About 56% of Americans get the 80% score required to pass the DMV driving test. Although the statistics are quite positive, some of the people failing the tests are confused by the information they hear. To avoid such confusion, you should know how to differentiate facts from bizarre driving test myths.
Driving test myths originate from people offering hacks on how to ace the exams the first time. Others are created as an excuse to explain why they failed the DMV written tests. Your best bet at passing the exams is only using the right information as you get ready for the test.
Getting your driver’s license can be exciting, but you have to pass the tests first. As your test edges closer, I’m sure you’ve heard so much that it’s hard to process. You need all the help you can get when separating fact from fiction to assist you in staying focused.
If you’re wondering what driving test myths you’ve heard, this article is for you. We debunk the most common driving test myths that exist today.
They Fail You to Make More Money
One of the most popular myths is that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) benefits from you failing the driving test. Truth is, they lose out on more money by you failing the test – here’s why;
The cost of a new test is comparatively lower than the insurance you pay as a first-time car buyer. Both of the amounts go to the government, so in essence, they make less from you failing. Additionally, the driving tests are conducted with the highest level of integrity; thus, they won’t fail you without reason.
You Can Fail for Other Motorists’ Mistakes
Suppose you’re taking your driving test and another motorist pulls out on you, will you fail? The answer is no; your score doesn’t depend on other motorists’ actions. The examiner will be interested in how you react to your car handling in such a case.
Focus on preventing an accident in such cases when you think you’re right. If anything, brake until you’re clear to drive again; avoid the blame game with the other motorist. The correct action adds to your score, meaning you’re more likely to pass.
Driving Slow Shows You’re Being Careful
Most people taking the test are nervous, which makes them think speeding is reckless. Well, overspeeding is being reckless, but maintaining a reasonable speed when driving isn’t. However, avoid driving slowly since it doesn’t show you’re careful.
The hesitation to move within a reasonable traffic speed is why most people fail. Driving slowly while constantly stopping can be annoying for other motorists. It also gives the examiner the impression that you doubt your ability to handle the car and don’t know what you’re doing.
Your examiner wants you to be positive and take all the changes you can. Of course, you won’t be perfect all-round, but it shows promise, which is positive. Getting on with it shows the examiner you can be trusted behind the wheel even as you go into car ownership.
Examiners Have a Daily “Pass Quota”
This myth is a common excuse for people that have failed their test more than once. It’s worth noting that there’s nothing like a “Pass Quota.” The government isn’t in the business of discouraging future motorists from car ownership.
Whether you pass or fail the driving test depends on the number of faults you commit. Some people are unlucky since their points don’t always accrue every time they take a test. However, some people pass the driving test for the first time, and their number is rising.
There’s no reason you can’t pass your driving test; you only need to be careful when behind the wheel. If you have apprehensions about an examiner, you’re allowed to request a change for the test.
You Fail Instantly If You Stall Your Car
People who think there’s anything like an “instant fail” are entirely wrong. Each fault has a designated number of points deducted or added based on how you conduct them.
Stalling your car once isn’t a problem – even seasoned drivers experience such problems. However, ensure that you don’t stall repeatedly; it’ll create numerous point deductions that’ll be hard to recover.
Any other mistakes you’ve heard cause an instant fail are all myths. Focus on properly driving the car, and as long as you don’t commit traffic offenses, you’ll be fine.
An Instructor with a High Pass Means You’re More Likely to Pass
Most instructors advertise the highest pass rates, but that doesn’t always show they’re best for you. The pass rate based on past students’ results doesn’t mean a thing since conditions are never the same.
I know how tempting it can be to go for instructors that say they have a high pass rate. Although instructors help you learn, they can’t influence the test results.
Passing the driving tests is all up to how much you familiarize yourself with. You could use more material for additional reading to pass the Driver Knowledge Test.
The high pass rate that most instructors’ parade is just a catchphrase; don’t be blinded by such. Conduct a background check on the instructor and ensure they’re reputable before working with them.
Tests Are Only Conducted in Special Cars
There’s a common misconception that DMV examiners use special cars for tests. There are no special cars in the test center; your instructor’s car is similar to others in the automotive industry.
Test centers don’t issue cars for the test. It’s up to you to use your instructor’s car or bring your own to the test center. The idea is to test you in the typical automotive world, you’ll enter into vehicle ownership.
Of course, a new car might feel quite different in its handling. We, therefore, advise taking the driving test in a car you’ve driven regularly before. You’ll have all the vehicle essentials to your liking and will likely be less stressed in such a case.
Remember, your instructor reserves the right to deny you their vehicle if they feel you aren’t ready. Confirm if it’s okay that you take the test in their car beforehand.
Getting Stuck in Traffic Helps Run Down the Clock
The standard period for a driving test is around 40 minutes. Therefore, you might be hoping that sitting in traffic for five minutes will run down your clock. Well, you’re mistaken.
First, most examiners use routes where you’re less likely to experience traffic. Additionally, the examiner won’t focus mostly on the clock but on your driving. They’ll likely grill you until they’re satisfied with how much they have for grading.
Examiners will likely extend time lost in traffic to the test, so don’t wish for traffic on your route.
You Should Study the Route Before Your Test
Most learners will think that studying the test route will make the test easier. It won’t! Road conditions differ each time, meaning it’ll still be different whether you learn it or not.
The conditions that change along the test route include;
• Climatic conditions or the area’s weather
• Unforeseen hazards like fallen trees or stalled vehicles
• Traffic
Each examiner, indeed, has several favorite routes they might urge you to take. However, things might not always go as you’d planned, so you can fail if you only prepare for the route. The best thing will be to maintain an open mind and remember all the road signs since they’ll come in handy.
First-Time Failures Automatically Pass on Second Attempt
Close to half of the people taking the driving test fail the first time. All first-time failures can apply for subsequent tests until they get it right. However, failing once doesn’t mean you’ll automatically pass on the second attempt.
Once you’ve completed a test once, your chances of passing in subsequent chances are high. You’ll already know what’s required of you and learn from mistakes that made you fail. However, repeating the same mistakes will definitely result in a failed second attempt.
Good Drivers Always Pass the Test
Most people think that test results only boil down to how steady they keep the car on the road. Of course, you’ll think of yourself as a good driver, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll pass your test.
The examiner cares about the quality of your driving. They’ll thus be more observant on more aspects of your driving other than how steady you are on the road.
Some things they check include;
• How smooth your transition at gear levels is (for manual car drivers)
• Your understanding of the road rules
• How well you park your vehicle
• Your lane-changing tactics – use of indicators and side mirrors
• Observation skills – how well you check blind spots and confirm there are no oncoming vehicles
• Braking and acceleration
You need a clear understanding of everything to pass your driving test. Be convinced that your examiner will leave no stone unturned, so prepare adequately.
You Now Know the Most Common Driving Test Myths That Exist Today
Passing your driving test is an important achievement, but it’s only possible with the right information. The above article debunks the most common driving test myths that exist today. Preparing for the test with all the facts helps you get a successful outcome.
Good luck with your upcoming Driving tests!
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