Well, it's seemed like forever, but now you
are ready to get your driver's license and rule the road! Or are you? It
all depends on passing that written exam, and the check ride with
Officer Friendly.quality time behind the wheel. We'll show you how!
Steps:
The Permit
#1
Read that permit. It's not very long, and it's packed with useful information—useful, as in knowing it will help you pass, and will also make you a safer driver.
Yes, it's dry as a bone and can be preachy, but if you devote an hour to go through it and highlight all the important parts—especially speed limits, following distances, and right-of-way rules—you'll pass your test with flying colors.
#2
Get your permit. State
laws generally require a beginning driver to obtain a learner's permit
before they can get behind the wheel. The requirements vary, and your
state's DMV website will spell them out, but there are some general
qualifications to know:
- Be of minimum age. On average, this is 15 years old, but ranges from 14 to 16.
- Provide your Social Security number. Some states require your actual SS card.
- Proof of identity—this can come from a sate-issued birth certificate, state-issued ID card, adoption papers, marriage certificate, or other official documentation.
- Proof of citizenship or lawful residence—which can include an official birth certificate, passport, tribal ID card, or DHS documents.
- Proof of residential address—this includes any of the above documents, or may simply be the statement or authorization of somebody who lives with you.
- Some states require that you prove you are attending school, if you are under 18.
- For applicants under the age of 18, the signature of the parent/legal guardian, along with the license number or SSN of the responsible person, must be listed on the application.
- Pass a vision screening test. If you wear glasses, bring them. If you need them to drive, that will be noted on your licence.
- Take the written test. Before a state will let you slip behind the
wheel, they want to know you're not going to be a menace to society. If
you read the manual, you'll do fine. If you fail the test, there is
usually a waiting period before you can re-take the test. Use that time
to dig into that manual and commit to learning those things that you
didn't know on the exam.
- Check your state's DMV website—they often have sample written tests so that you can practice before you step foot inside the DMV.
- Have your picture taken. Lookin' good!
- Pay the testing and permit fees. Note that DMVs don't generally take credit cards, so bring your checkbook (or have your parents bring theirs!)
#3
Get behind the wheel. If
you want to become a licensed driver, and a safe one at that, the best
way to go about it is to get behind the wheel, with a licensed driver as
required by your state, and drive.
- If you've never driven before, be prepared to be a little awkward, as you learn to coordinate your feet and hands and eyes. Some prefer an empty parking lot for those first few few lurching starts and stops—especially if you are learning with a standard transmission.
- Be patient with your friend/parent/driving instructor. Sure, their panicked squealing is annoying, but they'll get over it as you get more practice.
- Most states have a minimum number of months you must have a learner's permit, plus a number of hours you must be behind the wheel before you can actually get your first driver's license. This number may be lowered if you take an accredited driver's education course
*The Driver's License
#1
Read the manual—again! Sure, you read it before, and passed the test, and it's still not what anybody would call a real "page turner." Still, the big test is coming up—the one where Officer Friendly sits next to you while you navigate the highways and byways safely and efficiently. Every rule or procedure you flub is a checkmark in the wrong column.
- #2Scheduling the Driver License test appointment (Optional). In order to save time, call the Driver's License field office nearest you and make an appointment.
- Some DMVs do this, some don't. If they don't, ask when would be the best time to come for the practical test. They'll be happy to have you come when it's most convenient for them—which means lower waiting times for you.
- #3Be prepared. Bring the necessary documentation with you, or they'll look at you and say "talk to the hand." This documentation generally includes:
- Your permit. They'll check your driving record, and make sure you've not been suspended, which is what happens when you've had any traffic citations during your permit time.
- Proof of identity, address, and legal residence. As listed above, bring the required documents to prove you are who you say you are.
- Proof that you're of legal age. Legal age for an restricted license
is, for the most part, 16 years old, though some states go as low as 14
or as high as 17.
- A state-issued birth certificate will do nicely here.
- #4Fill out an application. You must have a parent or guardian sign this, though this requirement may be waived if you are married or are an emancipated minor.
- #5Pass a written test. This may or may not be required by your state, and may be waived if you have a valid permit. You did read the manual again, right?
- #6Pass a vision examination. It will be just like the last one. Unless your eyes changed drastically in-between then and now, you can expect the same results.
- #7Take the Driving Test. This is it—make or break time! If you've gone this far, though, you're going to make it. You've studied the books, practiced many hours, and are generally well-prepared, so don't be nervous. Be confident, be safe, and treat Officer Friendly with respect.
- To take the driving test, you'll need to bring your own vehicle. It must be in safe operating condition, and will need proof of insurance or you'll be talking to the hand again.
- Bring a licensed driver to the DMV with you, in case you do not pass.
You Passed!
- #1Congratulations! All your work paid off, and you're now a licensed driver. You earned it with all your training and studying. But the process isn't quite over yet.
- #2Surrender your Learners Permit. It served you well, but it's not needed now. They will issue you your first official Driver's License.
- For persons under the age of 21, a distinctive “Under 21” license will be issued. The “Under 21” operator’s license is generally valid for ninety days beyond the 21st birthday.
- As a licensed driver, you'll be subject to your state's point system. A driver under the age of 18 is generally held to a higher standard, and if you get any points against you, you could have your driving privilege suspended, so drive safely.
- All drivers under the age of 21 are subject to “Zero Alcohol Tolerance.” Yep, even one beer will wreak havoc on your driving record. Obligatory preachy part: Don't drink and drive, and avoid this issue altogether.
You Failed
- #1Determine why you failed. It may have been a single incident (what do you mean you can't drive 60 in a school zone?) or it might have been a series of small mistakes, like driving over the curbs, doing a rolling stop at stop signs, knocking over all the cones during the parallel parking maneuver, or generally driving poorly. (That part where you waved at your friends and almost ran over that little old man didn't help).
- #2Read the manual. Yes, again. No, it's still not exciting. But you must know the rules that they expect you to follow during the test, or you will not pass next time, either.
- #3Practice driving some more. Whatever parts you know you messed up on, or know you can do better (even if you didn't get dinged for it), practice till it's second nature.
- #4Retake the test. Practice during the required waiting period, then go back and do it again. Only this time, you're ready! Go back and read the "You Passed!" section
Tips:
- A great way to speed getting your license is by completing a drivers ed course online. Visit dmvdriverseducation.org for details.
- When you take the driving test for your license, don't be nervous. Be confident!
- You can take classes from a commercial driving school which usually gets you a discount on your insurance and you have a greater chance of passing the test.
Start Your Online Course Today,Click Here or Below For More!
