Beware during the road test

Seems like just a short while ago you had just passed your knowledge test and you were getting ready to have your learner’s permit, right? But before you know it, you are already preparing for your road test and the date you will be the proud owner of a driver’s license is getting closer and closer.

As this information settles, you might feel nervous for the practical phase of your preparation to be a driver. But considering all you learned so far, your abilities and skills should be already advanced enough to give you a confidence boost and get you through the next important step: the road test.

Although you might feel like your emotions are overwhelming, keep in mind that you have learned and practiced for this and the examiner is not your enemy or rooting for you to fail. After all, the purpose of this preparation and exam is to make sure you are able to drive safely and have the freedom of movement you have dreamed of up to this point.

Similar to other aspects of life, when you are a driver you need to follow certain rules and to avoid certain situations. You know all about these rules, and whatever you feel unsure of, you can always ask your driving instructor before the exam or make sure to repeat and go over prior to your road test.

1. What to expect

As your road test is about to start, you should expect to be tested on a range of essential driving skills that you will need in your everyday driving as well.

You’ll likely need to navigate intersections, back up, do three-point turns, make smooth left and right turns, and change lanes safely. In some states, you might even be tested on freeway driving, so practice merging onto highways, passing other cars, and exiting smoothly, depending on the state you are living in.

There will also be a specific dedicated time for special maneuvers. Parallel parking is another skill many states require, so check your state's manual to confirm if it's on your test.

Throughout your road test, your examiner will be watching and monitoring to make sure you are driving safely and that you are following the rules.

2. Vehicle safety requirements

Your car also needs to be prepared for the road test. Although important, these preparations do not imply any out of the ordinary steps, your car must be as prepared on day to day driving as it is for this exam.

Before your road test starts, the examiner will perform a quick safety check on your vehicle. They’ll make sure your car has two license plates, working signal and brake lights, a horn that functions, and tires in good condition. They’ll also check the brake pressure and ensure your windshield is free of any cracks that could block your view.

Your vehicle needs to have two rear view mirrors, a driver’s side window that rolls down, doors that open properly, working seat belts, a closed glovebox, and a securely attached passenger seat. If your car doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to reschedule your test until your car is compliant to the state rules. The examiner will only cancel the rest of the test if he or she deems the vehicle unfit to drive safely, which is in your best interest. After all, you would not want to be on the road in an unsafe car.

Another important detail is that in some states you don’t have to be the owner of the vehicle for your road test as long as you are familiar with its controls and you can operate it properly.

It’s a good idea to use the same vehicle in which you have practiced driving, to make sure you are confident in it.

3. Preparing yourself and your car for the road test

Beyond just the car's condition, you will need to show that you can adjust the mirrors and your seat, fasten your seatbelt, and handle the car’s basic controls.
The examiner might also ask you to demonstrate hand signals for turns and stopping. You can use this to get in a lighter, more positive state of mind, since you are at this point well aware of these simple steps. You are off to a great start, if you practiced before and visualized how the day of the road test will go.

When the start moment has finally come, remember to turn on the car smoothly, keep it in “Park” or “Neutral” with your foot on the brake, and use your signal correctly as you pull out.

These small actions set the tone for the rest of your exam, so stay focused and don’t skip over them. Many drivers tend to overlook these basic steps, but they’re just as important for your safety and for the examiner, who is noting each detail toward your final score.

4. On the road

During the road test, you’ll be evaluated on several driving techniques, some of which are especially important. These include checking your mirrors and blind spots before merging into traffic, keeping both hands on the steering wheel, stopping behind crosswalks and limit lines, and signaling appropriately before turns and lane changes.

Driving at a safe and appropriate speed, following at a safe distance using the 3-second rule, and yielding the right-of-way when necessary are also important.

Demonstrating these skills consistently will show the examiner that you are a competent and cautious driver and will keep you safe in your everyday driving.

Now, where will you be driving to?

Driving test routes vary by state, but in most places, you’ll be tested in different locations to show a diverse range of driving skills. Some parts of the test may happen right in the parking lot, while other skills will be assessed on residential streets, main roads, or even highways, in some states.

The examiner will be watching and grading your actions, so stay calm and follow their instructions. If anything isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask them to clarify, it’s totally okay to make sure you understand all the instructions that you might receive during your road test.

5. Critical driving errors (CDEs)

There are certain mistakes during the test, known as Critical Driving Errors (CDEs), that can result in an automatic failure. You must avoid at all costs these mistakes while practicing, but especially during your road test.

Common CDEs include driving 10 miles over or under the speed limit, failing to check over your shoulder before merging or changing lanes, running a red light, braking too aggressively, and not using windshield wipers when driving in the rain.

These are considered unsafe or potentially dangerous moves, and if any of them occur during your examination, your test will stop. Make sure to prioritize avoiding them, for your safety and for the success of your examination.

Each state has its own scoring system, but none require a perfect score to pass. You are allowed some minor mistakes both during the pre-drive check and while driving without automatically failing, but any CDE makes you fail. The intervention of your examiner during your road test is also a final mistake, and your test result will conclude with a fail if this happens.

6. After the test: Understanding your results

After the allocated time will have passed, your road test will be over.

Once you return to the DMV, the examiner will review your performance and inform you whether you passed or failed. You will be handed a form that states the result of your examination and also see your score. You’ll go over your score sheet together with the examiner explaining any mistakes you made and areas where you can improve.

If you fail the test, you must wait at least two weeks before retaking it, and you will need to pay a retest fee. In most states, there’s a required waiting period, usually several days or weeks, before you can retake the driving test, so this period will depend on the state you took the test in. 

However, in case you fail, it might be a good idea to give yourself even more time to practice and make sure you're fully prepared to pass. Your examiner will let you know exactly how long you’ll need to wait before scheduling your next test.

Conclusion

Passing your road test is all about being prepared and confident, and trusting your practice so far. As with any other test in your adult life, you will help yourself succeed if you make sure you are fully certain that your skills will be your ally when you need them to be.

Your car is your partner for this, so make sure your vehicle is up to standard, and as prepared as you are. After all, you are setting the base to be safe on the road, to know how to handle traffic in different situations and to get from one place to another in the most pleasant and efficient way.

Keep in mind that if things don’t go as planned, there is no need to give up or be too hard on yourself. Use the feedback from the examiner to improve, and you’ll be ready to pass next time.