Taking your driver’s test is a big milestone. However, the process isn’t as simple as taking your test and driving away. There are a lot of considerations that you should keep in mind before heading off to your local DMV. If you are wondering how you can get started, here is what you need to know about how to prepare for a drivers license test.
How to prepare for Your Driver’s License Test
When it comes to knowing how to prepare for a drivers license test, there are some things to keep in mind so that you can have the greatest chance of success. While heading to the DMV can be a stressful event for even the most seasoned drivers, you can help make the process a bit easier by keeping these tips in mind.
1. Get an Eye Exam
One of the most important things when it comes to how to prepare for your driver’s license test is getting your eyes checked. Whether you have glasses currently or not, it’s a good idea to have your eye doctor see you before you take your test. This will ensure that you don’t have any problems with your vision or that your current prescription is up-to-date.
Before you take your test, there will usually be a short eye exam at the DMV. However, you don’t want to end up failing this and having to go home when you could have gotten a test beforehand and taken care of any problems.
2. Make Sure Your Car Lease is Valid
If you’re going to be using a leased car for your driving test, it’s important to know if the lease turn-in period is up before heading in for your test. You don’t want to take your test only to realize that your lease is up before you can enjoy your newfound road freedom. If you’re going to be borrowing a parent’s car for your test, double-check with them to make sure that everything is up-to-date before you head out.
3. Have Your Car Checked By a Mechanic
Another important part of how to prepare for a drivers license test is to have your car professionally checked. If the car you are taking your test in has any mechanical problems, it’s a good idea to have it checked out before you take it to the DMV. Any auto body problems like broken fenders or mirrors should be fixed before you take your test. Broken mirrors, headlights, and brake lights, for example, will result in an automatic failure and you won’t be able to even begin your driver’s test.
If your car is making any suspicious noises, don’t assume their minor. While you may just need a top-up on grinding coolant or a new set of brakes, putting these things off could result in your tester failing you if they feel your vehicle isn’t safe to drive. This could even result in you needing to use a car towing service to get your car back home if you’re not allowed to drive it.
4. Check for Additional Problems
While some minor issues like hanging air fresheners or mirror decorations can get you scolded by your tester. One thing that’s often not talked about when learning how to prepare for a drivers license test is the windows. If your car windows have chips or cracks, your tester may refuse to test you. Similarly, if you have tinted windows, they may feel the windows are too dark and require that you have them replaced before testing. Different states have different rules when it comes to how tinted your windows can be, and in some instances, you may even be pulled over by the police for windows that are too dark. Check with local window tinting companies to make sure that you’re within the limits before heading out to take your test.
5. Have Insurance
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s often overlooked when learning how to prepare for a drivers license test. If you’re going to be driving your parent’s or a friend’s car, you’ll want to make sure that you’re covered by their insurance. An auto insurance agent can tell you what you need for coverage, even if it’s the bare minimum. Having this in place before you get behind the wheel is essential to ensuring you won’t get in any trouble with your local DMV.
6. Take a Driver’s Class
In some states, you can’t simply walk in and take a driver’s test. While many people take driver’s education in high school, not everyone may have this chance. If you haven’t already, even if it’s not required, you should still consider signing up for a local class. This will ensure that you have all the knowledge that you’ll need to pass your test the first time.
In many cases, these classes will also offer pre-tests to help you prepare for your actual driver’s test. This coupled with the hands-on training that they can provide makes them invaluable to those taking the test for the first time. So, instead of jumping the gun and investing in car audio accessories, you should invest in a beneficial class that can help you succeed.
7. Become Familiar With The Test Area
Knowing the area that you’ll be testing in can be very helpful when it comes to how to prepare for a drivers license test. Driving around an unfamiliar area can make an already stressful situation even worse. But by familiarizing yourself with the test area, you can feel much more confident on the road. If you can’t choose a testing site near your home or in a familiar area, consider having a parent take you around different parts of your town so that you can get familiar with different areas. If you currently have your permit, this is a great chance to gain extra experience as well.
If you know anyone who took their test at your local DMV, ask them about the route that they took, and consider driving around that area to get a feel for it. This can make you more aware of where you might be going on test day so that you’ll know ahead of time what to expect.
8. Use Online Resources
Even if you have already taken a driver’s education test, you can still take advantage of great online resources before you head out onto the asphalt. Many states offer online tests to help you prepare for both your written and driving tests. This can be a great way to help remember the various rules of the road so that they’ll stick in your head the day of your test.
You might also find a lot of video resources that can walk you through the testing process. Seeing what you can expect can help make it seem less scary. While all tests will differ depending on your state and location, a lot of things are similar as well. Check for informational driver’s test videos online so that you can get as familiar as possible with the process.
9. Get Your Information in Order
When learning how to prepare for a drivers license test, you may know about all the information you’ll be required to present at the DMV before your test. Proof of residence, insurance, and completion of a required program, may all be needed before you can even take the test. If you don’t have any bills in your name, finding proof of residence can be tricky, and not just any piece of mail will do. Your school may be able to provide you with addressed documents as proof, but it may be worth having a bill put in your name just in case. Even something as simple as a monthly phone bill can help you prove your residence to the DMV.
It’s also important to note that the proof must be in the form of an official document or piece of mail. Printed off bills often aren’t accepted and will result in you being turned away before you have a chance to get behind the wheel.
10. Get a Good Night’s Rest
While it may be hard to sleep the night before your test, it’s important to have a good night of sleep before heading to the DMV. Taking your driver’s test can require a lot of focus, and even the written test can be difficult if you’re overtired and struggling with brain fog. You don’t want to end up failing because you were too tired to remember which way to turn your wheels when parking on a hill! In the days leading up to the test, try to get your body in the habit of going to sleep at a reasonable time so that you can awake refreshed and ready to go on the day of your test.
What to Remember During Your Test
Now that you’ve prepared for the test and are ready to get behind the wheel, there are some things you should keep in mind while taking your test.
1. Stay Calm
It may be hard to stay calm, but just remember that taking a driver’s test is something that almost everyone does, and in a few years it’ll be old hat to you. Don’t stress out over doing the wrong things and instead just keep in mind everything that you’ve learned. At this point, you know the rules of the road and as long as you don’t let your nerves get the best of you, you’ll be sure to pass. Additionally, keep in mind that your examiner isn’t looking for an excuse to fail you, they want you to succeed! Stay confident in your abilities and you can pass with flying colors.
2. Always Ask Questions if You Need To
During your test, the examiner will be giving you instructions on what to do and where to go. If you’re ever unsure about what they want, just ask! Asking questions doesn’t mean that you’re not a confident driver, it just means that you’re unsure about what their exact instructions are. For example, if they tell you to turn left ahead and you’re uncertain where, ask them for clarification. This will ensure that you’re both on the same page and it will make you seem even more in control of the situation.
3. Stay Aware of Traffic Signs and Check Your Mirrors
Another thing to keep in mind during your test is to pay attention to all of the street signs around you and check your mirrors frequently. This will demonstrate that you’re aware of your surroundings and that you know how to be on the lookout for any and all signs around you. If you’ve had the chance to get familiar with the area beforehand, this will be easier; however, if you haven’t, don’t sweat it. Just pay attention as you’ve been taught and you’ll get through it with no trouble.
What to Do Once You Pass
Once you pass your driving test, the first thing you should do is celebrate! Learning how to prepare for a drivers license test is a huge milestone and it’s good to give yourself the chance to be excited. Once your excitement dies down, you can start looking into more practical things like where you’re going to park your car and how you’re going to use your newfound freedom.
As for parking, if you have a garage, it’s always a good idea to park your car inside at night. This may mean cleaning out the clutter so it can fit or having a professional garage door repair service fix your garage if it’s broken. While it may not have been a priority before, now that you can drive, you don’t want anything to happen to your car at night that makes it undrivable!
Having your license opens up a whole new area of possibilities, and it’s an important time in many people’s lives. Before, during, and after your test, keep these tips in mind and you can give yourself the best chance of success possible.