How to Prepare for your DMV Driver’s Test

Earning your driver’s license is a rite of passage almost every teenager dreams of. Once you pass your driver’s test you achieve a certain level of freedom. Still, preparing for your exam may seem stressful and intimidating. However, if you take the proper measures, passing your driver’s test can be a breeze. Take a look at these steps that will have you hitting the road in no time at all:

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Sign Up for Classes

We go to school for a reason – to develop skills that we can utilize as adults. The same can be said for driving lessons. Signing up for a teen driver education course is a great way to get behind the wheel with an experienced instructor who can help you understand what to expect during your test. You will learn how to drive safely in a variety of scenarios and refine skills like switching lanes, merging, and more. With years of experience, instructors have seen it all and can easily provide answers about how to get your driver’s license.

Practice, Practice, Practice

It may sound cliché, but practice really does make perfect. In order to best prepare for your exam, you should attempt to drive every day leading up to your test date. You want to feel comfortable performing all the maneuvers from the DMV’s Safe Driver Checklist or similar state DMV lists the day of the test. The best way to achieve this is to simulate the test experience with a parent or instructor. Ask them to take you through the test procedure so you will know what to expect.

Get Familiar with Your Test Site

All testing sites are different. Some may include challenges like left turns and school zones while others may feature bike lanes and one-way streets. No matter what your testing site includes, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the area. The better you know the course, the more confident you will feel come test day.

Know Your State’s Requirements

Each state has different requirements in order to take a DMV driver’s test. One of the most important requirements is a car. This can be a car that you or your parents own, lease, or rent. In the event you will be driving a rental car, most states require you to bring the contract showing your name as the insured driver. Additional requirements in California, for example, include:

Proof of insurance
Two license plates with current registration
Working brake lights, turning signal lights, horn, and parking brake
Tires that do not have any bald spots
A working driver’s side window and driver and front passenger doors
A windshield with an unobstructed field of vision
At least two rearview mirrors, with one outside on the left

Once you know you fulfill your state’s requirements you can make your driver’s test appointment by calling your local DMV office or visiting the state website.

Keep a Journal

Journals are a great organizational tool for a variety of situations including preparing for your driver’s test. Your daily entries can include what skills you worked on each day and how confident you feel about executing them on a scale of 1 to 10. Additionally, using a journal that also includes a calendar will allow you to make a schedule of what maneuvers you want to practice on what day.

Practice Self-Care

While your driver’s test may be important to you, it’s equally important to take proper care of yourself. This includes getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, and setting aside time to relax. If you try to cram for your test it will only result in stress and poor results. And when the test day finally arrives, try to stay as calm as possible. Deep breathing exercises and meditation can help with test anxiety.