Let's Be Aware of Road Test Tips

Stay calm and focused. If you make a mistake during a test, don't freak out or this mistake could be like a domino effect which causes you to fail.

If possible, always do the test in the vehicle you are most used to driving in. This must be up to safe driving standards so it is recommended that if using your car, you have it serviced first. It's fine to practice driving in different cars during driver's training, and this kind of experience is good practice.

Become familiar with the location of various controls in the car you'll use for the test. You might be asked to show the location of different switches (windshield wipers, hazard lights, high beams, etc.) This is one reason why it's good to use a car that you're used to during the test, so you're not struggling to point everything out.

When you make a turn, you should always look both ways, so you don't hit any incoming cars. You must always look both ways on or off the test, because accidents usually happen when they're least expected. It also demonstrates caution and awareness in front of the DMV (something which should be exaggerated during the road test.)

Since observation is a big part of the test, you need to look with your head and not just your eyes to show them you're paying a lot of attention while driving.

One common flaw that beginners have is that they often brake too hard. Make sure you take your foot off the accelerator a little early and coast for a short moment before using your brake to completely stop the car. If you move straight from the gas to the brake, your stop will be hard and you will lose points. If you do numerous times, you may end up failing the test on this alone! It's also unhealthy for the car to do such a thing with the brake. (it can wear the brake down)

You may or may not be asked to park uphill on a curb. If it's on a closed course, this wouldn't be likely. But if you're asked to park uphill on a curb, be sure to remember these three special words. Mirror, Signal, Blind spot.

If you're turning across an intersection at a green light, wait to see if the cars in the other lane have a red light before you decide to make the turn.

Always stop behind the limit lines (you can always pull up a little after you make a complete stop).

Always know where your lane is before you're there. Planning ahead is part of being a responsible driver, and if you don't figure out the lane you're supposed to be in during the test, you could panic and then fail.

Avoid slowing down your car before changing lanes. Try to keep it at the same speed or at least within the speed limit so that you don't disrupt the flow of traffic.

Take a driver's education course (6 hours behind the wheel). They will review the course with you and really improve your driving. It's more helpful for a professional to teach you how to drive than a friend or family member. To some extent, patience is a part of their job.

The more hours you have practicing behind the wheel, the more experienced and comfortable you'll be which thereby increased the chances you'll pass the road test.

Talk to a good friend beforehand to give you some comfort. If you pass the test, tell someone you hate afterwards that you failed... and make sure to drive by them in a nice car with a big smile later on!

Don't tell anyone that you're going to take your test. That way, you don't feel the pressure of having to admit to everyone the next day if you failed. This will help to keep your stress down during the test as well.

It's temporarily depressing to fail, but it's not the worst thing in the world. Just schedule another test. It is annoying to fail, but don't get discouraged. Some people fail numerous times before passing.

Feel free to admit that you are nervous. I wouldn't announce this to the DMV but if they ask you, you could answer them honestly.

Greet the examiner and be friendly. You can shake their hand at the start and respond if they try to make conversation during the test, but don't be over-talkative as this may distract you from driving. Passing the road test is top priority during this time.

It might be possible for you to go to your local Department of Motor Vehicles before your actual test and follow the test takers to get a glimpse of what you will most likely get.

Not all examiners are nice. Sometimes you can get examiners that shout at you, and they could make rude comments about your driving. Try to block them out, this is a skill in focusing. Don't take anything they say to heart, and listen if they give actual good advice.

If you can, schedule your test during a time when there is less traffic. Rush hour would be good while learning how to drive, at times, but not during the test.

Have your supervising driver do a mock road test for you.

If you hit anyone or anything, you just failed the road test. Similarly, make sure to buckle up before taking off or you failed. Before the inspector gets in the car you should Road Test off all electronic devices (such as your phone), turn off the radio, have a cooperative attitude, get comfortable by having your seat and mirrors adjusted beforehand, and you should be all set to take the test.
When you get your driver's license, remember to implement all of the safety tips you were taught. Car accidents are one of the most common causes of serious injury and death, so you must not drive recklessly. When you're driving, treat other drivers the way you would like to be treated and have fun.