For the driver's road test, what do they usually look at when you're driving?

Question

I am going to be taking the driver's road test soon in california. What pointers can you give me? What do they usually look at when you drive? how do they assess you? what do you have to show them?

Answer 1

Speed (nothing over the posted limit. 35 is 35). How far ahead you look when noticing road hazards. Proer useage of lane for current speed. Best to narrate while going along.  even though you see it; the officer may not know where you're looking.  Following distance (biggy).  Coming to a full and complete stop(need to feel the vehicle lundge backward slightly when stopped(may possibly fail for incomplete stop.  Proper use of signals and mirrors.  Right of way to pedestrians. NEVER TRY TO OUT RUN THE YELLOW LIGHT. Instant fail.  Don't be too intimidated if the officer doesn't keep conversation during the ride along. Check mirrors and gauges every 6-8 seconds.

Also make sure everything is properly adjusted and the vehicle is clean. Tends to relax the officer more if the vehicle looks and sounds good and the driver is well groomed.

Wear your dang seatbelt.

Answer 2

How you hold the steering wheel, how far ahead you stop at stop signs / red lights, your speed, your use of turn signals, your use of mirrors and your overall road etiquette (giving way to pedestrians, etc.) Good luck!

Answer 3

The big thing is to know how to handle the vehicle...If you are comfortable doing that, then you should be comfortable driving with a stranger along side who is giving you directions...Listen to what the examiner tells you - there should be no talking except for what the examiner says...The examiner will not trick you or tell you to do anything illegal...Be relaxed and alert, keep your head moving (check mirrors, instruments)...Keep your driver side window open slightly so you can hear outside noise - especially sirens...Know what you should do if an emergency vehicle is coming towards you.

If you get a chance, go to the DMV where you will take your test and follow a road test in progress - see the route they follow...That way there are no surprises...The examiner is just making sure that you know how to control the vehicle, that you obey the rules of the road and can follow directions.

All the best.

P.S. Make sure that your vehicle is ready too - brake lights, tires, turn indicators, horn, clean inside and out, especially the windshield; and that the registration and insurance are current.

Answer 4

Follow the examiner's instructions. The license examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate basic driving skills and knowledge of traffic laws.

He or she is not there to trick you into making mistakes or committing traffic violations.

During your test, the examiner will point out mistakes you make and will give you information that will help you correct them.

Relax, and listen to what the examiner tells you. He or she may have you repeat a maneuver to see if you can correct a mistake you made earlier.

Answer 5

They are going to look at if you put on your seat belt and adjust the mirrors, first. They will see that you checked your mirror and looked behind you and turned on your directional before pulling onto the road. Whether you are going the proper speed. Your braking is controlled and not on a dime. That you can do a parallel parking job and be no more than 12 inchs from the curb. Less is better. They might have you do a 3 point turn on a road with no traffic but the might not.

Oh. And do show up to do the test driving a tuner. Get the most boring car you can get...probably mom's. Don't have the radio on. They don't like that.

Answer 6

It's hard to know that unless you've taken the test already. It's different everywhere you go.

Just do EVERYTHING that they tell you, don't speed, stop at the signs and redlights and all that, don't break any laws, or do anything silly and they should pass you.

I failed 3 times; once for hitting a cone while parrallel parking, once cuz some guy pulled out in front of me and I stopped to avoid hitting him (grrr), and once cuz the green light turned yellow and i didn't stop (who stops at yellow lights anyway?).

Anyway, alot of people don't pass the first time. By the time I passed, I already knew what they wanted me to do so it was really easy.