Driving & Driving Test Tips: Does anybody really stop behind a stop sign?, stop sign, road test

Question
Ok I have asked this question to a few people now and nobody seems to really understand. Ok I JUST got my permit and in drivers training my instructor said you have to stop behind the stop sign and then creep up until you can see and stop again. WHY!! Assuming there is not white line or cross walk. WHY do you have to stop all the way behind the stop sign 3+ feet away just to creep up and stop again??

I even drew a diagram of what I am trying to understand beacuse nobody even seems to understand my question http://www.flickr.com/photos/carrierox4ever13/3702645745/

I have also read where people did what my instructor said on there road test and they got points taken off for stopping too far away from the intersection.

So when I go to take my road test in 6th months what do I do?? Do I do what my instructor said or am I going to get points taken off for that??

Thanks so much!!

Answer
IN CA a vehicle must stop at the limit line for the stop sign or at the prolongation of the curb line just past the stop sign if there is not limit line.  then you can creep forward until you can see on coming traffic and proceed if it is safe to do so.

this is the same rule for most states.