How to Pass Your Driving Test

Co-authored by Simon Miyerov

Last Updated: May 26, 2024 Fact Checked

Ready to hit the open road? Passing a driver's test may seem tough (or even a bit intimidating), but with the right tools, it's sure to be a snap. We'll walk you through everything you need to know—from the written to the practical test—so you can finally get those papers and get behind the wheel. Independence, freedom, and adventure await; to learn how you can pass your driving test, read on!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Passing the Practical Test

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1
Make sure your car is ready for the test. Your registration and insurance should be easily accessible. Tires should be inflated properly and in good condition, lights will all need to be working, windshield wipers functional,^{[1]
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Research source} with the washer reservoir filled, all instruments—especially the speedometer—working and accurate, and turn the radio off when you get there.
- There should be no cracks in the windshield.
- Make sure your car isn't belching smoke. If the examiner feels like your car might be unsafe, they can turn you away.
- Adjust the seat to fit your body height and style. You should sit at least 10 inches (25cm)^{[2]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for writing and enforcing Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
  
  Go to source} from the steering wheel and your hands should be bent at approximately 45 degrees, holding the steering wheel at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock.^{[3]
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  Research source}
- Make sure your feet reach the pedals properly, so you're not stretching to reach them, or bunched up in your seat.
Bring your completed and signed Driver's Log, Drivers Ed certificate, driving time with an instructor certificate, your learners permit, and any other papers or certificates required, including your Social Security card and birth certificate for identification purposes.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor

Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.}

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3
Greet the examiner politely. Relax and be friendly. You won't lose points for being unpleasant—necessarily—but if your examiner needs to make a judgment call about your driving at some point, ask yourself: would you be easier on a nice person or a rude one?
- Ask any questions that you have prior to the test and in the test if you are confused. The driving examiner will be glad to answer them.
Note that this does not necessarily mean the speed limit—conditions may warrant a slower speed.^{[5]
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Research source} Under no circumstances exceed the speed limit.
5
Practice situational awareness. Check your mirrors regularly. Make this a little more exaggerated than normal, just so it is clear that you are doing it.
- Keep your head moving, looking out the windows for other traffic, pedestrians, kids, little old ladies, etc.
- Keep your eyes on the road, not on that good-looking guy or hot girl walking down the sidewalk. Your examiner will see them too, and check to see what has your attention: the road, or the hotness. If you want to pass, the answer needs to be "the road."^{[6]
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  Trustworthy Source
  
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
  
  Go to source}
- When you change lanes or turn, turn your head to look behind you. Your rear-view mirrors are useful, but they're not foolproof. A combination of eyes and mirrors are the best.
6
Obey all signs. Come to a full stop at stop signs. Look all ways before continuing. If there are other people at the stop sign, make sure you yield right of way properly—and take your turn when it's time.
- Don't forget to signal all turns, lane changes, and any time your intent is to change direction.
7
Park confidently. Practice with your driving instructor or parent before taking the test so that you can do a clean, confident job of parallel parking, backing up straight, and three- or four-point turns.^{[7]
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Research source}
- Parallel park as best as you can. Make sure you turn on your indicators, as not doing so will likely ensure a failure. Try not to bump the curb; go slowly and carefully, looking to the back and sides as you do so.
- Remember, it's OK to slightly bump the curb, just not jump it. You will lose some points, but that's better than failing the test altogether.
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Thank the examiner. When you return to the motor vehicle department, listen to what the examiner has to say. Most likely they will mention what you did wrong, and a little of what you did right.
- Then they'll tell you if you passed or failed. Whichever it is, thank them politely. If you passed, you'll be pleased, and it's always nice to be polite. If you failed, you'll have to come back—and you might get the same examiner the next time. If you fly off the handle and call the examiner a "nail biting old crank who needs new glasses," it will probably go a lot harder on you next time!
If you read this tutorial, and studied the manual, you will almost certainly pass your driver's exam. Be safe out there!

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Preparing for the Practical Test

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1
Practice driving. Most states have regulations regarding how much experience you have behind the wheel. Some states make allowances for taking accredited driving courses, either through school or professional instruction.
- Some states also make allowances for top students. While it won't directly help you pass your driving test, being a good student will often make it easier to meet the requirements.
- Student drivers must have a licensed driver with them at all times. In some states, having a license is all your passenger needs. In some states there are age restrictions, or restrictions based on how long the person has been licensed. You will learn these rules and restrictions in the driver's manual that you're going to study.
2
Practice driving on the test routes. Find out in advance where you will be taking the practical test (the actual driving part). While it may be illegal in your state (read the manual), unless you're following specific routes, there should be no problem driving in the general neighborhood.
- That's not generally necessary, unless you are such an inexperienced driver that you need an advantage. If that's the case, you're better off not rushing into getting a license.
- Practicing all the basic maneuvers—stopping, starting, signaling, backing up, parking, obeying the speed limit and all traffic control signs and signals are all good things to practice.
- One of the biggest things the examiner will look for is whether or not you have full command of your vehicle. If you are intimidated by the car, make jerky starts and stops, and generally show a lack of confidence in your driving, that will count against you.
- If you speed, run a light or a stop sign, or make other egregious errors, you can pretty much count on retaking the test.
Knowing street signs, hand gestures, when to pass, how and when to pull over for emergency vehicles will count. Read that manual! Know the rules and you'll be fine.
The morning before your test, ask them to watch you, and make sure that you check all your mirrors correctly and do all your maneuvers correctly. This will help you gain some confidence.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Preparing for the Written Test

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1
Pick up the driver's guide for your state. Every state has them, and that's where you'll find everything that will be on both the written and the actual driving test.
- You'll learn the basic rules of the road, when to pull over for emergency vehicles (always a favorite on driving exams), speed limits in various zones (another favorite), how to handle accidents, and more.
- Read it chapter by chapter, make notes if that helps you remember, and have somebody quiz you after each chapter. If you can answer 80% of the questions, move on to the next chapter.
- At the end of the booklet, ask to be quizzed on the whole manual. Any chapters you don't do well on, revisit. If you go through the book three times in three weeks, your chances of passing—even acing—your test are very high.
- Look for practice tests on your state's DMV website or through third-party websites online.^{[8]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Simon Miyerov
  Driving Instructor
  
  Expert Interview. 4 December 2019.}

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Question

How can I prepare for my permit test?

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor
Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.

Simon Miyerov

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

Start by reading through the learner's permit manual. Once you've read the manual fully, take some sample tests, either through the DMV website in your state or on another website.

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Question

How should I prepare on the day of my driving test?

Simon Miyerov
Driving Instructor
Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment.

Simon Miyerov

Driving Instructor

Expert Answer

Get a good night's rest the night before. Have a good breakfast that morning. Use the restroom before you go. You should also make sure you have all your necessary documents, like your permit and driver's certificate. Double-check that you're familiar with the car you're going to be driving. Also, definitely arrive early. If you're running late, it's going to make you anxious and more nervous.

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How long does it take to complete a DMV test?

Community Answer

Roughly fifteen to twenty minutes, depending on the state and speed of traffic.

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Tips

Don't tell anyone that you're going to take your test. That way, you don't feel the pressure of having to admit to everyone the next day if you failed.

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Greet the examiner and be friendly. Shake their hand at the start and respond if they try to make conversation during the test; however, try not to be over-talkative as this may distract you from driving.

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Overemphasize every move such as turning around to check your blind spots or using your signals ahead of time.

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If you're driving a car that you're not used to, take time to get used to the car and feel comfortable with all the controls before taking off.
Always anticipate the next few turns. Think about where you are going to be going and what steps are going to be needed.
Always remember that, if you feel stressed, you can slow down a little while still driving at a safe speed.
Make sure you keep in your lane, especially when driving on a narrow two-way street.
Remember to put your seat belt on. If you're feeling nervous you might forget that!
Checking your blind spot is really important: do it on every turn and lane switch.

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Warnings

Don't try to watch what the examiner is writing on their sheet, just focus on driving. If you make a mistake, don't worry about it. Thinking about what's already happened will only cause you to make more mistakes.

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Don't swear, use rude gestures, or especially exhibit road rage with the instructor in the car; it will leave a negative bit on your report, or could cause you to fail instantly.

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Always turn off the radio before the inspector even gets in the car. This will make it look as if you never listen to it.

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Depending on where you live, the road test may not cover absolutely everything that deals with driving (ex. highway driving, gravel roads, etc.) So just because you got your license doesn't mean you know everything about driving and there aren't some things you could still learn.

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Examiners are people just like you. They want to see that you pass the test, but they have to make sure that you will be a good driver. Exude confidence (not cockiness), obey the rules of the road, and you'll pass.

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