turn signal will become second nature.
- Stick With The Car That Brought You
Your driving test is not the time to try out a new car. Even if you have your own now, use mom’s car for the test if that’s the car you’ve been practicing with as a first-time driver.
A car you’re familiar with will have the windshield wipers, lights, and turn signals right where you expect them to be. You also won’t be surprised by how sensitive or stubborn the gas and brake pedals can be.
- Attention, Please
Paying attention means more than watching the road. It’s easy to get distracted by the tester in the seat next to you and your own anxiety about the test and forget something basic.
Among the most common reasons drivers fail are basic things like forgetting to put on their seatbelts, not coming to a complete stop, or not checking their mirrors. So stay calm and focused on everything about what you’re there to do.
- Don’t Forget to Study
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the driving part of the test that you don’t take time to study. But just because you breezed through the permit test doesn’t mean you’ll do the same this time. Many already licensed drivers can’t get a passing score on the written test without reviewing the guidelines, so make sure you do too.
- Avoid Extra Stress
Don’t make things harder on yourself by getting into panic mode before the test.
Make sure you arrive in plenty of time and spend some time driving before you arrive to help warm you up and ease any butterflies. The DMV isn’t a fun place to hang out (just ask any adult who tries to avoid it by using a service like placasalinstante.com) but better to spend a little time there than to be rushing to make it on time.
Ready to Pass Your Driving Test?
If your driving test is scheduled soon, keep in mind these tips as you prepare for it. You don’t have to pass your driving test the first time, but you have a better chance if you stay calm, get plenty of practice, and reduce obstacles like an unfamiliar car.
Once you have your license in hand, come back to check out our vehicle and parts reviews to make your first car a great ride.
