Once you've obtained your learner's permit and completed your state's other requirements, you'll be eligible to take the road test for your driver's license. To get you ready for the big day, follow these tips to give yourself the best chance at passing the test on your first attempt.

For information about what to do prior to taking the road test, check out our sections on applying for a license for teens or adults.

How to Pass the Driving Test

Like anything else, practicing your skills ahead of time will help you calm your nerves and gain confidence for test day.

Some tips that can help you make the most of your practice time include:

Feb 11, 2015  CONGRATULATIONS to Tanya Chevel from Harmonstown who passed her driving test FIRST TIME in Raheny on 7/1/15 with 6 Grade 2 faults and 5 hours instruc Tanya Chevel CONGRATULATIONS to Ciaran Pender from Beaumont who passed her driving test FIRST TIME in Raheny on 9/1/15 with 5 Grade 2 faults. 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. Getting your driver’s license is an exciting venture and life changing experience, but it is also a big responsibility. 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.

• Starting out in an empty parking lot or residential street with low traffic to gain confidence.
• Having your parents give you constructive feedback while you're behind the wheel.
  • Though criticism can be difficult, use the opportunity to improve your driving.
  • If real-time feedback is too distracting, ask your parent to give you an assessment at each stop sign. Alternatively, set up specific checkpoints where you will pull over (into a parking lot or onto a side street), where your parent can give you tips and feedback before moving on.
• Taking a driver training course.
  • Though these aren't free, signing up for this service is a good way to practice for the test.
  • Instructors will simulate the test conditions, which will improve your knowledge and help you gain comfort behind the wheel.

Remember that the more you practice, the more your skills will become second nature.

Know the Rules—and Make them Habit

You'll need to do more than memorize the rules of the road to pass the driving test. You'll need to have practiced those rules so many times that they are now second nature, and part of your habitual reactions on the road.

As you practice driving with an experienced adult, have them test you on your knowledge and application of:

• Passing laws.
  • This includes passing in the correct lane and knowing when passing other vehicles is prohibited.
• Road signs.
• Traffic signals.
  • Including flashing yellow and flashing red lights.
• Speed limits.
  • Including reduced speed requirements for weather conditions, construction, etc.
• Safe following distances.
• Signaling for lane changes and turns.

Before the test, it might be a good idea to reread your state's driver's manual or take an online practice test to refresh your memory of the rules and regulations of the road that could show up during your test.

Practice the DMV Road Test

Simulating the test several times with a supervising adult prior to test day is usually a good idea. If it's possible, head to the local DMV you plan to test at, and drive around on the same roads you'll be tested on.

A few of the things you'll want to practice that are usually included on most driving tests include:

• Parking.
  • Using parking spaces.
  • 2- and 3-point turns.
  • Parallel parking.
• Stopping.
  • Checking for oncoming traffic.
  • Maintaining distance behind crosswalks or stop lines.
  • Making a complete stop at stop signs.
  • Knowing how to use your emergency brake.
• Turns.
  • Gradual slowing leading into turns.
  • Yielding right of way in intersections.
• Lane changes.
  • Using proper signals.
  • Checking mirrors before the attempt is made.
  • Ensuring a vehicle isn't in your blind spot.
  • Maintaining speed.
  • Accelerating when entering freeways.
• Defensive driving techniques.
  • Following at a safe distance.
  • Using mirrors before braking.
  • Checking signal lights and signs for safety.
  • Reacting to possible hazards.

Remember, too, that some states will put tips and scoring guidelines for their road tests on their DMV website, which can be excellent resources as you practice.

Additional Tips for Driving Test Day

If you've put in the time and practiced each of the required skills, you'll have fewer reasons to be nervous.

On the day of the test, remember these tips to stay calm and be confident:

• Focus on your driving, not the examiner.
  • Spending your energy focusing on the actual test, and the person testing you, can lead to mistakes. Instead focus on your driving and make good, sound decisions just as you've done during practice.
• Don't worry about mistakes.
  • If you do happen to make a mistake during the road test, move on. Worrying about what's just happened can have a compounding effect and lead to even more mistakes.
  • Remember that if you make a mistake and don't pass the test, most states allow multiple retests.
• Be comfortable with your vehicle.
  • It's generally a good idea to test in the same vehicle you've been practicing with.
  • The night before, make sure you adjust your mirrors and check that your vehicle's turn signals, lights, and brakes are working properly to avoid any headaches the morning of the test.
  • Know how to turn on your windshield wipers, heating/cooling system, radio, etc., should your test administrator ask you to demonstrate these elements.

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Passing your written DMV permit exam really is a no-brainer. But you gotta be smart about it, and avoid the pitfalls that cause numerous students to fail.

And you can start by following our Dos and Don’ts.

1) Don’t Cram For Your Permit Exam

The road to landing your driver’s permit harbors no shortcuts. So don’t think cramming a few weeks’ worth of studying into the night is going to work. All you’ll end up with is sleep deprivation and the inability to focus.

Plus, cramming for your DMV permit tests only serves your short-term memory. So as soon as you take the permit exam, all those DMV traffic laws and road signs you just memorized - will simply vanish.

2) Manage Your Study Time

Poor time management can also steer you down a dead-end road -- FAST! So, optimize your permit-study time with these four steps:

1. Determine the number of days you have left to study.
2. Break up the DMV handbook into topics that you can easily study during those days.
3. Study one topic at a time. Don’t jump around.
4. Then PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Sign up for a DMV online permit practice test and study it every chance you get.

3) Avoid Passive Learning

Reading and rereading the DMV driver handbook can be a waste of time. In fact, a recent report released by the Association for Psychological Science states that the least effective study strategies include:

• Reading and rereading the DMV handbook.
• Highlighting sections.
• Underlining key points.
• Summarizing passages.

So get with the program, get active and get involved in your studying.

And don't forget to incorporate short breaks into each study interval so you don’t burn out.

4) Know What it’s Like to Take the DMV Written Test

DMV written permit exams are unlike any other test you might take. So, knowing what to expect puts you far ahead of the success curve.

Online DMV Permit Practice Tests are an excellent way to prepare you for the actual written test. You can take an unlimited amount of virtual permit tests that can immediately highlight your weaknesses. You can even use it as a study guide, studying one question and answer at a time.

Know what you’re up against. Sign up for online practice tests, and ace your DMV permit test the very first time.

5) Wise-Up and Learn from Your Mistakes

It doesn't take an adult wagging an I-told-you-so finger in your face to know that it pays to learn from your mistakes. So be wise, and when taking the online permit practice tests, take note of which questions you answer incorrectly, and return to the driver’s manual or the practice test until you master each topic.

6) Get Healthy

A lack of healthy food, regular exercise, and solid sleep can be a recipe for failure. Set yourself up to pass your written driver’s license test with these simple tips.

• Feed your brain healthy, whole foods and drink plenty of water (at least 9 cups per day for women, 13 for men) to ward off fatigue and improve concentration.
• Eat high-protein, low-carb foods, and lay off processed sugary snacks and drinks that will spike your blood sugar.
• Enhance your energy level with regular exercise.
• Don't skimp on sleep. Sleep deprivation means decreased performance NS impaired memory. In fact, losing just 1.5 hours of sleep in one night could decrease your daytime alertness by 32%.

7) Lower Your Anxiety

Extreme tension can paralyze your ability to think. So if the image of your mother dropping you off at parties well into your mid-40s is stressing you out, reduce your DMV permit exam anxiety and improve your mood naturally:

1. Take a comfortable seat on the floor.
2. Put a few drops of orange or lavender essential oil* in your hands.
3. Rub both hands together to distribute the oil.
4. Rest your hands, palms up, on your knees.
5. Close your eyes, and take at least 10 deep breaths.
6. Gently reopen your eyes, take one more full inhale and release any remaining tension with a long audible exhale.

How To Pass Your Driving Test First Time Around

*Most natural food stores sell essential oils for usually less than $10 in their well-body departments.

To Recap

So pass your DMV written permit exam the very first time by following these 7 simple steps to success:

1. Don’t Cram for Your Permit Exam.
2. Manage Your Study Time.
3. Avoid Passive Learning.
4. Know What It’s Like to Take the DMV Written Test.
5. Wise Up and Learn from Your Mistakes.
6. Get Healthy.
7. Lower Your Anxiety.

Driving Test Pass Requirements

These aren’t too difficult to do and they will pay off when taking your permit test.