Drivers Test Tips

Formal Programs

• Many states and other governments offer driver's education programs aimed at giving you the knowledge you need to pass their driving tests. It is usually worth your while to attend one of these.

Know What to Expect

• Research the test itself, so that you know its format, expectations and scoring system. You will not be required to perform perfectly on either the knowledge or the driving test, so knowing how much leeway you have can help you relax.

Study

• If your government produces a driver's manual, study it thoroughly. Know it front to back, and test yourself on the information therein. These manuals contain all the rote knowledge that you will need to know about driving, not only for the test but on the road later. Normal test-preparation strategies and memory aids, such as flash cards and outlining, will work here.

Practice, Practice, Practice

• Behind-the-wheel practice is by far the most important part of preparing for your driver's test. The California Department of Motor Vehicles, for instance, requires minors to complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training before taking a driver's test. Make sure that you practice with an experienced driver who can give you advice and constructive criticism. If you have a learner's permit, you probably have a good amount of experience driving on roads, but practicing some of the less-common driving procedures (such as parallel parking) never hurts.

Know When to Stop

• Don't over-prepare. At some point, trying to study more will only cause you to forget earlier information, and your behind-the-wheel reflexes will either plateau or degrade. Over-preparation also tends to build stress.

Be Polite

• During the driving test you will be accompanied by a driving instructor who will most likely be a complete stranger. Because you and the instructor will be the only two people in the car during the test, sitting next to your tester can be awkward and even intimidating. Thus, it pays to make a good impression with the instructor. Although it won't win you any points on the test itself, making a good impression will lead to a smoother test, and will help alleviate your own tension behind the wheel.