I basically have 2 years of practicing my driving skills. I passed the written one a few years back but just didn't do the behind the wheel exam because I was a lil nervous. Then it expired so I had to retake the written test again and passed… and tomorrow I'm taking the behind-the-wheel test. Can anyone give me any tips for a definite pass?
I consider myself a safe driver. I look at my mirrors every 5-10 seconds, I scan the area, all that stuff. I live in San Francisco so the streets are always busy and I'm used to people jay-walking when they're not suppose to, etc.
Can someone give me any more tips so I could pass? 10 points for best advice/answer
Just drive safe. That's about all you can do. If they say stop, stop immediately. Stop behind the line always. Use your signals.
Also for an easier test take it a DMV not in the city, they make you parallel park for the test while other DMVs don't.
I live near San Francisco but I took my test in a different county. One advise that I got from my friend back in High School was the sequence of mirrors trick whenever you switch lanes.
Rear view mirror-side mirror-move head to check blind spot.
You absolutely have to move your head to check the blind spot before switching lanes or else you'll fail. If you have a sequence instead of just moving your head randomly then they'll see that you practiced real well.
They really like it when you check your mirros a lot, which you already do, but another cool trick I learned from everyone in my class that passed is that everytime you break, check your rearview mirror briefly. It just shows that you're aware of everything around you including what's behind you.
Stay within the speed limit and don't go faster. Don't worry about the rude obnoxious drivers in the city who drive 60mph and honk at you like crazy. I don't think they'll bash you for driving slower than the limit but try to stay within the speed limit the majority of the time.
Also, never jack rabbit and don't hit the breaks too hard. Another trick is when you see that the break lights of the car in front of you light up, that's when you break, too. It will help you break gradually since you know that they're also breaking.
Being friendly with the tester doesn't hurt, either. Just be comfortable and show that you really know how to handle your car. Remember, you're the one driving. So good luck tomorrow!
Safe driving tips to help pass your road test:
STEERING Steer smoothly whether you are driving straight ahead, turning or backing up.
ACCELERATION Accelerate smoothly and moderately. Don't race the engine or cause it to stall.
BRAKING Bring the vehicle to a stop gently. Start braking well before your stopping position to avoid "jerky" stops. Make sure you stop your vehicle in the proper position of the lane.
CLUTCH/GEAR Always be sure your vehicle is in the correct gear. With either an automatic or a manual transmission, shift into the proper gear at the right time without "grinding" the gears.
SPEED Obey the posted speed limit, of course, but also adjust your speed properly due to weather, road, visibility and traffic conditions.
FOLLOWING DISTANCE Keep an adequate space "cushion" between your vehicle and those you are following. Use the "two second rule" described in the Driver's Manual. Be sure to increase your following distance in poor weather or visibility.
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES Know the meanings of signs, signals and pavement markings, and obey them consistently.
STOPPING POSITION If a stop is required, stop your vehicle before it reaches an intersecting street. If stop lines or crosswalks are present, stop before crossing them. If your view is blocked after stopping behind the crosswalk, move up until you can clearly see your way, then stop again if necessary.
LANE SELECTION AND POSITION Keep your vehicle in the proper traffic lane, especially when preparing to make turns. Don't allow room for another vehicle to pass you on the side that you are turning toward.
COMMUNICATION Let other drivers and pedestrians know which way you want to go. Use your directional signals or horn consistently and at the proper times.
OBSERVATION Look for and identify potential problems or hazards in the traffic around you – not just straight ahead, but behind you and on either side. Check your mirrors frequently, but be sure to look over your shoulder behind you when changing lanes or backing up.
ANTICIPATE & REACT TO OTHERS Anticipate possible driving errors by others and be ready to react safely to make up for their mistakes.
Looks like you're about ready. Just concentrate on controlling the vehicle and know the speed limits. Make sure your vehicle is up to snuff – insurance, registration, all lights (brake, turn, backup, head, tail), tires, clean inside (ready for passenger in front seat), clean windshield, mirrors adjusted, radio and cell phone off. Examiner will not tell you to do anything illegal. When instructed to make a turn, get in the proper lane as soon as possible.
Get a new picture for your license. You're gonna ace this thing!
All the best.