A driving license is a vey important document for those who want to commute easily in the country. It serves as official authorization from the government, allowing holders to legally operate one or more motor vehicles on the road. So, applying for a license and taking a driving test should be a priority as soon as one is of age and wants to drive to work, school, or anywhere else.

What is a driving test?
The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) driving test, also referred to as the driver’s test, road test, driver’s license test, and behind-the-wheel test, assesses your ability to operate the vehicle safely and confidently and abide by the driving laws of the state. Here, the examiner will evaluate your ability to control the vehicle in various realistic driving situations.

Every state in the country has different rules and regulations regarding the driving license exam. Depending on the state, you may have to meet the following eligibility criteria,

• Should be at least 16 years of age
• Should have cleared specific stages of the state’s GDL (graduated driver’s license) program for young drivers
• Meet the requirements for new or beginner drivers
• Meet the requirements for drivers who have moved into one of the states in the country from other countries

Procedure
The driving test involves two steps: the written test and the road test.

Written test: The written test is conducted to check your knowledge of traffic laws, road signs, and safety rules for driving. You can get the driver’s handbook and study it thoroughly to answer a total of 46 questions; you need to answer at least 39 to clear the online driving test. If you fail to clear the test on the first attempt, you can opt for a retest. However, failing consecutively three times would mean waiting a week before taking the test again. Here are the steps for applying for the driving test:

• Visit the DMV office by scheduling a prior appointment
• Submit the application form along with the required fee
• Give your thumbprint along with your recent photograph
• Submit your social security number and proof of your date of birth
• Provide your original passport details
• Pass a vision test to become eligible for the written test

The test gives you a temporary permit to practice driving when accompanied by someone who holds a valid license and is over 25 years of age or a certified instructor. 

Road test: After you have practiced driving for a while, you can make an appointment to take the road test by submitting the following documents:

• Proof of financial responsibility
• Insurance requirements as per the state

You also get three chances to clear the practical driving test. The examination will typically take 10 to 15 minutes, and you have to score at least 70 points out of 100. If you pass the road test, you will be issued a license in the next 60 days.

Tips for clearing the test
Passing your driving test requires practice and a thorough understanding of the rules. As long as you are well prepared, you can increase your chances of clearing the exam. Here are some tips for clearing the test:

• Go through the sample online driving test questions on the website to understand the process.
• Study and practice the pre-drive checklist, which includes checking the seat belts, headlights, and high beams and adjusting the side and rearview mirrors of the vehicle.
• Inspect the vehicle beforehand, including its registration, insurance, speedometer function, wipers, horn, and other safety equipment.
• Stay within 5 mph of the speed limit throughout the test.
• Practice with an instructor as often as you can.
• Be cautious before turning or approaching traffic lights
• Observe the surroundings before reversing the vehicle and steering it in the desired direction.
• Apply gentle pressure on the brake to stay ahead of any hurdles or collisions and react promptly

Key skills
The purpose of the driving license exam is to check whether you understand the rules of the road and can drive the vehicle safely. To ensure the same, the test requires demonstrating the following maneuvers:

Pre-drive checklist adherence: Here, you are supposed to check the emergency parking brake, arm signals, windshield wipers, defroster, emergency flashers, headlights, turn signals, headlight, horn, and foot brake before driving the vehicle.

Parking lot driving: The ability to leave and return to the parking spot will be tested.

Navigating intersections: You should be able to manage driving the vehicle at road intersections and be able to yield, brake, and conduct traffic checks at an intersection.

Managing turns: You should be able to turn left and right with ease and be ready to change lanes, stop completely, back into a lane, and more.

The driving test cost and the fees to acquire the license might vary from state to state. You can check the official DMV website or reach out to the DMV staff for more details. You must have a driving license to operate vehicles legally in the country. If you are new to driving, practice with a learner’s permit. Take your time and schedule your appointment for your practical driving test only when you are ready and feel like you have the required skills to clear the exam. After clearing the test, you should practice safe driving and obey traffic laws to prevent the authorities from suspending or revoking your license.