Tips For Taking Your Behind the Wheels Test in Florida

After you have completed and passed your written drivers test, you will need to take the behind the wheels portion of testing in order to receive your license. The Florida behind the wheel road test is approximately 20 minutes long, and will cover some of the basic maneuvers you will you use in daily driving on the road. An instructor will ride with you during the test and grade you based on your ability to complete simple operations such as turning right and left on the road.

What can I do to prepare before taking my behind the wheel test?

Many people fail their road test several times before finally receiving their license. Making sure you are in good physical and mental condition to test is a good way to assure you will pass on the first try. If you are nervous, sleepy or in a bad emotion state while trying to take the behind the wheels test it is likely you will make bad decisions.

Prepare Yourself

Many drivers become nervous in anticipation of the test. Make sure you keep yourself calm and a relaxed upon arrival for test day. Get a good night sleep and eat a healthy meal, so that you will be alert and ready to pass. In addition, review the Florida driver’s handbook so that you are confident in understanding the signs and signals you will come across on the road.

Prepare your Vehicle

In addition to preparing yourself, be sure that you know the vehicle you are driving. Some companies offer their own specific cars for use during the test. These vehicles are clearly marked so that other drivers will know you are testing. Before driving on the road, adjust your mirrors, seat and steering wheel to a position that is comfortable for you. This will help avoid blind spots and accidents.

If you are using your own vehicle, take some time to become familiar with it. Go for at least one practice drive with your licensed driver before the test day. Check that all lights and turn signals are working and in good condition. Keep in mind if you are using your own vehicle the other drivers on the road will not know you are a new driver and testing.

What Are Some Helpful Tips to assure I Pass While at the Test?

The day of the test arrives and you have prepared yourself mentally and physically to pass. Your vehicle is well prepared and passes inspection to be used on the road. Now it is time for the actual testing. Follow these helpful tips to assure you become a licensed driver:

• Start the test with the engine off. In Florida, beginning the test with the vehicle already running is said to be an automatic fail.

• Make all of your adjustments before you begin driving. Assure that your mirrors are in the correct position so that you see clearly through them and that your seat is in a comfortable position. Do not move your mirrors, seat or steering while in motion on the road. The judge will deem you an unsafe driver.

• Wait for the judge to tell you to proceed before driving off.

• Use your turn signal when pulling away from the curb and check for oncoming traffic before pulling out. Do not swing out too far and over any lines.

What can I do while on the road to pass the test?

Stay calm while on the road, it will help you to make better judgments if a situation arises. Follow the rules of safe driving to assure you do not endanger yourself or other drivers during the test:

• Steer and accelerate and smoothly. Don’t race your engine or stall the vehicle.

• Brake gently and avoid sudden jerks. Know where to stop on the road, such as crosswalks and railroad tracks.

• Know and use traffic signals correctly at all times.

• Stay in the correct lane. When turning a corner or at an intersection, be sure to turn from the correct lane and entering into the correct lane after completing the turn.

• Make sure you drive defensively and anticipate other driver’s actions.

How can I avoid Automatic Failing of the test?

The behind the wheels test works on a point grading system. But there are some cases where you will automatically fail your test and be asked to retest at a later date after more practice. The most obvious of these would be injuring another vehicle or causing an accident while on the road. Here are some ways to avoid an accident and receiving an automatic fail:

• Do not stop at a yield. This will potential cause you to be hit from behind by another driver.

• Don’t signal too soon or too late.

• Nervous drivers tend to hesitate. Keep calm and know your moves before you make them.

Follow these helpful tips before and during your behind the wheels test and you will surely pass on the first try. It is important to stay calm while out there and remember that the drivers around you are experienced so they may not be prepared for you to make a rash decision. Know ahead of time what you are planning to do, whether it be changing lanes or making a turn. Practice makes perfect so most importantly, assure you have had plenty of time on the road and you will be driving on your own in no time.