Watch Out for Who’s Watching You
Though you may have your temporary license and a couple of driving lessons under your belt, the final obstacle to freedom still looms: the road test. Statistics say that only 1 in 2 drivers pass their first try. Does this mean that you’ve got a 50% chance of failure? Definitely not! Learn some time-tested secrets and tips that will tip the balance in your favor and put you on the fast track to automotive success.
Being prepared means:
- Practicing
- Knowing your state’s traffic laws
- Being confident
Driving experience is essential; that’s how you’ll get the assurance and know-how that comes only with time. Make sure you feel comfortable just sitting behind the wheel. Once you have got a pretty good idea of how to park, turn, and deal with intersections, you’re on the right track.
To avoid any last minute mechanical problems, give your car’s signals and lights a quick check-up at least one week before you go to the DMV. If any of these don’t work, they won’t permit you to even take the examination. And in case you plan to drive a different vehicle for the test than the one you’re used to, take it out for a few spins until you feel at ease maneuvering it - each car handles a little differently.
If you have picked up any “special” habits over the course of your driving experience, lose them! Beware of lazy or sharp turns, one-handed driving, not stopping completely for stop signs/red lights, etc. Of course safety comes first on the road, but especially so on exam day. Your examiner will be watching you, so drive carefully and keep these guidelines in mind:
- Drive a bit under the speed limit (to help you be more aware)
- Be gentle on the brake and gas
- Watch for and always obey all signs
- Signal every lane change and turn
- Check your side and rear view mirrors regularly (much more than normal, even if you feel silly)
- Always turn to check your blind spot when changing lanes (this is a big one!)
- Follow at a safe distance
- Ignore your cell phone while driving!
These are the basics you’ll be tested on, so practice! Though they may sound simple, they’re easy to forget, particularly under pressure. The point is to impress upon your examiner that you are a safe, cautious driver who knows how to handle the roads. And in case you do slip up slightly - which most everyone does - keep going and don’t lose your confidence.
If you find yourself feeling a little intimidated by the examiner, try this trick: imagine he or she is just a (strict, overly demanding.. middle-aged? balding?) friend who’s giving you directions to a party. Or maybe a pumpkin. Or naked. Whichever works for you! If you find yourself overwhelmed by nerves and doubt by test day, take a breath and trust that your practice and skills will pay off and get you through. Good luck - now hit the road and earn that driver’s license!
Michelle got her drivers license after tons of practice, and has helped several others get theirs, too. Learn more tips and tricks and play a virtual drivers ed game online at http://www.driversed-game.com.
For those who watch Friends: Who’s the hottest out of Monica, Phoebe and Rachel?
Tell me who you think is the hottest and why!
For some reason I find that Phoebe is the hottest.
Most definately Phoebe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This post was written by: Joe Nolan
Tags: Internet Safety, Parental Supervision, teens online