Tips for Taking Your Driver’s Test

By: Edward Packard

February 28nd, 2018-Greenville New York News

  

You’re about to take your driver’s test, this is one of the most exciting days of your life. Having your driver’s license opens up a world of possibilities for traveling and doing things you were not able to do before.

Before the test, be sure to adjust your mirrors, seat position, and steering wheel position to what is most comfortable for you.

It’s a good idea to leave early and drive to where you will be taking your test, that way you can loosen-up and make sure you are prepared. If needed, you can also take some time before the test to better learn the area.

While taking your test, always be sure to use your turn indicator and check your side mirrors and blind spot before pulling out from the curb and whenever changing lanes or turning in to park. It is important that you keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times. (Unless of course you are driving a manual, in which you will need one hand to shift.) This will keep your test administrator feeling safe, and you will be in the most control of your vehicle. Imagine a clock, proper hand position on a steering wheel is at 9 and 3. This has changed from the previous 10 and 2 because of the risk of injury to the arms from airbag deployment.

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time between cars when pulling out onto a street, especially if the street has a high speed limit. Your test administrator will not be annoyed with you for waiting until it is safe to turn, whereas if you make a turn without giving yourself enough time and you pull out in front of a car that is moving quickly, it is likely that you will lose points.

Beginner drivers often veer to one side of the road or the other. Try to stay in the middle of your lane by imagining a line in front of you coming from the center of the lane you’re in, passing through the center of your vehicle.

Always use a safe following distance between you and the car in front of you. The car in front should be at least 3 seconds ahead of you at all times. You can be sure of this by counting the seconds it takes for you to pass an object after the car in front of you has passed it.

When coming to a stop at a stop sign or stoplight, be sure to come to a complete stop before the white line in the road. You should be able to still see the line in front of you when stopped.

If the test administrator is not clear in giving any instructions, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. 

When parallel parking it is important that you take it slow. Use your turn indicator to show intent to other drivers around you, before pulling up parallel to the car in front of the spot you will be parking in. Line up your rear tires with their back bumper, turn your steering wheel fully to the right, and reverse until you line up the center of your car with their bumper. Then turn your wheel all the way to the left and reverse into the spot. Pull forward to be parallel with the curb and adjust as needed before parking.

When making a three point turn (or K turn), be sure to use your turn indicator to show intent before starting the first part of the turn. Before reversing, be sure to look over your right shoulder to make sure your path is clear. Then put your car back into drive and complete the turn.