This Is the Guide to Passing the Driving Test (also known as Road test) the First Time

When you get your Michigan driver’s license is an exciting venture and life changing experience, but it is also a very big responsibility.

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Taking the driving test (also known as road test and behind-the wheel test) can be a little nerve wracking, but there are ways you can prepare that will help ensure that you pass that test, with flying colors, on the very first try. Here are some helpful tips that will make passing your driving test much easier and will help you pass it the first time.

Before you schedule your Road Test with us

Get lots of practice. Use that learner’s permit of yours to the full if you have one. Feeling comfortable behind the wheel of your car is one of the best ways to prepare for the test. Try to practice as much as possible in the vehicle that you will take to your actual test. Each car drives a little differently and it is a good idea to be comfortable in the car you will be using. Keep this in mind when preparing for your driving test. While driving around with whoever is your driving partner to help you during your learning phase (a friend, colleague or your driving instructor), have them grade you. Let them know this is a good time to be brutally honest. Ask them to note down every incorrect lane change, every turn signal you failed to indicate, every blind spot check you didn’t perform, etc. 

Empty parking lots make great drivers test practice locations. Office parking lots are usually deserted on the weekend and are great for practicing. If you can, find a couple of orange cones to borrow so that you can set up a parallel parking area. 

Practice your road test with cones

Once you schedule your test, familiarize yourself with the testing area. Generally the driving test will be completed on the roads that are very near to your testing site. Spend some time driving around the area. Pay special attention to the speed limits, road signs and potential hazards. This way you will already know what to expect when you go in for your test. You can also employ driving training and practice test companies to help you. While it may cost you a little bit of money, it can be worth the training, knowledge and actual road experience you gain, not to mention that these are often taught by those who are aware of what the actual driving test will be like. This prepares you better, plus gives you a feel for what to expect the day of the road test. Consider this expense an investment into your driving success. 

​How to Pass Your Driving Test the First Time:

​Avoiding Common Mistakes

You must demonstrate the following maneuvers during your behind-the-wheel examination:

• Pre-Drive Checklist: demonstrate emergency parking brake, arm signals, windshield wipers, defroster, emergency flashers, headlights, turn signals, headlights, foot brake, horn
• Parking Lot Driving: Leaving and Returning to the DMV
• Intersections: Up to eight total, including speed, yields, traffic checks, braking, and limit lines
• Business/Residential/Rural Driving: traffic checks, speed, spacing, lane position, etc.
• Entering/Backing Along Curb
• Lane Changes
• Turns: Up to four lefts and rights, including signals, full stops, limit lines, steering control, speed, turning too wide or too short, turning into the correct lane, etc.

​Why do students not pass their driving test the first time?

Make sure to SMOG!

• Signal
• Mirror
• Over-shoulder
• Go

I can’t stress enough how important and critical it is to look over your shoulder for turns. Yes, even for left turns. There could be a bicyclist/motorcyclist right behind you and you might not know it. Always make sure to clear your blind spots for turns and lane changes.

Now these are the most common reasons why people fail.

• Nerves: Try not to let your nerves get a hold of you. Try to relax, be confident, and just let all the skills and techniques you’ve learned shine through
• Wide Turns: on a right turn on a 2-lane road, you should end up in the right lane, not the left. Students oftentimes make wide turns, then try and correct themselves by getting in the correct lane without signaling or looking over their shoulder, which results in an automatic fail
• Bike Lanes: Whether the bike lane is dashed or solid, signal 200 ft. in advance, SMOG, and put your tires into the bike lane before making a right turn

Real talk, tips and feedback from former students on how to pass your driving test the first time

• “My friend failed for running a yellow light because it turned red while crossing the intersection.”
• “Over-exaggerate your head turns for lane changes”
• “I failed because I didn’t get into the bike lane and didn’t look over my shoulder.”
• “If you’re female, wear your hair in a ponytail.”
• “Just make sure to look over your shoulders even if you feel it’s not necessary & when driving on side streets keep scanning the road like shoulder to shoulder.”
• “Look on YouTube for DMV drive test routes”

Soon this will be you!  Check out our Teen and Adult for more information!