How to Pass Your Driving Test

This article was co-authored by Simon Miyerov. 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.

There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.

This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.

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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!

Passing the Practical Test

• 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] X Research source
• Make sure your feet reach the pedals properly, so you're not stretching to reach them, or bunched up in your seat.

Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment. 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

• 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.

At all times drive at a safe speed. Note that this does not necessarily mean the speed limit—conditions may warrant a slower speed. [5] X Research source Under no circumstances exceed the speed limit.

• 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] X 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.

• Don't forget to signal all turns, lane changes, and any time your intent is to change direction.

• 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.

• 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!

Congratulations, you passed! If you read this tutorial, and studied the manual, you will almost certainly pass your driver's exam. Be safe out there!

Preparing for the Practical Test

• 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.

• 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.

Be familiar with signage. 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.

Go for a drive with your parent. 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.

Preparing for the Written Test

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