Driving School Blog

During the portion of the public road test, the vehicle must be operated in a safe manner at all times.  For instance, you may not use your left foot on the brake pedal and you may not palm the steering wheel.  If you test is terminated for any reason, you will be asked to pul over to a safe location, and the examiner will drive you vehicle back to the MVA. 

General Driving Practices - You will be evaluated on general driving practices in order to determine your ability to safely operate the vehicle.  Whether on the closed course or on the public road, you must obey all traffic laws and signs.  NOTE: It is important for the student to make sure that all signs are read and understood as some examiners are asking students what signs that have just passed.  Inability to correctly recall a sign that was just pass will result in a penalty.  Below are some tips to assist you with safe driving practices. 

Turns - (1) You must use the correct turn signal when preparing to make a turn or to enter or exit a designated area.  (2) As you approach a turn, check traffic in all directions and activate the correct turn signal at the appropriate time.  (3) Brake smoothly, evenly and safely when necessary, to get into the correct lane needed for the turn.  (4) If you must stop before making a turn because of traffic, signals and signs, smoothly come to ao complete stop behind the stop line, crosswalk, or stop sign.  If stopping behind another vehicle, leave a safe gap that allows you to be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle ahead of you touching the ground.  Be sure to keep your front wheels straight each time you come to a stop.  (5) When ready to turn, check traffic in all directions.  Both hands should remain on the steering wheel during all turns.  Maintain smooth, even acceleration and yield to pedestrians and other traffic.  Keep your vehicle in the proper lane and do not make contact with the curb.  Contact with the curb may result in a dramatic penalty.  Make sure you finish completeing the turn in the correct lane and that your turn signal has cancelled.  Accelerate to the speed of traffic and move into the right lane when safe to do so if not already there.  NOTE: Be sure to avoid getting too close to curbs when making turns or performing an exercise.  All tires must maintain contact with the roadway.