Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Road Test

By Amir

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Road Test

Passing your road test is one of the most exciting milestones for any new driver. After months of learning the rules of the road, practicing driving, and ensuring that you meet the requirements for your driver’s license, you may feel nervous or anxious when the day of the test finally arrives. Unfortunately, many test-takers make common mistakes that can result in a failed road test, even if they’ve practiced and feel ready.

At Drive Rite Academy, we want to help you avoid these mistakes so you can pass your road test with confidence. In this post, we’ll go over the most common mistakes new drivers make during their road test and provide you with tips on how to avoid them.

1. Forgetting to Check Your Mirrors

One of the most basic driving habits is checking your mirrors regularly. It’s a fundamental safety measure that ensures you are aware of your surroundings and can make informed decisions while driving. During your road test, your examiner will expect you to check your mirrors consistently while driving, particularly before making any lane changes, turns, or stopping.

Why This Matters:

Failing to check your mirrors could lead to dangerous situations, such as cutting off another vehicle or failing to see a pedestrian or cyclist. It’s an easy way to lose points during the test, and in some cases, it may even result in an immediate failure.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Make it a habit to glance at your rearview and side mirrors frequently while driving. As a general rule, check your mirrors every 5 to 10 seconds while driving, especially before making any maneuvers like lane changes or turns. The examiner will want to see that you’re actively monitoring your surroundings and not just focusing on the road directly ahead.

2. Improper Use of Turn Signals

Your turn signals are one of the most important tools for communicating with other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers fail to use their signals correctly or forget to use them altogether during their road test.

Why This Matters:

Failing to signal properly or neglecting to signal at all can lead to confusion for other drivers, which can be hazardous. Not using your turn signals when turning, changing lanes, or merging into traffic is a serious infraction that could result in an automatic failure.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Always signal well in advance of any turn, lane change, or merge. Generally, you should signal at least 100 feet before your maneuver. Be sure to cancel your signal once you’ve completed the turn or lane change. When in doubt, it’s always better to signal earlier rather than later, as it gives other drivers time to react to your intentions.

3. Rolling Through Stop Signs

Many new drivers, especially those who are nervous, tend to "roll through" stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop. While this may seem like a small mistake, it is one of the most common errors made during the road test.

Why This Matters:

Rolling through a stop sign without coming to a complete stop is not only a traffic violation, but it also puts you at risk of missing other vehicles or pedestrians that may be crossing the intersection. It’s a mistake that could cost you the entire test.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Make sure you come to a full stop at every stop sign, regardless of whether the intersection appears to be clear. As a good rule of thumb, come to a complete stop and count to three before proceeding. This ensures that you’ve fully stopped and checked for any pedestrians or vehicles approaching.

4. Failing to Yield

Failing to yield the right of way is another common mistake that can result in an automatic failure of your road test. Whether you’re turning at an intersection or approaching a pedestrian crosswalk, it’s essential to know when to yield to other drivers or pedestrians.

Why This Matters:

Ignoring the right of way can lead to dangerous situations, including collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians. The examiner will be looking for you to demonstrate an understanding of traffic laws and your responsibility to yield when necessary.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Before making any turn or proceeding through an intersection, always ensure that you yield to the proper parties. In addition to yielding to pedestrians, be aware of traffic signs that require you to yield or give the right of way to other vehicles. If you’re unsure, it’s safer to yield rather than take a risk.

5. Inconsistent Speed Control

Maintaining a consistent and legal speed limit is a key aspect of your road test. Speeding or driving too slowly can be just as problematic. Speeding is a direct violation of traffic laws, while driving too slowly can disrupt traffic flow and make other drivers uncomfortable.

Why This Matters:

Inconsistent speed control can lead to unsafe driving conditions. Driving too fast or too slow can cause you to lose control of the vehicle, and the examiner may see it as a sign of poor driving judgment.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Stick to the speed limit at all times, but also adjust your speed based on road conditions. If you’re driving in a construction zone or school zone, make sure you obey the reduced speed limits. If traffic is moving slower than the speed limit, be prepared to adjust your speed accordingly, but never exceed the posted limits.

6. Not Observing Pedestrian Crosswalks

Pedestrian safety is a significant concern for road test examiners. Many drivers fail to notice pedestrians at crosswalks or don't yield to them when necessary. This mistake can not only lead to failing your test, but it can also be dangerous.

Why This Matters:

Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks, and failure to yield to them can result in accidents or collisions. Even if a pedestrian is just waiting to cross, it’s important to stop and allow them to do so safely.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, whether they’re crossing or just waiting to cross. If the crosswalk is unmarked, make sure you still stop if there are pedestrians attempting to cross the road. Be aware of your surroundings and look for pedestrians before proceeding, especially in residential areas or near schools.

7. Overusing the Horn

Many drivers use their car’s horn excessively when they feel nervous or are unsure of what other drivers are doing. However, overusing the horn can be distracting and show a lack of control.

Why This Matters:

Using the horn too frequently can annoy other drivers and give the impression that you’re not in control of your vehicle. This could be a sign of nervousness or poor judgment during the road test, which may lead to a lower score or even a failed test.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Use your horn only when absolutely necessary, such as when you need to alert another driver of a potential hazard or when you’re trying to prevent a collision. The horn should be a last resort, not your first reaction.

8. Failing to Parallel Park Correctly

Parallel parking is one of the most nerve-wracking aspects of the road test for many drivers. The anxiety of fitting into a tight spot can cause you to make mistakes that could cost you valuable points. Failing to park properly or misjudging the distance can result in a failed test.

Why This Matters:

Parallel parking tests your ability to park safely in a limited space without hitting other vehicles or objects. If you fail to park within the lines or hit another vehicle, your examiner may consider it a serious mistake.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

The best way to avoid errors with parallel parking is to practice regularly. Try to practice in different settings both busy streets and quieter areas so you get used to various types of parking situations. During the test, take your time to ensure you’re correctly aligned before moving into the parking spot. If you need to adjust your position, don’t hesitate to do so.

9. Panicking or Getting Overwhelmed

It’s natural to feel nervous during your road test, but panicking can cause you to make rash decisions or overlook important details. If you make a mistake, the best course of action is to stay calm, correct the error safely, and continue on with the test.

Why This Matters:

Road test examiners are assessing your ability to handle pressure while driving. If you panic or get flustered when something goes wrong, it can demonstrate a lack of confidence in your driving skills, which may cause the examiner to doubt your ability to safely operate a vehicle.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Take deep breaths if you feel anxious. Remember that the examiner is not there to trick you, but rather to assess your ability to drive safely. If you make a mistake, don’t dwell on it just correct it and move on. Show the examiner that you can handle stress and maintain control of the vehicle.

10. Ignoring Basic Vehicle Operations

Knowing how to operate the basic features of your vehicle is critical to passing your road test. Many drivers fail their road test simply because they don’t know how to adjust their mirrors, turn on their headlights, or use their windshield wipers.

Why This Matters:

The examiner will expect you to be familiar with the basic operations of your vehicle. If you’re unable to adjust your mirrors, or if you don’t know how to turn on your headlights in low-visibility conditions, it could make it seem like you're not ready to drive safely.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

Before your road test, familiarize yourself with all the controls in your vehicle. Make sure you know how to adjust your mirrors, operate the headlights, and use the wipers. Practicing with a licensed adult driver can help you become more comfortable with the vehicle’s features.

FAQ

How can I avoid failing my road test?

To avoid failing your road test, practice consistently and focus on the basics checking your mirrors, using your signals properly, and following traffic laws. Stay calm, and be mindful of the examiner’s expectations.

How long is the road test?

The road test typically lasts 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, you’ll be assessed on your ability to drive safely, obey traffic laws, and perform basic driving maneuvers.

Can I retake the road test if I fail?

Yes, if you fail your road test, you can retake it. However, you may need to pay a re-test fee and wait a certain amount of time before you can schedule another test.

What should I bring to my road test?

Be sure to bring your learner’s permit, proof of identity, the vehicle’s registration, proof of insurance, and any other documents required by your state’s DMV.

What should I do if I make a mistake during my road test?

If you make a mistake during your road test, don’t panic. Stay calm, correct the mistake if possible, and continue with the test. The examiner will appreciate your ability to stay composed under pressure.

Passing your road test requires more than just knowing how to operate a vehicle it’s about demonstrating your ability to drive safely, confidently, and responsibly. By avoiding these common mistakes, practicing the necessary skills, and staying calm during the test, you'll be on your way to getting your driver’s license in no time.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Your Road Test