Driving Test Tips for Teens : Bob Ciasulli

I’m Bob Ciasulli and I own several car dealerships in northern New Jersey. I’m on a mission to inform both teens and their parents what they can do to pass their driving tests safely and protect themselves on the roads. The following information won’t allow you to pass your driving test as quickly as possible, but it’ll let you know what to expect. Don’t focus on passing your test, instead try to gain as much driving experience as possible. Your nervousness and the pressure of passing your test on your first attempt will fade.

If you’re unaware of what your driving test will consist of, expect around 20 minutes of overall driving. You’ll have to perform easy maneuvers such as right turns, left turns, stops at various intersections, backing up in a straight line, driving in traffic, changing lanes successfully, and sometimes driving on major roads or freeways. Be prepared: parallel parking and “K” turns are also in some driving tests.

Driving Test Tips: If you follow these useful driving test tips carefully, you’ll increase your chances of passing your exam.

First and foremost, remain confident. Your instructor won’t pass you unless you demonstrate you are ready—both by how you complete the test and how you handle yourself.

Ensure you are rested, alert, and ready to follow directions. Eat breakfast and get enough sleep—when you’re concentrating on the road and your examiners instructions, you’ll increase your chances of passing.

You can arrange to take your test before at the test center—this will familiarize you with the area, route, and prepare you for your driving test.

If you believe you’ve made a mistake, don’t let it get to you. You’re allowed to make a few minor errors and still pass your driving test. Trying to count your errors isn’t good though—relax and pay attention to your instructor.

Driving Test Mistakes: Driving test tips on what to avoid…

Here are a few common driving test mistakes. Read these so you don’t find yourself making these errors.

Stopping completely. Even though you’re driving on a practice course or in a parking lot, you should still come to a complete stop when directed to. You must demonstrate that you’ll stop at stop signs, traffic intersections, and streets in other real life scenarios. Remember not to “roll” through intersections during your driving test. The same goes for when you’re driving alone—always slow down to a complete stop. Many students fail because of this.

Confidence. As mentioned, confidence is a big factor in you passing your driving test. If you’ve been instructed to change lanes but are too cautious to do so or if you’re overconfident and don’t check your mirrors and put on your turn signal, you will fail. If you’re feeling anxious, resist the urge to drive under the speed limit. If you believe it is “safer”, remember this isn’t the case. Slow driving is an automatic fail—remember to maintain the proper speed limit.

Remember, if you want to avoid making driving test mistakes you must put in hours of practice. Practice does make perfect and is the best advice for those learning how to drive. Don’t stress it—relax, keep your eyes on the roads and follow all instructions. Good luck!

Bio: Bob Ciasulli owns and operates several car dealerships in northern New Jersey and is very interested in automotive maintenance and safe driving habits. These teen driving tips in New Jersey are based on what he’s experienced on the road. He encourages you to drive safely and protect yourself and your fellow drivers.