Learners Permit Secrets: Part 1

There are some excellent ways to obtain your driving learner’s permit on the first try, how to use your learner’s permit to help you pass your final driver’s license tests and be a safe driver and how to make the most of the time you have with your learner’s permit. Many people fail their permit test on the first try, and others waste valuable time and money by not being prepared ahead of time for their visit to the department of motor vehicles. Before obtaining your learner’s permit, there are some key steps you should take in order to assure you don’t have to retake the test.

Before Getting Your Learners Permit

When it comes time for you to begin the process of getting your driver’s license and joining the millions of others on the road, you need to be organized. Do your homework and know the process so that you are fully prepared for each step. This begins by checking out your local department of vehicles website, as well as other informative sites such as www.dmv.org and www.dmvcheatsheets.com so that you know exactly what is expected of you. Each state has a different process and different laws regarding first time drivers so save yourself some hassle and research your states specific rules before headed up to apply. In some states for example, you are required to complete a driver’s education course before applying for your permit, while others will allow you to receive your permit before completion.

There are several general requirements you can expect when it comes to documentation that you will need to bring with you the day of your application. These are the same in every state and include the following:

• Proof of identity. Most states will require two documents from this category and can include such items as a school or state ID and report card. Typically one form must have a picture.
• Proof of citizenship. This will be your birth certificate and social security card. Some states have strict laws that the names must identically match on both so be cautious of this ahead of time.
• Proof of residency. You must live in the area that you are applying for your license and will be required to provide proof. For most high school students this is usually a recent report card or school document.

In order to determine what additional documents your local Department of Motor Vehicle branch will require, you can locate a list either by obtaining one from the branch office, or going online to the website. For example the state of North Carolina requires you have documentation proving who your licensed driver will be for practice with your learners permit and must be either a legal parent or guardian, grandparent or other adult approved by your parent. If your state requires you pass driver’s education beforehand, you will also need to bring that certificate in order to proceed.

In addition to documents and assuring you meet the states requirements, it is important to know the fees involved and be prepared to pay them when you arrive. Each states fee is different so be sure to check with the branch office ahead of time.

Once you have done your research and know exactly what you will need, make a checklist of the times and gather them together in a safe place such as a folder or binder. Be sure that if you wear glasses or contacts you add that to your list as you will be required to take a vision test the day you apply for your permit. It is also required by law that you inform the department of motor vehicle that you are required to wear them while operating a motor vehicle.

Study for the Permit Written Test

As every states law differ, it is important that you acquire a copy of your states drivers’ handbook ahead of time and study the book from front to back if you wish to pass the test on the first try. You can find a copy at the local department of motor vehicles branch near you or by going online to your DMV website and downloading a PDF version for free. In addition you can find great materials for studying, as well as practice tests and informative articles on testing at sites such as dmvcheatsheets.com. Take as many practice tests as possible to determine what areas of the handbooks you need to study further in order to be as ready as you possibly can. The tests will include general information for your state regarding:

• Signs and signals commonly found while driving. This will include traffic lights and laws regarding how to handle them, stop signs, school zones and other commonly found driving signs you need to understand. Speed limit signs are also included in this section.
• Sections including safe driving procedures. This section may also cover drugs and alcohol, driving at night, distracted driving and road rage. There is a special section about distracted driving and cell phones in most states due to changing laws and the high level of accidents caused by texting and driving.
• What if scenarios. This will include a situation you will probably encounter at some point while on the road and will determine whether you understand the correct way to handle the problem.

All tests are multiple choices and will include two wrong answers, one that might be correct and one that is defiantly correct.