EIGHT TIPS TO ACE THE ROAD TEST
Here are eight tips to help you ace the road test and get your driver’s license! And remember the most important thing of all, safety first!
Get to know the streets, speed limits and neighborhoods surrounding the specific Driver Licensing Center where you plan to take your road test.
Make sure that you arrive early for your next road test appointment. If you are late, it will count as a no-show and you have to reschedule your appointment and pay another fee.
Be prepared to provide proof of vehicle registration; proof of vehicle insurance; and proof of valid safety check. For minors, be prepared to provide your driver’s education classroom and
behind-the-wheel certificates.
Take the road test in the vehicle you are familiar with. You should know how to control your car with comfort and confidence.
Ensure the vehicle you are using is ready for the road test. For example:
- The passenger compartment, seat and floor space must be free of any obstructions.
- All turn signals and brake lamps should work properly.
- Brake and turn signal lamp lens should not be cracked or broken.
- Both front and rear license plates should be securely mounted.
- Vehicle’s horn is audible and in good working condition.
- All lug nuts are in place and the tire tread depths are at least 2/32 of an inch.
- Vehicle is free of any obnoxious odors and/or parasites and insects.
- Vehicle instrument panel gauges and warning indicators do not indicate low fuel, excessive engine temperature, low oil pressure, charge battery, etc.
- Driver and passenger seat belts are clean and in good working condition.
- Door handles, windows, and door locks are in good working condition.
- Windshield is not cracked or chipped.
Get ready to be tested on your skills behind the wheel. Points are deducted every time you miss something or make a mistake. Some dangerous action, serious violation, refusing to follow instructions, or accident will automatically cause you to fail the test.
Make sure you are using all of the knowledge and skills of safe driving.
- Keep your hands on the steering wheel, at the right places.
- Be attentive and watch the road ahead.
- Check your rearview and side mirrors.
- Do a “head check” to see if it is safe to proceed into an intersection, change lanes, merge or make a turn.
- Make sure you turn into the correct lane.
- Pay attention to all road markings.
- Make sure you stop behind the stop line and that you come to a complete stop.
- Obey all posted speed limit signs, traffic controls, and all driving regulations.
Come to the road test with the right attitude. Show that you have respect for the rules of the road, you are courteous to others, and that having a driver’s license means that you are a responsible and law-abiding citizen. Understand pedestrian rules and how to properly navigate bike lanes.