There should be no cracks in the windshield. Make sure your car isn’t belching smoke. If the examiner feels like your car might be unsafe, they can turn you away. Adjust the seat to fit your body height and style. You should sit at least 10 inches (25cm)[2] X Research source from the steering wheel and your hands should be bent at approximately 45 degrees, holding the steering wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. [3] X Research source Make sure your feet reach the pedals properly, so you’re not stretching to reach them, or bunched up in your seat.
Ask any questions that you have prior to the test and in the test if you are confused. The driving examiner will be glad to answer them.
Keep your head moving, looking out the windows for other traffic, pedestrians, kids, little old ladies, etc. Keep your eyes on the road, not on that good-looking guy or hot girl walking down the sidewalk. Your examiner will see them too, and check to see what has your attention: the road, or the hotness. If you want to pass, the answer needs to be “the road. " When you change lanes or turn, turn your head to look behind you. Your rear-view mirrors are useful, but they’re not foolproof. A combination of eyes and mirrors are the best.
Don’t forget to signal all turns, lane changes, and any time your intent is to change direction.
Parallel park as best as you can. Make sure you turn on your indicators, as not doing so will likely ensure a failure. Try not to bump the curb; go slowly and carefully, looking to the back and sides as you do so. Remember, it’s OK to slightly bump the curb, just not jump it. You will lose some points, but that’s better than failing the test altogether.
Then they’ll tell you if you passed or failed. Whichever it is, thank them politely. If you passed, you’ll be pleased, and it’s always nice to be polite. If you failed, you’ll have to come back—and you might get the same examiner the next time. If you fly off the handle and call the examiner a “nail biting old crank who needs new glasses,” it will probably go a lot harder on you next time!
Some states also make allowances for top students. While it won’t directly help you pass your driving test, being a good student will often make it easier to meet the requirements. Student drivers must have a licensed driver with them at all times. In some states, having a license is all your passenger needs. In some states there are age restrictions, or restrictions based on how long the person has been licensed. [6] X Research source You will learn these rules and restrictions in the driver’s manual that you’re going to study.
That’s not generally necessary, unless you are such an inexperienced driver that you need an advantage. If that’s the case, you’re better off not rushing into getting a license. Practicing all the basic maneuvers—stopping, starting, signaling, backing up, parking, obeying the speed limit and all traffic control signs and signals are all good things to practice. One of the biggest things the examiner will look for is whether or not you have full command of your vehicle. If you are intimidated by the car, make jerky starts and stops, and generally show a lack of confidence in your driving, that will count against you. If you speed, run a light or a stop sign, or make other egregious errors, you can pretty much count on retaking the test.
You’ll learn the basic rules of the road, when to pull over for emergency vehicles (always a favorite on driving exams), speed limits in various zones (another favorite), how to handle accidents, and more. Read it chapter by chapter, make notes if that helps you remember, and have somebody quiz you after each chapter. If you can answer 80% of the questions, move on to the next chapter. At the end of the booklet, ask to be quizzed on the whole manual. Any chapters you don’t do well on, revisit. If you go through the book three times in three weeks, your chances of passing—even acing—your test are very high. Look for practice tests on your state’s DMV website or through third-party websites online. [7] X Expert Source Simon MiyerovDriving Instructor Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.
