Passing the driving test on the first take is not an easy feat. It takes a lot of practice, on top of studying the rules of the road, and last but not least, it requires applicants to stay calm and avoid stage fright, which is easier said than done.
Due to inexperience, learner drivers make many mistakes when taking their road skills test for the first time, causing them to fail and be even less confident when they retake the test later on. That’s why they need to be aware of the most common faults that applicants make during the driving test and try to avoid them, and the following tips and techniques can help them with that.
Refresh Your Memory of the Rules of the Road
Even though the driving test is all about testing your driving abilities and skills, you can’t pass it if you don’t have a solid knowledge and understanding of the rules of the road. Knowing what each road sign and traffic signal means is essential for being able to drive in a safe, confident and responsible manner, which is key to passing the driving test.
The best way for learner drivers to refresh their memory of the traffic laws is to read their state DMV’s driver manual once again, along with taking a couple of online practice tests.
Take Driving Lessons
In addition to making sure you have refreshed your knowledge of the traffic rules a couple of days before taking the road skills test, you should focus on taking enough driving lessons and practice the maneuvers that you will be required to perform correctly in order to pass the test.
The road skills test includes the following maneuvers:
- Changing lanes
- Approaching and completing a turn
- Approachingand driving through an intersection
- Parallel parking
- Backing up
The best way to learn how to perform these maneuvers correctly is to practice as much as possible. Logging in as many hours of behind-the-wheel practice is absolutely necessary for making sure you are prepared for the challenges you are set to face during the driving test.
Avoid the Most Common Mistakes
In some cases, learner drivers make naïve mistakes during the driving test, mostly due to inexperience and lack of concentration. Applicants must be focused during the test and be able to avoid mistakes that can lead to a failure. The most important things that you must be focused on include:
- Checking the mirrors before turning and parking
- Giving the right signal in every situation
- Checking the blind spot
- Adjusting the speed to current weather and road conditions
Try to Stay Calm
The ability to stay calm and don’t get nervous while taking the driving test is also very important. Being nervous can make you fail the test even if you have all the necessary skills and theoretical knowledge that are necessary for passing the road skills test.
Try not to focus on the fact that you are being judged by a complete stranger, which is reason enough to get anxious, and relax and think about how the result of the test only depends on you and how you perform. No matter how anxious the situation might make you feel, just focus on what you are asked to do and perform all maneuvers with a lot of confidence, and there will be no reason for the examiner not to let you pass.
Also, make sure you get enough sleep the night before the test, so that you can be alert and focused during the test.