Driving & Driving Test Tips: Road Test Help, road test, driving test

Question
I have taken and failed the road test twice in Maryland.  The first time I ran over the curb when I did the turnabout, the second time the tester said that I was driving too fast and he failed me at the first stop sign before the test.  I'm a really good driver I just get really nervous when it's time to take the test and I'm taking another one on Friday.  My question is what should I expect because I have no idea what I'm supposed to know because I never got the far on the test before.

Answer
Dear Sade,

Unfortunatly I am not familar with the test procedures in Maryland as I am from the United Kingdom. If you goto http://mva.state.md.us/Resources/DL-02BMVAGuideBook2.pdf (page 12) you will get some advise of what to expect, but the best way is to ask someone who has completed the test already to tell you what to expect.

Nervousness is always a problem when taking a driving test, but some people are more affected than others. Try not to be scared of the examiner. He is human just like you. He doesn't want to fail you, he is happier when he passes people, but he must see a safe drive to be able to do that. The examiner will give you instructions clearly, but if you don't understand then don't be afraid to ask him to repeat them. Other than this you don't need to talk to him just concentrate on your driving. He won't be offended if you don't talk to him as he knows you need to concentrate. He also knows you will be nervous and will make some allowance for this, although if you make a serious error or break a law he has no choice but to fail you. If you see the examiner writting a lot don't assume you are doing bad, it is just that everytime he moves his pen you notice and so you think he is writting more than he is. Don't assume that you have failed just because you have made a mistake, as you may then give up trying and  make more mistakes as a result. This is even more disapointing if the thing you think caused you to fail didn't and something you did after this did! Also if you make a mistake then correct it the best you can and then forget about it. You can't change what you did and worring about it will make your driving standard drop.

Most nervousness is due to the fear of failing. Try not to be frightened by the posibility of failing the test. You have already failed two tests so the worst that can happen is you fail another one. Just go out and drive the vehicle as if you were driving a friend somewhere. I know this is easier to tell you than to do but it can work. Just forget you are on test and you are more likely to pass.

I hope this has been of some help. If you have any more questions don't be affraid to write to me again.

Good luck with your test and let me know how you get on on Friday.


Paul

PS.  I know I have refered to the examiner as 'he' and 'him' and it would be more correct to write 'he/she' and 'him/her' but I find it easier to read if I just refer to one gender. So please don't think me sexist because of this.