How to Pass the Driving Test
79Preparing for Your Driving Test
You've got your learner's permit. Hoorah! No time to rest on your laurels, though. Now you have to work on putting the rules you've learned and and your driving skills together to pass the big test - the driving skills test. Hopefully, a few tips from a recently licensed driver I talked to and some tips I learned when I took my test will help you succeed.
 | Amazon Price: $1.00 List Price: $6.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $3.44 List Price: $9.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.62 List Price: $19.99 |
Take a Driver's Ed Course That Includes Driving Time
Even if you aren't required to do so by law, take a complete driver's ed course. These classes can really be helpful. The instructor can provide a lot of valuable advice, such as resting your hand on the passenger seat and looking over your shoulder to back up. (Someone gave me that tip over 20 years ago and I still use it whenever I want to back straight up.)
 | Amazon Price: $37.89 List Price: $66.42 |
 | Amazon Price: $7.64 List Price: $7.22 |
 | Amazon Price: $44.99 List Price: $69.40 |
 | Amazon Price: $15.00 |
Make Sure You Do All the Required Practice
In our state, people who hold a learner's permit are required to get at least 60 hours of driving in before taking the driving test. The state recommends doing 60 more hours, too. Really doing the different types of driving, asking questions if you aren't sure about something and doing the extra hours, too, can help the skills you need to learn become so ingrained that you can drive properly during the test even if you are extremely nervous.
Make Sure Your Car Is Ready for the Practical Driving Test
Get an oil change, take the vehicle through the car wash and tidy up the inside. Some instructors are very particular about the car's appearance and have actually failed people because they didn't feel the car was in the right shape to drive. You don't want to fail before you even start to drive!
Still Working on the Written DMV Test?
 | Amazon Price: $1.99 |
Prepare Yourself for the Practical Driving Test
You should be physically and mentally ready for your test. Go to sleep early the night before, eat a decent meal and dress comfortably. This way, you'll be at your best when you start the test.
Take a Deep Breath
As you get ready to take your driving test, there is one absolutely essential thing you need to do. Take a deep breath. As you feel some of the tension and nervousness fading, tell yourself you are ready to do this and then get ready to ace your test.
Try, Try Again
If you fail the test the first time you take it because your nerves got the best of you, don't spend a long time beating yourself up about it. You still have your permit right? That means the motor vehicle test administrator thinks you are capable of getting your license. You just need to practice a little more, overcome those nerves and schedule another test date.
When you finally do pass, you won't be able to stop grinning. Trust me. I saw two guys who failed the first time successfully get their licenses today and their faces are going to hurt by this evening. I took one of them home with me and he is still smiling hours later.
