You’ve finished your driver education classes and have gotten in many, many hours of behind-the-wheel practice. However, as the day of your driving test approaches, it’s normal to get nervous and start worrying you might fail. After all, it seems like everyone fails on the first try. But this doesn’t have to be your experience. Taking a little extra time to properly prepare for the big day can help ensure you pass the test – on the first try.
Driving Test Tips to become a Confident, Licensed Driver
Taking a comprehensive driver education course is the first step in ensuring you become a safe, responsible driver. Drive Team’s Teen Performance Based Driver Education Program (PBDE) provides thorough training for teens both off and on the roads, ensuring that you are learning the skills you need to become a confident, licensed driver. Once you’ve completed all four levels of the program, you’ll feel ready to take that driving test.
As testing day approaches, here are seven other driving test tips to keep in mind – and help calm your nerves:
- Get a good night’s sleep. This tip is an important one, because feeling tired can lead to feeling nervous and distracted, making it difficult to exude confidence when you get behind the wheel. The night before your driving test, try to relax. Remember, if you’ve gone through all the proper training and have practiced often, you’ve got this. Set yourself up for success by going to bed early and getting a good night’s sleep to ensure you’re well-rested in the morning.
- Study up on traffic rules. The written test requires you to be knowledgeable about all the latest rules of the road. However, knowing these rules wills will also help you ace the driving portion, too! The more you study the rules, the more they’ll become second nature.
- Practice makes perfect. Prior to scheduling your driving test, get in as much practice as possible with an experienced driver who isn’t afraid to give you feedback. Listen to the criticism with an open mind so you know what areas you should work on before testing day. Get driving time in on the back roads or an empty parking to ensure you know you to properly brake, back up and maneuver in and out of parking spots.
- Be familiar with the vehicle you’ll drive on testing day. If you’ve been using your mom’s SUV to practice driving, use that vehicle to take your driving test. Rather than borrow your sister’s sedan the day of the test, you’ll be far more comfortable in the car you’re used to driving. Make sure to take the time to review all the basic controls in the car, like the heat or a/c and the headlights, and spend a few minutes adjusting the mirrors and seat to your settings before putting the key in the ignition.
- Check your mirrors. The rearview mirrors are there for a reason – to help you see traffic behind you and make smart decisions when you’re backing up and changing lanes, two essential parts of your driving test. Your examiner will want to see you checking those mirrors often to make sure you understand how to use them properly.
- Watch your speed. When you’re out on the road taking the test, you’ll most likely drive through several different areas. It’s vital that you pay attention to your speed – and the speed limit signs. Streets can change quickly from 35 mph to 25 mph, and you’ll want to make sure you’re adjusting your speed accordingly.
- Be aware of other drivers. This is a driving test tip that will be as important during your test as it is when you’re a licensed driver. Although you may be a safe, confident driver, that doesn’t mean others on the road are, too. Always be aware of other drivers around you; check your blind spots and try to watch the road both in front of you and behind you, especially when it’s time to brake. Avoid distractions at all times, keeping your vision on the road ahead of, beside you, and in your mirror. Paying attention to others, as well as the task at hand (driving safely) will help you avoid mistakes by other drivers.
Drive Team offers some of the best teen driving classes to help you feel confident and in control of your vehicle the day of your driving test and as your begin your travels as a new licensed driver. Contact us today to get started.