You've crammed for your permit test and spent countless hours practicing your driving skills with your parents. Now it's time for the hard part: the driving test. The driving test instills fear in most teens. Learn how you can pass your driving test with this handy guide.
How to Pass Your Driving Test the First Time
It’s totally normal to feel nervous—many students don’t pass on their first try, simply because of test-day jitters or missing a key skill.
Take Texas, for example: in 2022, 40,922 people took the drivers test. Of those, 33,379 passed—but 7,543 didn’t, meaning about 1 in 5 failed. It happens! But it also shows how important it is to feel ready before you walk into the DMV.
The more you practice, the better your chances. Let’s make sure you’ve got all the core skills down.
✅ Skills the Driving Exam Tests You On
Most state exams assess a range of driving skills. While specifics can vary, mastering these core areas will set you up for success.
✔️ Pre-Drive Checklist
Before hitting the road, ensure you're familiar with your vehicle's controls: parking brake, windshield wipers, hazard lights, headlights, turn signals, defroster, horn, and brakes.
✔️ Parking Lot Driving
Practice navigating parking lots by following signs, stopping at designated lines, executing two- or three-point turns, and parallel parking if required.
✔️ Navigating Intersections
Understand how to approach intersections safely, including obeying stop signs, yielding appropriately, and being cautious with traffic signals.
✔️ Residential, Business & Rural Driving
Adapt to different driving environments by adjusting your speed, maintaining safe following distances, and staying aware of your surroundings.
✔️ Entering or Backing Along a Curb
Demonstrate your ability to pull up smoothly to a curb without hitting it and back up safely, maintaining control and awareness.
✔️ Lane Changes
Execute lane changes confidently by signaling, checking mirrors, monitoring blind spots, and merging smoothly.
✔️ Left and Right Turns
Master turning techniques by signaling appropriately, coming to complete stops when required, and turning into the correct lane.
💡 Tip: Perfection isn't the goal—demonstrating safe and controlled driving is key.
Common Mistakes Made on the Drivers Test
Don't make these common mistakes if you want to pass on your first try:
Improper stopping — There are multiple ways to fail due to stopping improperly. Come to a full stop at any stop sign and count to three in your head just to be safe. When stopping at an intersection, don't pass the limit line or stop in a crosswalk.
Incorrect lane changing — When it comes time to change lanes, look over your shoulder to confirm there aren't any cars in the other lane before moving over. Don't forget to use your turn signal, either.
Driving too fast or slow — It should be common sense not to speed, especially while your driving instructor is in the car, but people still manage to do it. Don't drive too slow, either. It shows you aren't confident in what you're doing. Always stay within 5 mph of the posted limits.
Obeying all signs and signals — If you fail to yield, or ignore road signs for bike lanes, railroad crossings, or anything else, you'll probably fail the driver's exam.
- Driving with one hand — You may feel confident and comfortable driving with just one hand on the wheel, but this is not the proper way. Always keep your hands at 8-4 to show your instructor you know what you're doing.
🧠 Get Mentally Ready: DMV Prep Tips
Practice in the same car you’ll use on test day
Use DMV practice tests to build test confidence
Watch real-life driving test videos on YouTube to see what to expect
Take slow, deep breaths to stay calm
And remember: your examiner isn’t there to trick you. They just want to see that you can handle the road safely.
🗂️ What to Bring on Test Day
Avoid last-minute stress by gathering these the night before:
Your learner’s permit
A road-safe vehicle with up-to-date registration and insurance
Your completion certificates (if required in your state)
A licensed adult to accompany you, if needed
🎯 Ready to Practice?
Let us help you feel 100% test-ready:
Take our free DMV practice tests
Snag a Test prep course to refresh your memory
Explore state-approved drivers ed courses with practice quizzes and test prep
We’re here to support you all the way to the finish line.
