I Got My Drivers License!!! (Tips for Success Part 2!) ~ By Jessica

So this past week I got my drivers license! After having my permit for 7 months I finally felt ready enough to take the behind-the-wheel test. I was SUPER nervous before the test but once I was actually driving it wasn't that bad. In fact it was very simple. You mostly drive through a residential area. Since I just took the test here are some tips and tricks on how to prepare and pass your drivers test. (kind of like my post about when I got my drivers permit.) 


1. Once you get your permit DRIVE as much as you can! The more practice the better! I found that the more I drove the more comfortable I was behind the wheel. 

2. Take at least 6 hours of driving instruction classes (behind the wheel). I used AAA for both my drivers ed and behind the wheel training. 

3. When you have completed the behind the wheel training and practiced 50 hours of driving then schedule your drivers test. I scheduled mine online and got an appointment for the next week. Each DMV is different but usually it doesn't take to long to get an appointment. 

4. Pick up your states driving handbook from your local DMV and STUDY it!! The driving handbook is very helpful and includes all the details you should be aware of while taking your drivers test. Also have a parent or some other licensed driver to sit in the passenger seat and make sure that you are following the handbooks rules (kind of like a pretend driving test). If you practice this way then you are almost guaranteed for success during the test. 

5. The night before your test make sure you have:

- permit 
- certificate of completion of 6 hours of instructed training/driver's education 
- vehicle registration 
- proof of insurance 
- car and licensed driver 

They will not let you take the test until you have all these with you. Also make sure that you know what all the buttons in your car do. Before you begin driving the instructor will ask you where the front and rear defrosters are, the left and right blinkers, the windshield wipers, brake lights, emergency brake (parking brake), the horn, and your hazard lights. You cannot get more than 3 wrong so make sure that you know where they are. 

6. Make sure that your everything in your car works, especially your lights and blinkers! You cannot take the test until your car works properly. 

7. A couple hours before your test make sure that you have eaten. Also arrive a little early to the DMV so that you can calm your nerves and de-stress (It helps!). 

8. DRIVE to your test! Driving to your test will help you warm up to driving and get used to the brake and gas pedal. 

9. Once you are in the car and are about to start make sure that your mirrors and seat are adjusted so that you are comfortable. Also, make sure that before you drive away to release your parking brake and put the gear into drive (it seems simple but really basic but you can forget even the simplest things when you are nervous). 

10. While you are taking the test be calm and collected. Drive SAFELY! Drive even more cautiously then normal but don't go under the speed limit.

For some additional advice I found that this video really helped prepare me. It's from the DMV and it is very thorough (it is really corny but it's worth it!).

Here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3wLwbDXGtE 


I hope that these tips have helped you! Keep in mind that the test is fairly simple, so don't let your nerves get the best of you! You can do it! 

~ Jessica