Some final points to consider while preparing for the Maryland State Driver's Licensing Test. Braking: During the public road test be sure to brake smoothly using steady pressure. Jerking to a stop could cause a point deduction. Come to a complete stop at all traffic signals and stop signs. No rolling stops and be sure to stay behind all stop lines and pavement markings at intersections! These manuvers are a violation of the law and will result in an immediate failure. Steering: Keep both hands gripped on the outside of the steering wheel at all times unless using other controls. You may not use the open palm of your hand to turn the wheel. Lane Usage: Do not make contact with or climb curbs with your vehicle, cross sidewalks or straddle lane markings for an extended period of time. Complete turns in the proper lane on all multiple lane roads and never change lanes at intersections. Head and Traffic Checks: Always check your surroundings to ensure it is safe to proceed. Check traffic and mirrors regularly, especially navigating through intersections, while making turns and changing lanes. Watch for hazards by searching left and right at intersections, driveways, parking lot entrances, railroad tracks and other locations where traffic intersects. Scan ahead, observe traffic and look for pedestrians in high volume areas where pedestrians are expected to be present. Monitor "blind spots" during merges, lane changing and other cross traffic manuvers. It is very important to fully stop and show due caution at all stop signs, yields signs and intersections. Be sure to brake before entering a curve as not appear unsafe.
The following "Dangerous Acts" will terminate your driving test immediately or any other not listed "unsafe actions":
*Failure to wear glasses or contact lenses, if required
*Failure to fasten safety belt (shoulder and lap belt, if equipped with both)
*Exceeding three minutes to complete either of the closed course exercises
*Moving a cone or flag
*Failure to come to a complete stop at a stop sign
*Failure to obey signs, signals, or any other traffic law
*If you are involved in an avoidable crash or if your vehicle makes contact with other vehicles, objects or pedestrians
*If you commit any unsafe act or if another driver is forced to take evasive action in order to prevent a crash
*If you put the vehicle over sidewalks or curbs
*If you do not follow the examiner's verbal instructions
*If you impede the flow of traffic unnecessarily
*If you remove both hands from the steering wheel while the vehicle is in motion
*If the examiner is forced to intervene; either physically or verbally to avoid a collision or unsafe act
*A test will also be terminated when there is an accumulation of basic driving errors
