Q&A for How to Pass Your Driving Test

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  • Question
    How can I prepare for my permit test?
    Simon Miyerov
    Driving Instructor
    Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.
    Driving Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Start by reading through the learner's permit manual. Once you've read the manual fully, take some sample tests, either through the DMV website in your state or on another website.
  • Question
    How should I prepare on the day of my driving test?
    Simon Miyerov
    Driving Instructor
    Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.
    Driving Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Get a good night's rest the night before. Have a good breakfast that morning. Use the restroom before you go. You should also make sure you have all your necessary documents, like your permit and driver's certificate. Double-check that you're familiar with the car you're going to be driving. Also, definitely arrive early. If you're running late, it's going to make you anxious and more nervous.
  • Question
    How long does it take to complete a DMV test?
    Community Answer
    Roughly fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the state and speed of traffic.
  • Question
    How can I handle my nerves?
    Community Answer
    Get plenty of practice leading up to your test. The more you practice, the more confident you will be, and the less reason you will have to worry. Also, try some deep breathing exercises, they will make you feel calm and relaxed.
  • Question
    Do they tell us where to go during the test? That is to say, are they navigating us?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The instructor will tell you exactly where to go, usually just a few turns around the neighborhood, just follow their instructions.
  • Question
    How can I control my nervousness and avoid hitting the brake too hard?
    Community Answer
    Just imagine there is a raw egg under the brake pedal. Imagine applying pressure smoothly so that you stop the car but don't break the egg.
  • Question
    How do I literally pass my driver's test without participating?
    Community Answer
    You don't. In order to pass the driver's test, you physically have to drive a car with the examiner in it and do the actions they tell you to do correctly. There's isn't any way to "not participate" in your own driving test. If you want your license, suck it up and do it.
  • Question
    Should I turn and look behind me when parallel parking, or only use my mirrors?
    Community Answer
    You should do a full sweep before beginning the maneuver, and then drive in reverse while looking out your rear window. Once you get to the point where you need to start worrying about lining up with the curb, switch your attention to your mirrors, but still only use them as aids.
  • Question
    When I get to a four-way stop sign, who has the right of way?
    Community Answer
    Whoever got there first. If 2 or 3 cars all got there at the same time, the car farthest to the right goes first.
  • Question
    What are the 7 steps when entering a car?
    Community Answer
    1. Watch out for clear road 2. Open the door 3. Enter the seat 4. Adjust the seat for your comfort 5. Put on your seat belt 6. Adjust the steering 7. Adjust the mirrors
  • Question
    What is meant by "use your signals" when I am parallel parking?
    Community Answer
    You are turning into a parking spot, so you should signal the way you are going.
  • Question
    Will I fail my test if I can't parallel park?
    Community Answer
    Depending on the state, failing one section means you fail the test. Practice parallel parking beforehand, just in case.
  • Question
    How do I pass my practical test when I am terrified of strangers, like the examiner?
    Community Answer
    Just stick to the basics and remind yourself that you aren't there to socialize; you're just there to pass your test. Focus on your driving knowledge and the road.
  • Question
    If I am taking a driving course, do they do my driving test or do I go to the DMV?
    Community Answer
    You need to go to the DMV. Some driving courses will book your driver's test for you, while others will not.
  • Question
    What should the driver do or check before pulling out onto the road for a driving test?
    Community Answer
    Make sure you slowly release the clutch and hold it for a second after you've added gas, so that you don't get nervous and the machine stops.
  • Question
    How much gas do you need in your car to take road test?
    Community Answer
    Enough to get you where you have to go. The test itself usually isn't very long. You should have the tank at least 1/4 full to be safe.
  • Question
    Can I still get my driver's license if I didn't pass the driving test, but I passed my writing test?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot. You need to pass the road test in order to get your driver's license. If you pass your written test, you are still going to need to ride with an adult that is 21 and over with a license that has not been suspended, then you will have to reschedule for the road test.
  • Question
    Do I use my emergency brake after pulling over to the side of the road?
    Community Answer
    No. Not unless you're driving a manual transmission.
  • Question
    What does complete stop mean?
    Community Answer
    A complete stop is when you use the brakes to cease all forward momentum; you'll feel the car rock back a bit when you come to a complete stop.
  • Question
    Are you allowed to drive with 2 feet in an automatic car for your test?
    Community Answer
    No, the examiner will almost assuredly tell you that this is an unsafe practice.
  • Question
    Do I go to my testing site or the DMV for my exam?
    Laura Nelson
    Community Answer
    It should tell you on your appointment confirmation statement. If you aren't sure, call the DMV and ask them. If you're taking the driving test through your school, call the school instead.
  • Question
    When does a driving test expire?
    Community Answer
    A driving test doesn't expire. Your driver's license expires on whatever date it says on the driver's license. But you don't have to take another driving test to renew your license, you just have to go to the DMV and purchase a new license.
  • Question
    How far in advance do I turn my signal on before turning?
    Community Answer
    In the USA, this would be about 100 feet maximum, nearly two blocks before the turn.
  • Question
    Will I fail my test if I can maintain control of the car, but involuntarily cry every time I am on a fast road?
    Community Answer
    No, your emotions play no role in whether you pass your driving test. It's all about your ability to drive and follow the rules of the road. However, for your own sake, driving should not be that terrifying, and if it is, you probably haven't practiced driving on fast roads enough. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will get.
  • Question
    Do I have to have my hand on the passenger headrest when I am parallel parking?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the state and its rules. Usually, you should keep both hands on the wheel while looking back. Any other time you have to back up on the test, you will have your hand on the headrest.
  • Question
    What happens if I fail my driving test?
    Community Answer
    You can just retake the test when you're ready. I would recommend taking lots of practice tests online for the written portion and doing lots of practice driving for the physical portion.
  • Question
    How do I stay calm when I am taking my driving test?
    Community Answer
    Take deep breaths and stay calm, while ensuring to take your time and not rush through any aspects of the test.
  • Question
    How many questions are on the written part of the test?
    Community Answer
    This depends on your state. In Colorado, there are 25 questions. You can probably check in your state's driving manual or on their website.
  • Question
    If we do not have our vehicle will the examiner provide us their vehicle?
    Natalie Epperson
    Community Answer
    Sometimes if you go to a driving school they may have you use their vehicle. Otherwise, you'll need to provide your own vehicle. Keep in mind that you are allowed to rent a car or borrow one from a friend or family member.
  • Question
    Can I use a backup camera that I built into my car?
    Community Answer
    Though you might be able to use it on the test (it depends on where you live), it is best to not use it to show the instructor that you are capable of backing up without the backup camera.
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