[HatsOn08]

I have a driving test on Thursday. And I have no idea what to expect.

I've been driving for 2 hours for 2-5 days a week during summer, but I'm worried still (maybe...2-3 hours night driving). I mean, my confidence has greatly improved compared to 1-2 years ago, but I'm worried that I won't pass. That, and I need the license by August 25th (so I have 2-3 chances...it's for a college, even though it's a 3-5 minute drive there).

Also, I'm worried that I might have bad luck and get a biased instructor. I've heard some stories from my peers ('Don't get the white lady, she's a blah blah', 'This guy is only nice towards asians').

Is there anything I should be aware of while taking it? Do I have to slow down to 25 while driving near schools no matter what for the test? Should I be slow and steady or be quick yet efficient as to not slow down other drivers?

Yeah, I'm switching between 'No point in worrying' and 'expletives' for thoughts here. I checked out the official DMV site, but I don't think it made me feel much better.

[kitaek27]

If you have problem with the different types of parking, set up some cones and try it yourself a few times before the test.

If you accidently hit any, you're obviously not ready (as they count as an "accident" and you automatically fail).

Don't forget that basic parking (just side parking) can sometimes be difficult as well if the instructor is picky about how far you are from the ledge. My first instructor used a ruler to measure, and thats what got me to fail.

Everything else is basically common knowledge. It shouldn't be too bad.

I actually don't think there are a lot of bias instructors out there. But there ARE mean ones.

[Falsetto]

Originally Posted by HatsOn08

or be quick yet efficient as to not slow down other drivers?

Never think these thoughts. If you wanna impress your instructor never go above the speed limit. If to many people follow your tail then just pull over and let them pass, and continue on. I myself am in the middle of my Drivers Education, Just getting into college as well.

[rumpleteazer]

Don't sweat it too much. If you had a good amount of driving practice then the basics should be second nature: drive defensively, use common sense, always signal, check your blind spots, use the mirrors. Where I live, there are certain DMVs that were rumored to hold more difficult tests than others (I'm sure this is the case in many places), so although you shouldn't let your friends' words get you too worked up, it's always good to be prepared.

A few tips I'd throw out: first of all, no, do not drive quickly and efficiently for fear of slowing down other drivers. Although in a normal situation you do want to follow the flow of traffic for safety reasons, in a test you should never EVER exceed the speed limit. Your tester will definitely dock points off.

Second, know how to parallel park. I myself suck at this but some testers will ask you to do this for them. Make sure you get enough practice and feel fairly confident in doing it, in case you are required to parallel park in your test.

The third is rather minor but my tester was a stickler about it so I thought I'd mention it: make sure turn properly. Slow down as you approach them, and don't swing out too wide. For your right turns, slow down as you approach the intersection, hug the curb appropriately as you turn, then accelerate and pull away from the curb as you go.

Lastly: the breaks are your friend. You will feel as if you're driving like a grandma during the test, but the safety precautions you are taking are exactly what the tester is looking for. Slow down way ahead of a stop, not just when you are 5 yards away. Break while approaching a turn, going downhill, etc., etc. Use it effectively and don't worry if you feel you're just going way too slow--chances are, you're not.

Hope those help...it's been 4 years since I've gotten my license so my memory is a bit rusty. Good luck and I'm sure you'll do just fine. Posting a thread about it just means you are serious about the test and want to do well, so I'm sure your attitude will reward you with your license. Just stay calm, use common sense, and remember: there's always a second chance. :]

[kitaek27]

Generally speaking, most testers won't mind if you go 20 mph at a 45 mph zone.
But then again, if you have the same instructor that I had for my FIRST run, she just yelled at me to told me that if I make the test end any slower she'd miss her tv show.

[Pikablu]

ooooo Pika can help :

Step 1 - put on some blueray headphones on the ear on the opposite side of your instructor

Step 2 - have someone call you on your blueray with knowlegable driving and maybe a map of the city your in/the driving zone/have the guy keep an eye on your car from a tall building that overlooks the town =O

Step 3 - follow the instructions your friend on the phone tells you and tell him what the instructor wants you to do if your not sure via talking to yourself. :3

If that doesnt work/is a bad idea/counts as cheating/is bad then just do whut the people above Pika said D:

'This guy is only nice towards asians'

...Even though that guy must be racist,if he ends up Pika's Future driving instructor,Pika is safe x3

[Cyrus]

• Don't hit anything.
• Don't speed, but seriously, don't go like 20 under the speed limit either please?
• If you're messing up your parallel parking portion, stop, take a deep breath, take in your surroundings, and refocus yourself.

I honestly can't give too many tips because I just drove about 4 hours a day for 3 weeks straight until I was sure I could pass...and I did...so yeah.

[shadowfuryix]

pika yew feel its bluetooth. blueray is a high-def disc that uses blue lasers!

[HatsOn08]

Thanks for the tips everyone.
I'm gonna work on my turning and changing lanes thing later. My driving teacher told me they wouldn't test me on parallel parking, and I'm hoping that's true.

I don't know what else to say other than, I'd rather just drive as if it was a normal day. I don't wanna care if it's a test. Yes, it's probably denial or whatever. Bleh.

[Bob YoMeowMeow]

kitae's experiences sound hilarious XD