Experience mandatory.
Make sure to get experience driving in different conditions. If you don’t think you’re ready, you probably aren’t.
Know what to expect.
There are several hoops to jump through before you can get your license. Find out what they are and what you need to do to complete them.
Don’t get discouraged.
Just because you don’t pass all the tests the first time around, that doesn’t make you a bad driver. Ask the examiner what you should work on.
Drive safely.
Don’t act irresponsibly when behind the wheel, whether you’ve gotten your license or are still learning. Avoid talking on your cell phone, changing CDs or eating while driving.
Handle peer pressure.
Don’t worry if you’re the only one of your friends who hasn’t gotten your license. Being a good and safe driver is more important than anything your peers might say.
Do not drink and drive.
How to Prepare
In order to get your driver’s license, there are four tests you have to pass first. First is the Vision Test, then the Road Sign Test and the Road Rules Test. These three must be passed before you get your Learner’s Permit.
Before you take any of these tests here are some things you should study:
- Traffic Laws
- Traffic Signs and Signals
- Speed limits
- Emergency procedures
- Rules for driving in incement weather
- Rules for passing
- Rules and tips for night driving
After you’ve had your Learner’s Permit for a year and a day, you can take the last test, the Driving Test. Before you take this test, make sure you are comfortable behind the wheel. Here is a list of things the examiner will be looking for:
- Turns (left and right)
- Backing up
- Parking (perpendicular, angle, and parallel)
- Driving through intersections
- Recognizing danger signs/conditions
- Driving under adverse conditions (weather, congested traffic, road construction)
- Driving in peak times on interstates
- Starting, moving, and stopping smoothly
- Yielding right-of-way
- Railroad crossings
- Changing lanes (checking blind spot)
- Following safely behind other vehicles
- Communicating with other vehicles (turn signals and appropriate use of horn)
- Signaling (with turn signals and hand signals)
- Adjusting speed, position and passing on highways
- Traffic signal and sign responses
Don’t know where to go? Find a testing location near you.
