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Pass Your Road Test On The First Try

08.02.2008 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

Though you may already have passed the written test and racked up a few hours of behind-the-wheel experience, the last hurdle still remains: your road exam. It’s said that half of all drivers taking the test for the first time fail – but why leave it to chance? Keep reading for the time-tested advice and tricks that will bolster your odds of leaving the DMV with a shiny new drivers license and a big smile on test day.rnrnThese are the ingredients for success:rnrn- Practicernrn- A working knowledge of your state’s traffic lawsrnrn- ConfidencernrnConfidence comes with practice, so give yourself time to get the hang of driving. Once you’re comfortable in the drivers seat and things like turning, parking, and yielding have become second nature to you, you’re mostly there.rnrnTo avoid any last minute mechanical problems, give your car’s signals and lights a quick check-up at least one week before you go to the DMV. If any of these don’t work, they won’t permit you to even take the examination. And in case you plan to drive a different vehicle for the test than the one you’re used to, take it out for a few spins until you feel at ease maneuvering it – each car handles a little differently.rnrnIf you have picked up any “special” habits over the course of your driving experience, lose them! Beware of lazy or sharp turns, one-handed driving, not stopping completely for stop signs/red lights, etc. Of course safety comes first on the road, but especially so on exam day. Your examiner will be watching you, so drive carefully and keep these guidelines in mind:rnrn- Drive slightly under the speed limit (gives you more time to react to instructions)rnrn- Be gentle on the brake and gasrnrn- Watch for and always obey all signsrnrn- Signal all turns & lane changes at the right timernrn- Use your rear view and side mirrors frequently (to show you’re being vigilant)rnrn- Always turn to check your blind spot when changing lanes (this is a big one!)rnrn- Follow cars at a safe distancernrn- No cell phone calls or texts when driving!rnrnYour examiner will be watching to make sure you do these things – so keep these rules in mind, especially when you may be feeling nervous and forgetful. Take your test with the point of showing the examiner that you know the rules of the road and always put safety first. If you notice you’ve made a mistake – and everybody does! – don’t lose your confidence, and keep going.rnrnHere’s another trick: it might help to pretend that the examiner is a (strict, overly demanding.. middle-aged? balding?) friend who’s giving you directions to a party. Whatever works! If, despite everything, you find you’re second-guessing yourself on test day and wish you’d practiced more, just trust yourself and know that your skills will stand up against the nerves. Good luck – freedom awaits!

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