How to pass your driving test on the first try
Image of the exit from the DMV with instructions (The Puma Prensa / Sophia Nagra)
By Sophia Nagra, A&E Editor
The time has finally come. You have finished your Driver’s Ed, passed your permit test, driven for six months, taken all three driving lessons, and now it’s time for you to get your license. I am so proud of you.
Many people do not recommend going to the Santa Rosa DMV, as they claim the proctors are “mean” and “want you to fail.” The truth is the opposite; while most of them can be frustratingly snappy, it is important to remember that they are real people working demanding jobs, and they are not always treated with respect. Additionally, they are inherently responsible for the safety of not only you and your passengers, but every vehicle you drive by. They must determine whether you are a safe driver that can be trusted alone in dangerous situations. You can and will pass regardless of this, but I recommend making a good first impression on your proctor by shaking their hand, introducing yourself, and telling them that it is nice to meet them.
I have divided this comprehensive guide into multiple sections, including general tips as well as what you should do before, in the beginning, middle, and end of your test. At the end, you will find the two routes that your proctor might take you on. For best results, read every section thoroughly, and practice the routes numerous times before taking your test. Also, ensure that you take a few mock driving tests with your parents or guardians in the car, telling you where to turn on their own whim-- without worrying about street names.
Tips:
Don’t turn right on red. While you are allowed to unless there is a sign indicating otherwise, it is better to be safe than sorry for your test.
Sparingly ask clarifying questions if you need to(i.e the second to right turn lane?)
Lift your shoulder blades off of the back of the seat for blindspot checks, and only check when you are farther than normal from the car in front of you
Remember SMOG: signal, mirrors, over shoulder, go
Go one to three mph below speed limit, and even slower if raining or foggy– never go even one above the speed limit
Clean your car and wear a mature looking outfit-- you want your proctor to have a pleasant experience, and go into the test thinking you are not only a responsible driver purely for the test, but a responsible person that will always be safe
Practice both routes multiple times, actually going into and out of the parking lot in the pre check lane and end of test parking spots
Have all your papers paperclipped and in a folder (especially if its raining)
Avoid scheduling it for a Thursday, as that is when the trash trucks come
Even if you know you made a mistake, do not psych yourself out or assume you failed; chances are, you still passed
Remember that you get 14 minor mistakes. That’s a lot, and you will most likely be fine
People say that Petaluma’s proctors are nicer, but just do your test in Santa Rosa if that’s closest to where you live. Chances are you will be able to practice around it more/convince your parents to take you there whenever
Before:
Put your phone on DND, turn off bluetooth, and make sure your car screen is on the main menu– auxiliary equipment use is an automatic fail, even if on accident
Make sure your permit is signed by your driver instructor and parent
Arrive 30 minutes before and prepare to be there much later than 20 minutes past your scheduled appointment time; they are always backed up, and if someone with a later time gets in the precheck lane before you, they still get to go first
Start your precheck off on the right foot: shake your proctor’s hand, say “nice to meet you, my name is ___” after they have introduced themselves
Keep both windows open, as it will be easier to hear what they want you to turn on-- it is right by the freeway and very noisy
Make sure your tank/charge is full
If you have long hair, wear your hair up so your proctor has a good view of your head and neck for mirror and blindspot checks. Some recommend wearing ponytail/dangly earrings, but I did not, I just wore my hair up in a bun with studs, but did very exaggerated turns. I know people who have worn those things and still failed. Just remember: hair up and heavily exaggerated head turns
Once you have the actual test routes down, practice with your parent directing you at their own whim and a rubric, just as a proctor will
This is helpful, as you don’t have to worry about things you will not be tested on, such as road names and where the roads are. They will simply say things like “turn here,” “merge right,” etc.
Beginning:
Do not fall for distractions-- keep your eyes on the road and hand on the wheel at ALL TIMES
Treat the sidewalk like a deadly stop→ stop BEFORE it begins and look for pedestrians, then creep forward very, very slowly. This is the most dangerous turn of the test, as cars obstruct your view. Wait for a while, and look left and right CONSTANTLY at a reasonable pace until you make the turn
Begin your test with sunglasses on after the pre check, as, once your car is in drive, you should not take your hands off of the wheel. Wear them if it is even a bit sunny, as the brightest light can always peek out in unexpected places
Middle:
Stop BEFORE the limit line until your car’s speedometer is at zero and look left and right multiple times before crossing
If deadly stop (no rectangle labeled “all way” under), after above directions, creep forward (if turning right, creep right) then look both ways multiple times again. DO NOT turn fast or if a vehicle is even remotely close to you
Turn into the bike lane before turning right
Treat it like a normal lane→ SMOG everytime you do it, but keep your signal on until you have actually made the turn
Start slowing down for a while before your stop
BACKING
Pull forward as much as possible while keeping a safe distance behind the car in front of you to make sure that you are as close to the curb as safely possible
Unless your backing camera’s guide lines are bending drastically over into the curb, keep your right hand on the back of the passenger seat, and your left hand on top of the wheel, making sure not to move it if you feel too close. As long as you’re parallel, you’re fine. Once you steer out, it’s impossible to veer back in
Turn whichever sideview mirror is on the curb’s side as far down as you can to ensure you have real visibility of the curb
Stay within 6-18 inches of the curb
Reverse at walking speed
Don’t stop until told.
If you have a backing camera, to check if you are a proper distance from the curb, check to see if the right side of your car is lined up in the sidewalk’s crevice
Do not rely solely on your camera or mirror, make sure you are mainly looking behind you, while still taking frequent glances at your supplemental support systems
End:
Practice parking at the end of test parking spots in the last row
If you are not sure how close you are to the curb, it is better to be a bit far out then hit the curb, as long as you are not jutting out
Go around the white shaded walkway when pulling into the end of test parking row
