Prepare for a Driving Test

If you’re tired of using public transportation or relying on other people for rides, you might want to consider getting your driver’s license. Before you can drive on your own with a license, you’ll need to pass a driving test. While the testing process may seem intimidating, there are several ways for you to get ready ahead of time. Before your test date arrives, you can prepare by checking that all parts of your vehicle are working, practicing with an experienced driver, and reviewing safety tips of the road.

Steps

Checking the Vehicle

1. Locate your license plate and registration. Check the front and back of your car to ensure that you have a clear and visible license plate. Depending on where you live, you may need to have a license on the front and back ends of your car. Locate your vehicle registration and place it in an easily accessible part of the car, like the glove compartment. Double check to make sure that your registration is up-to-date.
   • If you can’t find your registration, contact the proper government agency so that you can receive a duplicate copy. This generally costs a small fee.
2. Turn your headlights on and off to see if they work. Double check to make sure that your headlights can turn on, and that they work at different brightness levels. Depending on your vehicle, you may have to turn a knob or push a lever to do this. Make sure that you can turn your car lights on in case you’re asked to do it during your driving test.
   • If your headlights aren’t working, make sure to get them replaced at an auto shop before the day of your test.
3. Push on the brake pedal to see it’s in good shape. Apply pressure to the brake pedal to ensure that it works properly. You should be able to apply gradual force to the brakes until the car stops completely. If you have an issue with your brakes, consider bleeding the brakes or taking your car to an auto shop to be checked out.
   • Don’t fix your brakes manually unless you are positive that you can repair them by hand.
4. Press on the horn to check that it honks properly. Use the palm of your hand to apply a small amount of pressure to your car horn to make sure that it works. Depending on your vehicle, the horn may be in the center of the steering wheel or attached to a separate button. Familiarize yourself with the honking controls in case you have to use them on the day of the test.
   • Only use a short burst of pressure to honk the horn. There’s no need to press it for more than 1 second.
5. Pull on the emergency brake to see if it works. Locate the emergency brake in your vehicle and pull it down or up to make sure that it functions properly. Some cars have the emergency brake located behind the steering wheel, while other vehicles have it in the center console of the car. Make sure that the emergency brake locks your car in place completely.
   • Get in the habit of pulling the emergency brake into place and also pulling it back to an upright position. You don’t want to forget if your emergency brake is in place during the driving test.

Practicing Before the Test

1. Complete the required number of driving hours. Make sure that you have driven the minimum number of practice hours for your country. Depending on where you live, this may be at least 50 hours. Try to include an ample amount of night driving into your practice as well. You should have a driving permit and be accompanied by a licensed driver to complete any practice driving.
   • Depending on your location, you might have to take a driver’s education course.
2. Look online to see what you’ll be tested on. Practice for the test by checking online to see what you will be tested on. Most countries have online resources that will tell you what to expect. Most tests will quiz you on parallel parking, driving through intersections, and basic vehicle functions, like turning and braking.
   • Double check and see if you need to bring any paperwork on your test date. You’ll need your permit or provisional license, and some locations may want extra documents, like a theory test pass certificate. If you don’t have everything that you need, you may be forced to reschedule your test date.
   • If your driving test has a written portion, try out some test simulations to prepare: https://driving-tests.org/georgia/dds-practice-test.
3. Ask for feedback so that you can improve. Practice driving with an experienced driver in the passenger seat. Talk to the driver about any questions or concerns you have about driving. Don’t worry about asking too many questions—the driver has gone through the testing process before, and will understand what you’re going through. Ask for the driver to point out your weaknesses, like braking too quickly or forgetting to use a turn signal.
   • Make sure that the accompanying driver is a legal adult with at least a year of licensed driving experience.
   • For extra preparation, consider enrolling in a driving school. These instructors will prepare you specifically for the driving test, and may have some tips that an ordinary adult might not know about.
4. Pretend to take your driver’s test beforehand. Practice by doing a run of your driving test before your exam date. With an accompanying driver, go through the different aspects of the test, like parallel parking and turning the vehicle. If possible, see if you can practice at your local testing center to familiarize yourself with the practice course.
   • Check online to see where your closest testing center is. Double check on a government website to see which driving skills you will be tested on so you know what to practice specifically.

Reviewing How to Drive Safely

1. Use fluid motions when turning the steering wheel. Grip the steering wheel firmly and use long, consistent motions to safely turn your vehicle. Turning the steering wheel too sharply may cause the car to veer suddenly, which puts you at greater risk for an accident. Using slower motions when turning gives you more time to double check for other cars and pedestrians.
2. Apply force gradually to your gas and brake pedals. Use your foot to add pressure in small, safe increments when braking or accelerating. You don’t want to apply too much pressure at once, as this can make the engine rev or cause the car to jerk to a stop. Applying the brake or gas pedal at a gradual pace allows for a smoother and safer driving experience.
   • If you are driving a car with a stick shift, make sure that you know how to shift gears.
3. Pay attention to signs along the side of the road. Keep an eye out for speed limits, as well as other signs that indicate changes to the road or traffic. While they may seem unnecessary at some points on the road, these signs help you to double check your surroundings and avoid any collisions. Being aware of speed limits can help prevent you from getting speeding tickets after you get your license.
   • If you’re driving on a busy road, some signs can alert you to upcoming red traffic signals.
4. Don’t tailgate other vehicles on the road. Stay safe by making sure that you can clearly see the back tires and bumper of the car in front of you. Tailgating is both unnecessary and dangerous, as any sudden stops by car in front can lead to a collision. Stay at least 3 car lengths behind any vehicle that’s in front of you.
5. Use your turn signals whenever you can. Swipe, turn, or hit your turn signal to indicate when you plan on turning. While this important to use on the road, it’s also vital to use when switching lanes on a highway. Without turn signals, other drivers have no way of knowing which direction you’ll go.
   • It’s better to use your turn signal too much than to not use it enough.
6. Prepare for potential weather emergencies. Think ahead to possible weather dangers you can come across while driving. Depending on your location, you might drive through heavy rain or snow. Use your brakes often while driving through inclement weather, and be sure to leave extra space between your car and other vehicles. This leaves you with plenty of room to brake if needed.
   • Careful driving habits can help during emergencies, like hydroplaning.

Warnings

• Follow the rules of your driver’s permit or provisional license. Depending on where you live, there may be certain time restrictions on when you can and can’t drive. Be sure to follow these requirements carefully when preparing for your driving test.

References

See also

• Drive in Traffic
• Effectively Honk Your Horn
• Practice Good Road Etiquette
• Drive a Car (in General)
• Drive a Vehicle
• Locate an Address when Driving
• Drive Below the Speed Limit
• Drive Onto a Curb
• Drive to Help Someone Follow You
• Drive an Excavator

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What links here

• Take Driver's Ed