Drivers Test?

Question

Okay, first of all, no rude answers please. I hate those! Anyway, I'm sixteen and will be taking my drivers test soon. I'm very nervous about this! What kind of things will make you lose points? Can anyone give me some tips on what to do and what not to do? I'm a very good driver when it's just me and someone I know. It's just the thought of a police officer sitting there watching everything I do! Oh, and if this helps any, I live in Missouri.

Answer 1

I don't know about Missouri, but in the states I've lived in (Washington and California) it is not a police officer that does the test, but rather someone whose job it is to give drivers tests. So, that should put you at ease a bit.

The biggest way to fail is to do something dangerous -- pull too far into a crosswalk at an intersection, make an illegal U turn, fail to use a signal, change lanes in an intersection, etc -- or do something that is obviously a no-no like speed, cut corners when you turn, tail gate, or fail to look over your shoulder when you change lanes.

In most states, the most technically difficult things (parallel parking, backing around a corner, etc.) will make you lose points, but not enough to make you fail. I, for example, failed both parallel parking and backing around a corner, but still passed the test by a good margin.

Making little mistakes won't mean that you fail the test. Obviously, the road is filled with bad drivers -- and they managed to pass their test! If you consider yourself a good driver, you will probably do well on the test. Being relaxed helps a lot, and using a car that you are already comfortable driving is also very helpful. If you are comfortable and confident, you are more likely to be a good defensive driver -- someone who is both cautious and assertive.

And remember -- the person giving your test has seen MUCH WORSE drivers than you. You aren't competing to be the best driver, you are just proving that you can meet the minimal standards of having a drivers license. And it sounds from your post that you already know you can do AT LEAST that!

Good luck!

Answer 2

You lose points for anything you do that is wrong. Just remember these tips: When you're doing your parallel parking, 90 degree parking, or any parking that you put your vehicle in Park and then say you're done, this for sure will make you lose points if you park and say you're done before putting the vehicle in Park. Make sure you make complete stops in front of the stop sign, at red lights Do Not go over the white lines painted on the street, that again will dock you points. When turning make sure you put your signal at least half a block away before your turn. When making right turns move over to the right unless there's a vehicle in the way, stay toward the right side of the street once you turn and slowly when it's safe move closer to the center line. ALWAYS look at the mirrors and turn your head when you turn to make sure no cars are coming. I hope this helps, Good Luck....

Answer 3

Don't sweat the small stuff, my oldest daughter flunked the first time, too. Just study some more and go take it again. It's like that saying If you get thrown off that horse, just get back on it and ride. Stop blaming the instructor, they are just doing their job. I'm not telling you this so you can get mad, again. Just make it happen, it's all up to you? yes? Good luck! now you know what you need to know and do, to not be treated like an idiot. Yes, to your question, I passed my test the first time. It helped that I took Drivers Ed Class in High School, got school credits, too. I was 14 when I got my learners permit and in 1973 I was able to drive at 16.

Answer 4

Oh, man, I had the worst time passing my driver's test. I used to get all scared and freeze up around the testing guy (who's not a police officer, by the way- just some unlucky guy whose job it is to drive around with teenagers.) Even though I knew all the rules of the road in my head, I would freak out and forget everything when the guy was watching, so I guess my first piece of advice is to not let the guy freak you out. I know, easier said than done, but just try to somehow get your mind off of him. Take deep breaths. DO NOT put on the radio, though- they hate that!! Just remember that you know how to drive and you know the rules. Believe in yourself and everything will work out fine.

Answer 5

Just stay calm. They will be writing down a lot of stuff while you are testing. That does not mean that they are making negative comments they just have to record all events. Remember turn signals at all times and stop behind the crosswalks. Know where all the buttons in your car are and keep checking your mirrors. You will do fine. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Keep both hands on the wheel.Be sure to not go over the speed limit, remember to stop behind the crosswalk at traffic lights, always check your blind spot...when the instructor says to take the next "possible" right, make sure the next road is not a oneway and proceed to the next one...when parallel parking, pull along side the car so your drivers doors are even, remember to put your car in park when you are done...remember to "cover the brake" when driving through uncontrolled intersections.

Answer 7

make sure you adjust everything like rear view and side mirrors , make sure the horn works and the lights and emergency break, that's all before u even start the test . then just do everything he tells u to do , don't forget to use ur blinkers and stop at railroad tracks if theres any . oh yeah and when you parallel park , make sure after youve done it and u go to get back out in traffic that u turn around and completely look out ur back window then put on ur signal and go

Answer 8

First, relax. Pretend the examiner is the person who gave you the lessons.

Fasten your belt BEFORE you start the car.

Keep both hands on the wheel.

Give yourself plenty of time to stop and when you ARE completely stopped, count to 3 before proceeding.

Don't forget your signals and you should do fine!

Answer 9

Always make sure you are in the right lane and always make sure your blinker is on. Obviously your seat belt. Always look or act like you're looking in your rearview and side mirrors. It's very essential. Always make complete stops at stop signs and look both ways. Good Luck!

Answer 10

Go the speed limit, and always make sure you're doing that 4 step process...I forgot what it's called. You look in the rear view mirror, then side mirrors...make sure the person sees you moving your head [but not too much], when your switching lanes.