Top 10 things to know to PASS driving test

ROAD TO MASTERY
1. Proper Lane Change ----so make sure to...sweep S.M.O.G.
a. sweep the mirrors (rv/side) for distance and gap (Is it safe??)

b. signal...

c. check rear-view mirror and side mirror in respective lane you want

d. check over shoulder for blind spot...clear

e. change safely glide over

Note: SMOG when turning, lane changing and merging, AND

pulling over/away from curbs (ie. backing drill)

Proper lane changing should be smooth in transition. Do not brake or lose

speed, unless necessary and stay in your lane while conducting SMOG. Do not

drift.

DMV criteria is that you must maintain proper speed, lane position,

gap between front, back and side of cars (if you go in between two cars),

you glide into the lane (not abruptly) after conducting SMOG, and canceling

your signal after both sets of tires crosses the line. Wait til you hear the

"ga-gunk", as the tires go over the dots.

Also make sure to start your right turn when the lines to the bike lane

breaks or dashed. Don't cross over when the line is solid ( lane violation).
Do NOT drive in the 2-way left turn lane (suicide lane) over 200 feet.

Normally, we don't have to look over our shoulder if there is a cement

median. However,if there is a 2-way left turn lane prior to the left turn

pocket, it would be recommended that you look over your shoulder. A little

common sense goes a long way in driving.

News flash...Yes it is Ok to change lanes in intersections

safely when NO ONE is around. However, wouldn't do it on
driving test unless told to do so. Also don't
recommend it, as you all don't have alot of experience.

2. Make sure to Yield

a). Always stop behind the limit line at stop signs and especially at

crosswalks on a red light. Drivers not stopping behind limit line fail to yield

to pedestrians, which will fail you.

For shorter DMV evaluators, as their perception may be different from

yours, allow a little more distance, but not too much.

Use your base of side mirror frames behind the limit line as a reference

point. The recommended distance behind the limit line is within 6 feet or

1/2 car length. 3-4 feet is good distance behind the limit line. Better yet,

copycat the cars next to you if they are a good example. Match their side

mirrors. If you are the first to arrive, set a good example for other drivers.

b). Yield to on-coming traffic...make sure if you are turning right

on red to split your attention with L-R-L head turns for traffic and look up

at the signal, in case the light changes red to green. In addition, look for the

unexpected..ie pedestrians or bikes to your right coming towards you.

Make sure to "arc" your turn. That is to follow the "arc" of the black top

as you turn right.

Right on red, swivel head to make sure you check the "4 quadrants"..

which are:

1- people coming at you and then turning left

2-people to the right of you.... making a u-turn in front of you

3-people coming from your left or the obvious on-coming traffic

4- pedestrians and bicyclist on the wrong side of the street to your right

c). On circular green lights (unprotected intersections), drivers set up for

left turns fail to sometimes realize they must yield to on-coming traffic. If
you don't have a green arrow, the drivers approaching

have a green light and have the right of way....("their turn")

Ease out into the intersection, wheels straight, and wait until on-coming

traffic is clear and no pedestrians are crossing or bicyclist riding on the

wrong side of the street. Remember to look for movement, not just cars.

Don't be so narrow-minded. Just because we are driving a car, doesn't mean

other movement isn't out on the street, so be on the lookout for cyclists,

joggers, sidewalk surfers, kids, scooters...etc. After you realize there is

clearly no on-coming traffic in front of you, look over you left shoulder

to make sure there is no bikes approaching the intersection on the wrong

side of the street or behind you. Then make your left turn.

Also if there are a couple of kids crossing the crosswalk or street, look for

the stragglers lagging behind...."Hey! wait for me!!!" Wait until everyone

made it across the street to "protect" the pedestrian.

Note: Make sure you take into consideration the speed limit on the street

and what car, truck, or diesel truck is approaching ( ie...45 mph approaching

cars are going to come at you faster than you think,and the larger the

vehicle the more braking distance they require to stop)

Note: Night time driving is more challenging because our judgment can be

a little off at a distance. You are only able to see headlights coming at you.

Give yourself a little extra time to complete a turn during night time

driving to be safe. Teen Road to SAFETY!!

d). When driving out a street from a residential tract

onto a major street, beware of the on-coming traffic going

downhill. Likely they are traveling much faster than the speed limit. So

beware..once you pull out, "double take" accelerate and check your rear-

view mirror for those soon to be tailgaters. Use the gutter line as a guide to

pull out to, as "usually" no one drives in the gutter.

This goes for blind curves after stopping at a stop sign. Make sure you keep

your head on a swivel (looking both ways) L-R-L-R, as you pull out of the

tract keeping looking for those cars speeding around the corner and last

glance in the rear-view mirror in case you have to accelerate a little quicker.

During turns, do a double take to check one more time as you are making

your turn, look to where you may get hit last then once you are clear ahead,

check rear-view mirror..No tailgaters....good.

e). Through or on-coming traffic usually always have the

right of way. It is when you come to a 3 or 4 way
stop is when the 3 ROW right of way rule applies.

If you are making a left turn into a driveway or side street and you are the

thru traffic, you have the right of way if someone is waiting at a stop sign

from a side street or the driveway you are pulling into. You only then have to

yield to on-coming traffic coming towards you or who is coming toward you

and making a right turn.

3. Make sure to Stop- "Stop, let it drop"

a). Always make a complete stop behind the limit line at all

intersections. You will actually feel the car "settle". Traffic check L-R-L

with head. At controlled intersections (3 or 4 way stops).. stop, look and go

if no one is there. If someone is there..ROW (right of way).

Remember the right of way rule:

-Whoever gets there first

-to the right

-or going through if you are opposing traffic has the right of way.

b). When making a right turn stop behind the first limit line,

check for pedestrians and on-coming traffic. If you need to "creep", then

do so safely and SLOWLY look L-R-L and up at the light. Remember

"creeping" is riding the brake..not foot on the accelerator. When it is clear,

continue in the flow. Watch out for bicyclists traveling on the wrong side

of the road...AGAIN! ...where are the cops when you need them... huh??

c). Beware of RED ARROWS on right turns.. Pay attention to the lights

in front of you. Red arrow means no right turn!

d). Stop for school buses with red flashing lights whether you

are coming from the back or towards a school bus. In other words both

directions.

e). Stop before a sidewalk if you are pulling out of a

driveway or parking lot and look for pedestrians before

you pull out on the street. Hello beginning of the driving test.

4. Be familiar with Vehicle

a). Avoid borrowing a vehicle for your driver's test. It causes

uncertainty on how the brakes and accelerator "feel".

Remember the difference in feel of ABS (anti-lock braking system) and

conventional brakes. Decelerate and brake smoothly if you are coming up

on a red light. Remember if you have a larger heavier vehicle, your stopping

distance should increase and you must decelerate and brake earlier.

b). Know where certain items are. The 5 required by DMV are....

Part of the test is the "Pre- Drive Check list". Identify and how turn on:

1- emergency brake/parking brake (same)

2- emergency flash or hazard lights

3- defroster (front/rear) how to turn on

4- windshield wipers

5- headlights

c). Also know your hand signals...

roll down the window and demonstrate

right turn= arm angled up right angle up 45 degrees

left turn= arm straight out if you pointed left

slow down or stop= arm angled down pointing down (opposite right
turn)

5. Be Experienced....PRACTICE BEING IN THE SADDLE

a). Lack of experience will show if there is a traffic situation which

you have never handled before while driving. Lane merging in heavy

traffic causes new drivers to sometimes panic and stop or slow down to

where it is unsafe. When lane merging, we must yield to oncoming traffic.

People going straight through have the right of way. Find a gap and go

safely.

b). Scan or be a trained observer. Pay attention to the details

ahead, so you can have a plan in mind...ie; defensive driving.

c). Watch your steering control..hands and steering wheel "no

shimmy or shake". No swerving to stay in your lane and no "drifting" while

checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulder, prior to making a

lane change. Hands should be around 9 and 3, no lower!!!!

Remember the faster you go the more sensitive the steering wheel is.

Beware of your speed if you can't handle the steering wheel properly. Look

up and down the road to prevent the "shimmy shake" syndrome.

d). Know what to do when there is a railroad crossing or when an

emergency vehicle is approaching.Emergency vehicles travel in the left lane;

therefore, traffic pulls over to the right. Make sure you SMOG, then pull

over to the right as far as possible. Remember if the emergency vehicle is

traveling in the opposite direction and there is a raised or cement median,

you do not have to pull over to the right. Just slow down a little bit and

make sure they pass safely. When the emergency vehicle is 300 ft past you

or ahead of you, you may proceed in the flow of traffic.

What happens if someone next to you, driving a larger vehicle, has bled over

the limit line of the crosswalk and prevents you from seeing a pedestrian

walking across the street??..Creep out only when safe. If you can not see

safely across the street, you don't have to creep out and make a right turn

on red. You make a right turn on red when it is safe, and you yield to

the pedestrians.

e). Don't go too fast or too slow. Elicit confidence behind the

wheel,but be humble. Beware of the speed demon and don't get possessed

by the wickedness. Do NOT speed. Keep your eye on the speedometer. I

recommend staying under the speed limit 2-4 mph safely.

f). Our reaction time is our reaction time. It doesn't really

change. However, when we go faster then our reaction time appears to be

slower. Therefore, when we go slower, our reaction time appears to be

faster. Truth is our reaction time really doesn't change. We can anticipate

things to happen so we are prepared to react....which helps a little. This is

where driving experience helps. The more you get out on the road, the more

likely you are going to experience things. You can tell that a driver may do
something that poses a hazard and be prepared for that. Always have a plan

in mind. That is why it is important to keep good space around you, so you

always have options in case of emergency.

g). Practice backing up in a straight line. Know

what to do in case of an emergency or traffic situation. Know that when

driving backwards...whatever direction you want the rear of the car to go

is the way you want to turn the steering wheel (ie.. when you want the tail

of the car to go left, turn the steering wheel left..when you want the tail

of the car to go right, turn the steering wheel right).

Follow the 6 steps of backing (3 car lengths within 3 feet of curb)

1-SMOG to pull over and get on the "line" with the car parallel with the curb

2-Cancel signal!!

3- Reverse gear and check all around...CLEAR??

4- Back up in a straight line monitoring the "DUET" ( rt mirror and

over right shoulder thru back window) check hands occasionally 9-3.

5- Drive gear, SMOG and pull away

6-Cancel signal

Secret of backing is to get on the "line", which is out the gutter, make

sure your car is parallel to the curb and your steering wheel ends

straight. Ride the "line" for about 10 feet to ensure your back end catches
up with the front end, which will get the car parallel with the curb. If you

have to correct it after you stop, you have to makevadjustments in

increments as you back up. Try not to "fishtail".

GOLDEN RULE...PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE...did I forget to mention

practice. Practice doesn't necessarily mean perfect, as we must practice

proper driving techniques!

6. WATCH your SPEEDOMETER

a). Be careful not to drive too fast or slow...due to lack of

experience. When going uphill, make sure you keep a steady push on the gas

to get up the hill. Remember the closer you get to the top of the hill,the

more your seem to push the pedal down for more gas. Ever run up a hill? It

gets tougher when you get near the peak of the hill. When going downhill,do

we really need to accelerate? Just hover or ride the brake if there is a

momentum. Check speedometer.

b). Check speed often...helloo what's your speed???

No over or under speed limit 10 mph...if it is nice

weather.. automatic FAIL.

Again, you're a "rookie" with limited experience. Never drive over the speed

limit! Speed is dependent on the road conditions and experience. You are a

new "rookie" of the road, so don't get too confident...Note to self:a rookie is
a rookie, is a rookie. If there is a torrential down pour, adjust your speed...

That is the basic speed law.

c). Watch for signs...speed limit signs or know the area.

Remember yellow signs warns you something is changing ahead.

d). Business district and residential area are 25 mph.

Blind intersections are 15 mph...which is an unprotected

intersection or T intersection that you can not see 100 feet either

direction..

School zone 25 mph when children are outside or crossing the street

15 mph for alleys and near railroad tracks 100 feet of a

rail road crossing you can't see down the way when there are no arms or

gates.

e). No Jimmie Johnsons, Jeff Gordon or my personal favorite Danika

Patrick for you gals out there. X-nae on driving too fast. Just

because you are able to drive, doesn't mean that your reactions are quick.

That comes in time. Remember when you increase your speed, your steering

wheel is more sensitive, and the vehicle can swerve out of control.Speeding

belongs on the NASCAR circuit and left to the professionals.When was the

last time you were sponsored by Pennsoil, Du Pont or Valvoline.

The slower we go the more control we have and more time to react.

7. Proper LEFT TURNS or RIGHT TURNS

a). Double left turn lane requires you turn in the respected lane you

started in (ie..inside left turn lane goes into #1 lane,

outside left turn lane goes into # 2). In other words...

the lane you start in, is the lane you end up in. That goes for right turns

too,tight to the right on right turns. No bleeders!!!

b). Do Not cross over in a double left turn in the middle of

the lane as you are making a left turn.

c). Proper right turn is into the immediate "slow" lane or

closest lane to the curb. Try not to "bleed" over someone else's lane. Be

respectful. Stay in your lane and be a "clean" driver.

d). If there is an "unprotected" left turn(no left arrows,)

you must yield to oncoming traffic. Look over your left shoulder

to make sure there is no pedestrians or bikes on the wrong side of the road.

8. Scanning...BE A TRAINED OBSERVER

a). Head on a swivel. You're being taught by a "trained observer"

(ie. former law enforcement professional). You are a legency.

b). When approaching a signal,rear-view mirror and Lt-Rt-Lt

March on through a green...hut two three four (whether it's

red, yellow, green or blue...get it?)

c). Glance at "holes" in the street. Traffic check as DMV calls it

( ie...intersections, feed streets, driveways in shopping centers etc..)

d). Check mirrors often.."mirror freak...It's ok to be vain. They

(whoever "they" are and they always have the right answer, don't they?) say

you should check mirrors every 30 seconds, especially if you are in the

middle lane. Look for an "escape route".

e). BOLO BOLO BOLO..Be On Look Out..for pedestrians, bicyclists,

vehicles, and obviously TRAFFIC SIGNS. Look for MOVEMENT, not

just cars.

f). Do NOT look just straight ahead. We are no race ponies

with blinders on. We are human beings looking out for ourselves and others.

Look for drivers making right turns on red if you are set up to make a left

turn on a left green turn arrow. Always look out for the oncoming traffic

and glance at possible red light violators making a right turn. When you pull

out on a street, look over your shoulder for any possible whoop see daises,

where did they come out from???? ...thin air and materialize like ninjas???

g). Look down Yonder..Visual horizon..what lies ahead?? Traffic bunches,

brake lights to slow down..look at each lane and just prepare.

h). Look out for the arrows shooting at you If you are in the

lane that people are merging into, make sure to check your side mirror and

look over your shoulder to make sure no one has snuck up behind you up on

your side to pass you unsafely.

9. BE CONFIDENT.. BUT HUMBLE

a). Don't drive too slow... being overly cautious can be a traffic
hazard. Be assertive when safe.

b). Take the right of way, especially when it is your "turn".

Don't hesitate too long. When you approach a stop sign, stop

behind the limit line, look LRL, and, if it is controlled and no one is

around, commit and go. If you get there first or you're to the

"right" of ..., do the 3 automotive commandments:

1-thou shall stop behind the limit line

2-thou shall stop completely

3-thou shall look Left Right Left with your head,and maybe say:

"1-2-3 no tickie for me".. then by golly go. Hesitating when unnecessary

shows indecision and being too cautious.

c). Be the speed limit when safe. Better yet.. dropping the speed
2 mph under is safer, but maintain it. Going too slow elicits a lack of

confidence and can pose a traffic hindrance. You are just a "rookie"

driver. When you have 3-5 years driving experience, you can earn the

term "experienced", so to speak. The speed limit is set for experienced

drivers and good weather conditions.

d). Look for yellow caution signs. We MUST obey all caution or

yellow signs. Yellow means things are changing. If there is a yellow posted

speed limit sign on the curve, we must go that recommended speed for

safety. Sign is posted for safety measures and due to the arc of the turn,

we should drive that speed to avoid losing control.

10. BE FAMILIAR WITH TRAFFIC SITUATIONS ....BE PREPARED!!

a). Familiarize yourself with the driving area. Go out to the

area you are going to take the driving test and drive.

Our last lesson is in the area where the student plans to take the driving

test 2 weeks before the test. It is better to go out in the vehicle you are

going to be taking the test in and do a mock trail run. If you drive the area,

you can become familiar with the different situations that may be present

on the driver's exam. You need to pay attention to the speed limit signs if

any (ie. residential and business districts= 25 mph limit, if not posted

differently).

Look for merge signs, other signs or road markings.I would bet, if I were
a betting type girl,that a merge would be on the test. I would know where

the merge was an make a "plan of attack". In other words, if you know a

merge is happening.... look in your rear-view and side mirrors on the approach

to see what is going on around and behind you."Locals" know the area and

prepare for the MERGE early. So look!!

Yellow signs means....."things are a changing". Look for yellow signs!!

DMV Driving examiners (Dunt Dunt Daaaa) will not warn you or tell you the

speed limit,lane merge, yield signs, stop signs, to stop on a red light, go on a

green light or use your best judgment on a yellow light.

PS Yellow lights stay yellow ...1 second per 10 mph

or just put a decimal point after the first number of
the speed limit.

( Relates to the speed limit sign...ie 45 =4.5 sec or 30 mph =3.0 sec..get it,

got it, goood)

If there is a set of double yellow lines....can we pass a slow moving

Trash truck on the left??? NO!. Set of double yellow lines only allows

you to make left turns in and out of driveways, not passing on the left.

Watch those nuisances of slow movers.

**As a trained observer "in training", you should be able to identify

traffic issues:

Look for and identify controlled intersections, blind intersections,

uncontrolled intersections, bike lanes,partially controlled intersections, yield

signs, merge signs,"holes" in the street,curves, signals, speed limit

reductions or increases, railroad crossings, uphill,and downhills (know who

has the right of way...uphill.), and where there maybe a problem traffic

situation.

BOTTOM LINE--- EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED!

You are going to be evaluated base on what I call the 4 "C's"

1- Control of you car

Smooth ride-smooth acceleration/braking and not riding over the "braille"

2-Confidence behind the wheel

Knowing what to do and doing it assertively, but safe. Take action

and know your speed limit. Get up to speed soon and smoothly.
3-Competency or Rules of the Road

Know the rules of the road. Take action....if it your right of way....go!

Don't wait for someone to go before you. If it is not your right of way and

someone waves you on....Don't go. Your evaluator will think you don't know

the right of way rule. Get it, got it....GOOD!

4-C-ing (ok really "Seeing")

-Look around...traffic checks

-green light "march thru... LRL"

-stop; brakes= rear-view mirror

-side street are pocket checks or holes in the street

-right on red swivel head

-on your turns "double take" and check rear-view mirror

out of your turns.....TRAFFIC CHECKS!!!!

**Once you have these things under your belt.,,

YOU ARE READY ...to PASS the exam!!

WHAT YOU NEED:

1. DRIVER'S PERMIT

2. COMPLETION OF BEHIND WHEEL TRAINING 6 HRS.

3. CAR REGISTRATION

4. VEHICLE INSURANCE CARD (check with insurance agent)

Remember my silly sayings...."DEFENSE DEFENSE DEFENSE"

50 hrs (10 night time) minimum with parents. DRIVE AS MUCH AS

POSSIBLE!

I recommend 200 hrs (50 hrs. nighttime)before your driving test...

MORE =BETTER.... EXPERIENCE!!! GOOD LUCK

Here is a new law you might want to know.

move over aNd slow DowN
"Drivers are required to move over and slow down when
approaching a roadside emergency along a state highway or
freeway. The law is designed to reduce the deaths of police
officers, tow truck drivers, paramedics, and other
emergency personnel who are aiding stranded or injured
motorists. Use caution if lane changes are required".

ALISON MARCOTTE Copyright © 2009 - All Rights Reserved