This spring break I took the time to finally do something that I have been putting off, getting my driver’s license. I have been putting it off because I have been extremely nervous to take it. DMV workers are very particular during the exam and you have to take extra precautions. Thankfully, I passed on my first try with only two errors! Here are some things that I did that can be useful when you need to take yours.
1. Always be aware of your car distance
When you arrive at a stop sign or a red light there is always a line as to where you need to stop. Typically, people stop right at the line or leave a tiny gap of room. Instead, try stopping about 3-4 feet before the line. This can show your DMV instructor that you are a cautious driver. Also, when stopping behind cars ensure that you leave a good amount of space between you and the car in front of you. You should be leaving about half a car distance. When you are driving on any other day it is very common to forget this rule but make sure you follow this rule on the real test.
2. Scan at each intersection
Scanning means looking both ways at each intersection to check your surroundings. I know definitely when driving during any other day we tend to forget to do this, but the DMV workers want to see you scanning. They want to be sure that you are not a careless driver and are alert at all times. Scanning can also include occasionally checking your mirrors throughout the test to be alert of your surroundings behind you.
3. Accelerate and brake your car smoothly
If you don’t accelerate and brake your car smoothly those are points taken off, and that is what happened in my case. I was driving on a street that went downhill so my car began to accelerate at a fast pace. I didn’t decelerate my car quickly enough so when I arrived at the stop sign, it was an unpleasant stop. Always be cautious of your speed and check your speedometer frequently. When you know you are about to stop the car, start braking a lot of time ahead so you don’t come to a jerking stop. And be sure not to press the gas so hard when you are ready to accelerate again after a complete stop.
