The Most Common Mistakes on the Driving Test

By Amir
General

The Most Common Mistakes on the Driving Test

 

Between a driving trainee and obtaining a driver's license lies the driving test the final hurdle to being officially allowed on the road. While passing the driving test in New York City isn't difficult if you've trained well, many would-be drivers fail not because they didn’t study, but because they overlook small but crucial details.

Did you know that around 60% of first-time test takers fail their driving test? The examiners aren’t overly strict, but some mistakes are just too serious to overlook, especially when they pertain to safety.

In this blog, we’ll cover the most common mistakes people make during their driving test and how to avoid them so that you can feel confident and prepared when your test day comes.

Table of Contents

The Most Common Mistakes on the Driving Test

1. Showing Up With a Faulty Car

Even before you start your driving test, your car's condition can affect your chances of passing. In New York, there are specific requirements for your test vehicle. Make sure your car’s seat belts, windshield, mirrors, turn signals, and other essential components are in good working order.

A well-maintained car shows that you're responsible and attentive, and it sets a good tone for the rest of your test. If you're unsure about your vehicle, review our checklist for test-ready vehicles.

2. Forgetting Pre-Drive Adjustments

Before you start the engine, take a moment to adjust the seat, mirrors, and seat belt. These might seem like minor details, but the examiner will note whether you're being cautious and preparing properly.

When the test begins, act as though you're doing your regular routine adjust your mirrors, buckle up, and check your seat's position. Don't rush, as skipping these steps can create a negative first impression. Being deliberate in your actions will help you feel in control. Read more about this in our pre-test driving tips.

3. Letting Anxiety Take Over

Anxiety can ruin even the most well-prepared test taker’s performance. It’s completely normal to feel nervous, but try not to let your nerves control you. Relax your mind, take deep breaths, and focus on what you’ve practiced.

If anxiety hits hard, it can lead to panic and poor decision-making during the test. Remember, the examiner isn’t trying to trick you they just want to ensure you can drive safely. Practice relaxation techniques ahead of time, or consider taking a mock driving test with an instructor to boost your confidence.

4. Forgetting to Use Rear-View Mirrors

Failing to check the rear-view mirror is a common mistake. Driving is all about situational awareness keeping an eye on the road ahead, but also what’s happening behind you. Glance at your mirrors regularly and especially before changing lanes or making turns.

If you forget to check your mirrors, the examiner will likely see it as a safety issue, and you’ll lose points. Be sure to turn on your tail lights when signaling, and always check your blind spots before making any maneuvers.

5. Ignoring Traffic Signals

Ignoring traffic signals, particularly Stop and Yield signs, is another frequent mistake. Many trainees fail to brake fully at Stop signs or fail to yield when necessary. This is a serious safety issue and will almost certainly result in failing the test.

Before the test, refresh your memory on the rules of the road by checking out our complete guide to road signs.

6. Abrupt Braking

Braking too suddenly is another problem many test-takers experience, often because of anxiety. It’s important to apply the brakes gradually unless there’s an emergency that requires a quick stop.

Practice driving the test car ahead of time to get a feel for how the brakes work, and aim for smooth deceleration. A sudden stop can cause the examiner to mark you down for not having full control of the vehicle.

7. One-Handed Driving

While some might think one-handed driving looks cool or confident, it’s a bad habit that will lose you points on the test. Keep both hands on the steering wheel at all times during the test.

For more about steering techniques and hand placement, check out our guide to proper steering techniques.

8. Confusion at Four-Way Stops

Approaching a four-way stop can be confusing, especially when multiple cars arrive at the same time. If you and another driver arrive simultaneously, yield to the vehicle on your right. If you’re the first to arrive, you have the right of way and should proceed first.

Always remain confident in your actions to avoid confusing other drivers, and remember the basic rules for stop signs and right-of-way. Check out our right-of-way guide for more information.

9. Driving Too Slowly or Too Fast

Both driving too slowly and driving too fast can cost you points. Being too slow may seem like a safe approach, but it can disrupt traffic flow and make you seem unsure of your driving abilities. On the other hand, speeding is dangerous and will result in immediate point deductions.

Make sure to maintain the posted speed limit and adjust accordingly for different zones, such as school zones or construction areas.

10. Ignoring Pedestrians

One of the most important safety rules is to always yield to pedestrians, especially at crosswalks. Make sure to stop fully and allow pedestrians to cross the road safely before proceeding.

For more tips on pedestrian safety, review our crosswalk safety guide.

11. Parking Mistakes

Parking is one of the most challenging aspects of the driving test for many trainees. Whether it's parallel parking or finding the right space in a parking lot, miscalculating distances or angles can cost you points.

Before the test, practice parking frequently. Brush up on tips with our parallel parking guide.

12. Distracted Driving

Stay focused during your test avoid distractions like your phone, and keep the stereo off. Even if you’re feeling confident, distractions can lead to mistakes, and the examiner will likely fail you for it.

To avoid this, practice distraction-free driving as often as possible.

13. Following Too Closely

Always maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Tailgating not only makes the examiner uncomfortable but also leaves you less reaction time to prevent accidents. Stay a few car lengths behind the vehicle in front to ensure safety.

14. Rolling Stops

An incomplete stop, or rolling stop, is a common mistake. You must come to a complete stop behind the stop line at all intersections. Anything less can lead to an automatic fail.

Wrap Up

Avoiding these common mistakes is key to passing your driving test on the first try. The more prepared you are, the less likely you’ll be to make these mistakes under pressure.

For more tips and tricks on acing your driving test, or to book lessons with a professional instructor, visit our driving lessons page or call us at 718-928-7048.

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