Common Mistake To Avoid During The California Driving Test
Have you ever wondered why people fail the driving test, yet they can perfectly drive a car? The answer is simple; most people fail because they make common mistakes that amount to critical and immediate fail errors.
In California, the driving tests are strict; if you accrue more than 20 critical error points on the score sheet, you will get a fail. Not to forget, one immediate fail error amounts to an automatic fail, such as striking a sidewalk.
The good news is, in this article, we’ll be looking at some of the most common mistakes to avoid in the California driving test…..Ready?
Forgetting to Inspect Your Driving Test Vehicle
The California driver’s test examines the condition of the car and if you get more than three errors on the pre-driving test, you get a fail. In the pre-driving test, some of the things the examiner will test on are if: your doors can open, your mirrors can be adjusted, and your seatbelts are functioning properly.
Other than that, failure to clean your car might result in a failure. Most people judge you from the first impression and if your test car is dirty, don’t be surprised if the examiner is not impressed.
Not Checking the Blind Spots
During the driving test, if you forget to check on blind spots before you reverse, turn or switch lanes, and not keep an eye out for bicyclists, you could get a fail. For most candidates checking blind spots comes easy. However, if you do not exaggerate your head checks, the examiner might not notice and you could flunk the test.
Most importantly, it is very crucial to use our side mirrors when checking for the blind spots; failure to comply and you will lose a few points.
Driving Too Fast or Too Slow
Here is the thing; the examiner will instruct you to go to the highway to evaluate your decision-making skills. If you drive too slow on the fast lane, it could lead to a failure on your scoresheet. Not to mention, driving too slow on the fast lane is dangerous since it could cause an accident.
Similarly, if you drive too fast beyond the speed limit, that could also be a ground for failure. So what to do about it? Read the California Driver Handbook and look out for the posted speed limit in California.
The speed limit on two-lane undivided highways is usually 55 mph; but on multiple lane freeways, you can go as fast as 65 mph maximum speed.
In business and residential areas, the maximum speed limit is usually 25 mph unless stated otherwise. However, in school zones, alleys, or near railroad tracks, the speed limit in California is usually 15 mph.
Rolling Stop
Roll stopping is when you come across a stop sign or red light and you fail to come to a complete stop behind the demarcation line. Roll stopping is a critical error and if it happens, you will get a fail.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that there is a difference between a complete stop and slowing down. You should always come to a complete stop whether or not there is an obstruction or the road is clear.
Another thing; if there is a stop sign where pedestrians are crossing, you should be patient enough and stop till the last pedestrian crosses the road.
Hard Braking
Hard braking is a very common mistake amongst first-time drivers. As the name suggests, it happens when you step on the brakes hard so you could stop suddenly. When coming to a stop, it is essential to make the braking process gradual and comfortable. Hard braking can only be reserved for emergencies that are out of your control.
Not to forget, the trick to coming to a slow stop is by releasing the accelerator so the car can slow down gradually before you step on the brakes.
Lane Violation
Lane violation happens when you end up crossing multiple lanes to make a turn. Crossing multiple lanes at once is a critical error that amounts to a fail. You can avoid lane violation by moving one lane at a time, and positioning the vehicle in the lane without veering from lane to lane.
Don’t forget to turn on your signals and check the mirrors when changing lanes to ensure you’re clear before you proceed.
To top it off, you should never change lanes at an intersection.
Distracted Driving
As much as it sounds obvious, most people fall prey to distracted driving. Distracted driving is not only a critical error, but it can also cause accidents. During the driving test, nerves might kick in and this can distort your concentration. To calm down your nerves before the test, you can take deep breaths.
Likewise, picking up calls is a rather obvious form of distraction, but still surprisingly happens unconsciously from forming a habit. Avoid picking up calls and telling people that have called you’re taking a test; you know the consequence.
One more thing; while driving, try to keep your mind on the road and watch out for pulled-over school buses and emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks.
Take this California DMV practice test to learn more about road rules and traffic signs.