How to Make Sure You Pass Your Driving Knowledge Written Test

 Obtaining your first driver’s license is an exciting time for any new driver, but you still need to pass both tests before you can earn one. This includes a written knowledge test and a driving skills test.[caption id="attachment_3412772" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Teenager sitting in new car and shows his drivers license[/caption]Regardless of skill, anyone should be able to pass their written knowledge test. All you need to do is carefully study the laws for your state and take a few online practice tests. The exact driver’s license test questions and answers you’ll see will also vary from state to state.If you’ve never taken a driving test before, then it might be a little daunting to step into a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. Don’t worry because we have a few helpful tips below that will help you ace your written knowledge test!

What to Expect

Before taking the test, it is a good idea to know how the written driving test works.Typically you’ll enter a room with several computers. You won’t have to write anything, but instead, you’ll take the test on the computer.You will be asked several multiple-choice questions, each having just one correct answer. There are between 20-50 questions asked depending on what state you are testing in, although 40 is a fairly common number.To pass the test, you need to answer around 80% of the questions correctly. Again, this depends on the state you are testing in because some will require just 70% accuracy and others require closer to 85%.Failing the test is not a huge deal because you’ll have multiple attempts to try again. Depending on your state, failing between 3-6 times in 12 months will require you to wait several months before trying again.

Important Topics to Know

The knowledge test will check your understanding of topics relating to rules for driving safety, road signs, and general traffic laws.Here are several important subjects that will be covered on the test:

• Who has the right of way in several scenarios like stop signs and roundabouts.
• How to drive when there are pedestrians, cyclists, and large trucks on the road.
• Understanding the correct speed limits in specific areas like school zones.
• What each traffic sign means.
• Rules regarding emergency vehicles.
• When headlights are required.
• Rules relating to distracted driving, especially cell phone usage.
• How to handle poor weather.
• Seat belt laws and the difference between a child seat and booster seat.

To know what exact topics are covered, your best resource will be your state’s driving handbook.Some laws apply regardless of what state you are in (like obeying traffic signs and speed limits), but other requirements vary by state. For example, if you live in Michigan, then you can learn about how the state’s point system works, the cost of fines, and when passing is allowed.

Overlooked Subjects

Most topics are fairly straightforward to understand. It is pretty easy to get a large majority of the answers right just because most of them are common sense.Things get a little trickier when it comes to very specific questions that you need to have studied to know the answer to.For example, do you know what a blinking yellow traffic light means? Many people might think that it means to stop, but it only means to proceed with caution. Questions like these are what tend to trip people up on the knowledge test.Here are a few other tricky questions you should look out for:

• What should you do after leaving an expressway and driving on a regular highway? (Look at your speedometer to ensure you are driving the right speed).
• When should you use your turn signal when exiting an expressway? (100 feet before the exit ramp).
• Why is driving on an expressway different from a regular road? (You need to think faster and handle your vehicle better).
• How long does it take the body to dispose of 12 ounces of beer? (1 hour).
• When can you cross a solid white line on the highway? (Only if the conditions of traffic require it).
• What must you do when merging onto the freeway? (Yield the right of way).
• When do you need to stop when you see a bus with flashing lights when there are 2 opposing traffic lanes? (You don’t, these lights only apply if you are traveling the same direction).
• What direction should you turn when beginning to skid? (The direction you want to go in).
• What should you do when parking downhill? (Turn your wheel towards the curb).

While many questions can be answered through common sense, many of these cannot be correctly answered without dumb luck or studying.

Closing Thoughts

Passing your driver’s knowledge test is not that difficult, but it will require you to study. The main topics that will be covered include road signs, traffic laws, and driving safety rules.There are several questions that people miss because they are a little tricky, so this is why you need to know the correct answer rather than guessing. You should look up your state’s specific driver handbook to learn the exact laws that will be referenced on your test.The knowledge test is just not one that can be passed with basic common sense, so make sure you dedicate at least a few hours to studying. This will help you pass the first time, eliminating any need to wait longer before testing again!