Young drivers recount permit test, give advice

Turning 15 and a half is an event most teens look forward to. On that day students from all over California can go and take the permit test. This is the beginning of a long exciting journey towards getting a full license.

Before teens can take the written test, they first have to complete the online course on learning all of the rules and laws of operating a motor vehicle. The online course also has an online exam testing what they have learned. Once students pass that test then they can finally take the actual permit test at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

The written test itself is not as easy as it seems. According to the article, “Why Many Student Drivers Fail Their Written Permit Exam” 60% of the first time written drivers test takers failed the exam.

Alina Davila, ‘19, was one of many students who did not pass the permit test on their first try. She was able to share why she failed and gave advice on future test takers.

“The test was very simple, I just started to stress out and overthink the questions that I knew the answers to,” Davila said. “I thought all of the questions were really straightforward, but I just misread the question or rushed it. The second time around I made sure I didn’t get overwhelmed and I studied even more than the first time. My best advice is to study really hard and try not freak out too much!”

However, there are ways to help students increase their chance of passing the permit test the first time. In an article called “10 Tips to Pass Your DMV Written Test,” it talks about all of the different ways test takers can increase their chance of succeeding. One of the key points the article emphasizes is study and take a practice test.

“No athlete has ever been interviewed after a loss and said they didn’t execute because they over-prepared” the article said. “Taking a test works the same way. The more you can retain the better. Focus on specific numbers such as maximum speed limits in different areas; residential, schools, etc. The more practice, the more perfect as they say. Get used to the wording the tests use so you aren’t stumped during the test.”

The test was very simple, I just started to stress out and overthink the questions that I knew the answers to. I thought all of the questions were really straightforward, but I just misread the question or rushed it. The second time around I made sure I didn’t get overwhelmed and I studied even more than the first time. My best advice is to study really hard and try not freak out too much! — Alina Davila 

Once teens get their driver permit they are even closer to obtaining their whole license. The permit allows drivers to drive with an adult who is 25 or older and who are licensed driver. Before a driver can take the behind the wheel test they must have had their permit for six months or more, completed six hours of driving training with a professional and have driven for 50 or more hours and at least 10 have to be at night.

The article below give great tips on how to pass the driving test.

Some helpful insider tips for passing your drivers test https://t.co/5e8MS1WBEz #drivingtest #teendriver #driversed #driverstest #dmv pic.twitter.com/RlRihLpQhl

— Online Drivers Ed (@onlinedriversed) April 3, 2017

Junior James White encourages students to prepare for the test ahead of time.

“I was nervous before taking the test,” White said. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be though. If I had to give others advice before taking their test it would be that you should not worry too much about it, because if you have been studying with your parents then you are fine.”

After drivers have completed all of the requirements and they are at least 16 years old, then they can attempt to get their driver’s license. The driving test is not a piece of cake like some people say.

Teens have to pass the test without making any crucial errors or surpass a certain number of minor errors. However, once the test is passed it can be one of the best moments for teens. 

The whole driving process can be challenging but with practice and studying all teens should be able to pass. This is one of the small steps towards adulthood, being able to drive by themselves.

For more articles, read WWII exhibit highlights citizen’s achievements or Campus welcomes elementary baseball team.

John Monke can be reached via email.