I’m 16 and from Indiana and I am taking my driver’s test this Saturday. I’m a little (ok really) freaked out about it, Do you have any tips to help me keep calm and perform my best and just any general information that i should know. Anything would be helpful!
don’t "look" nervous. Check your mirrors more than you think you have too. and your blind spot. (behind you shoulder.)
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..
Read the Driver’s manual the day before the test. Memorize the shapes of the signs. Memorize how long it takes to stop a car.
First of all 50% of people fail their test (practical driving) the first time. What is the main reason? Lack of preparation and study.
If you have studied and have practiced your driving and parking – you will do fine. No need to stress out – the worst that can happen is you have to re-take the test.
Go through the same "test" with an adult friend before you go – you will see it is not that hard.