Driving test tips?

Hi, my instructor has told me to book my test but I still do not feel confident after 44 hours of lessons. In 6 mock tests I have failed 3 and passed 3(last 3) I felt confident as I knew what I was getting myself into but I’ll be with a stranger in my driving test and what if nerves get to me? Any tips on the driving test itself (is it hard?) any precautions and things to watch out on?

It is different in each state. In some states you test on the road. In other states you test in a controlled area. Stay calm, be confident and do your best. The worst that will happen is that you fail and then you retake it.

When in doubt, go conservative. That means slower as opposed to faster, longer pause as opposed to shorter, emphasizing safety as opposed to emphasizing getting there right away. Use your signals and your mirrors. And if you’re lacking in confidence, it may just mean that you need more time behind the wheel with mom or dad.

If you can, practice around the area where you are going to take the driving test. It will allow you to get used to the area and be less stressed out. When booking your test, try picking a DMV that is in a less busy area. The area around my home was kind of busy so I took my test 20 miles away at a DMV that was situated in a place with not that much traffic. It made the test easier and after practicing in the location, I felt more confident since I knew the streets in the area already and I would not feel lost.

Depending on the state the road test can be harder than in others. Many years ago I got my drivers license in NY and I had to do a 3 point turn and parallel park. The rest of it was driving on the road, going through a signal light and a four way stop. The part most kids failed was on the parallel parking because they were strict on what they wanted. Flash forward to just recently and my daughters both got their licenses in Indiana. They didn’t have to do a 3 point (K-turn) and the parallel parking was about as lenient as you can get. What I have seen with my D’s friends as that many have not been in any hurry to get their license. Several just go them recently and they are 17 and 18. In Indiana you can get your permit at 15 and your license at 16 so it really just is a matter of when you feel comfortable and confident. I wouldn’t rush into taking the test if your not ready for the responsibility of driving a car.

My kid, who was 16 1/2 when he took the driving test, took the L twice before passing the 3rd time. Both times were on small technicalities that in real life it probably wouldn’t have been an issue. The first time he failed, he went into a left turn lane (there were two of them), but he had to make an immediate right, But he went to the leftmost left turn lane, so he got an immediate ding for making a dangerous right turn. The second time, he didn’t come to a complete stop on a stop sign before turning right.

I think if there’s a way to Google the route that the DMV tester will use, that would be super helpful. There’s sometimes even videos on YouTube on the exact route. Even if there is no info, familiarize yourself with the area around the DMV very thoroughly. Know where all the stop signs are at, where the railroad crossings are at, where the double left turn lanes are at. Make sure you know how to drive backwards properly.

Also, research the exact things the driver will make you do in the driving test because the driving test is different for each state. After knowing all the maneuvers you will have to make, select the ones that you have the hardest time on such as parallel parking or backing up and spend some extra time practicing those.

My daughter didn’t go to the DMV for her test but the driver’s ed school has the DMV tester come to the school to test a bunch of kids over a few hours. It is pretty common where I live though you might pay a bit more for it. It gives you use of the driver’s ed car you have been using for lessons instead of your own car. It also meant she was driving in very familiar territory.

I agree there are kids in a rush to get their license as soon as legally able to. There are also plenty of older students who have no interest. Then there are factors like public transportation, money for driver’s ed (not offered in all schools and can be pricey depending on where you live), no money for a car/gas/insurance after getting a license so why rush etc which play a role.

The states I have have lived in have negligibly easy tests. Are you getting driving practice with an adult? Have you got access to a HS based course? Is your 44 hours 44 hours of YOU driving?

I agree. My daughter took her test with a local driving company instead of the DMV. Which meant she took her test on familiar streets - which is a HUGE confidence boost when those nerves kick in on test day! You may have to pay little extra to use a local company but it is so worth it!