The 14 Most Common Mistakes To Avoid on the Driving Test

Just about everyone is nervous when their driving test rolls around. You’ve studied and practiced by taking your driver's ed course, so we believe in you. To prepare you for the big day, we’ve compiled the 14 most common mistakes people make on the driving testAce The Driving Test BlogAce The Driving Test Blog. Brush up, and don’t let this be you!

Worried about making mistakes on your driving test?
Test your knowledge first with our free DMV practice quiz. It’s a quick way to see what you know and what to brush up on before exam day.

1. Letting Your Nerves Take the Wheel 

You know that Snicker’s commercial, “You’re not you when you’re hungry?” The same goes for stress and nerves. You’ve practiced. You know the material by heart. You’ve put in the driving hours.

So breathe. You’ve got this.

2. Not Checking Your Mirrors Regularly  

It can be hard to take your eyes away from the road, but your side- and rear-view mirrors help you be a safer driver. Constantly check your mirrors to know when a vehicle enters one of your blind spots.

3. Forgetting Your Turn Signals

Turn signals are a basic of driving and, therefore, a huge part of your exam. Signal early and give other drivers ample time to anticipate and react to your upcoming maneuvers. Using turn signals has shown a 40% reduction in the chance of a collisionNhtsa.gov Files Documents 811_037.pdf Sites.

4. Making Rolling Stops  

Stop means stop. So, always come to a complete stop behind the demarcation line at stop signs and red lights. Also, remember to come to a complete stop when making a right-hand turnHow To Turn Right Safe Driving at an intersection. To be safe, count to three before moving from a stopped position.

5. Not Yielding To Pedestrians 

Pedestrians always have the right of way. Pay attention to crosswalks and anticipate pedestrians, especially when you’re turning. Never stop in a crosswalk, either. Stop before it, then safely move up into the intersection. Pedestrians have a right to share the road with you, so keep them safe.

6. Confusion at Four-way Stops 

It can be easy to jump forward or hesitate when it’s your turn. Remember: The driver who arrives at the intersection first has the right of way. If you get there at the same time as another driver, whoever is to the right goes first. Make sure you understand who has the right of wayUnderstanding Right Of Way Safe Driving in different scenarios. 

7. Changing Lanes in an Intersection

Nearly one-quarter of all traffic fatalitiesSafety Intersection Safety About Highways.dot.gov in a given year occur in an intersection. While performing a lane change is legal in some states, it isn't worth attempting. Avoid lane changes while in an intersection and avoid a deadly collision.

8. Improper Lane Changing

When your instructor asks you to change lanes, remember:

1. Look at your destination lane.

2. Turn on your turn signal.

3. Check your mirrors (rear and sides).

4. Check your blind spotsBlind Spots Safe Driving.

5. Change lanes if everything is clear.

Always change lanes safelyRight Of Way When Changing Lanes Blog and know who has the right of way.

9. Driving Too Slowly 

Sometimes, you can be so busy worrying about speeding that you go too slow. Your instructor can fail you for driving too far below the speed limit. It shows a lack of confidence in your driving ability.

10. Braking Too Hard

You should only hard brake in an emergency situation. Otherwise, your braking should be gradual and comfortable. Be aware of how much time you need to come to a stop, and brake accordinglyHow Speed Affects Braking Distance Safe Driving. Don't underestimate stopping distance and cause a collision.

11. Following Too Closely

Tailgating is a sign of aggressive drivingUnderstanding Aggressive Driving Blog. It is also highly unsafe, and your examiner will dock you points for it. Follow at least three to five secondsSafe Following Distance Safe Driving behind someone on the highway, and increase this based on road conditions. This will give you plenty of time to react to a sudden stop.

12. Not Being Aware of Changes to the Speed Limit

Make sure you always know the speed wherever you are. Pay extra attention to the following zones where speed limits can change drastically:

• School zonesHow To Drive In A School Zone Blog

• Residential streets

• Freeways

• Construction zones

Shrugging and saying you didn't know the speed limit was won't cut it on the road test.

13. Not Keeping Both Hands on the Wheel 

It doesn’t matter if you can drive with just the tip of your knee; always keep both hands on the wheel during your driving inspection test. Always keep your hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positionsAce The Driving Test BlogAce The Driving Test Blog so you're ready in case a quick maneuver is necessary.

14. Bringing a Faulty Vehicle to the Road Test

Don’t let your vehicle be the reason you fail. Make sure your car complies with all safety laws, including a clear, unbroken windshield, working seat belts, signals, and lights. You want everything in proper working condition to keep you safe on the road.

Pass Your Driving Test with Ease by Avoiding These Mistakes

These mistakes are easy to avoid and shouldn't be why you fail your driving test. If you need confidence before taking your exam, check out a driver's ed course at Drivers EdAceable.comAceable. Our bite-sized lessons will get you ready for your driving exam in no time.