Driving Test Preparation: What to Expect and How to Prepare

There’s no denying it: tests are stressful. Even if you’ve studied, practiced, and prepared, some people freeze up out of nerves or find it hard to recall information. If you’re worried about this happening to you on your driving test, read our guide on how to best prepare and pass your test.

The 3 Parts of the PA Road Test

There are three core parts of the PennDOT driving test each of which demonstrates your knowledge and mastery of certain skills. A Third Party Road Test is identical to the PennDOT Road Test.  In order to pass your test, you will need to know all of them. Let’s outline each step and what’s required to pass your road test. 

Part 1: Knowledge of Vehicle Controls

Your examiner will ask you to demonstrate your understanding of different controls on the vehicle you are using for the Road Test. This will involve identifying and knowing how and when to use different features like the turn signals, horn, hazards, defrosters, windshield wipers, emergency brake/ parking brake, and the high and low beam lights, etc.

Part 2. Parallel Parking

Parallel parking is an essential part of the PennDOT driving test. The examiner will ask you to parallel park, and in order to pass the exam, you’ll need to show that you have mastered this skill. The parallel parking needs to be completed using a set amount of moves and other small elements are involved when parallel parking that will ensure you complete the maneuver successfully during the road test (and not lose points). 

Part 3: Road Skills

Finally, you’ll need to drive on public roads where the examiner will evaluate your ability to handle real-world driving situations. You’ll need to demonstrate that you can follow traffic signs and laws, correctly manage your speed, stop properly at stop signs, know how to turn and change lanes safely, and various other driving techniques. The road portion takes place on PennDOT-approved routes.

Step-by-Step Tips to Prepare for Your Driving Test

Practice the Core Skills for Success:
Regularly practice parallel parking, three-point turns, smooth stopping, and maintaining a safe following distance. Use a checklist to track your progress on each skill.

Familiarize Yourself with Traffic Signs and Rules:
Review the PA Driver’s Manual to understand road signs, traffic laws, and right-of-way rules. Pay special attention to less-common signs like “No Turn on Red.”

Build Confidence with Mock Driving Tests:
Simulate a real test environment by practicing on similar roads to those near your test center. This will help you anticipate challenges and refine your skills.

Be behind the wheel independently. This comprehensive test requires a student to demonstrate their mastery of many different driving techniques, including:

• Parking (perpendicular & parallel)
• Making a three-point turn
• Slowing down & stopping smoothly, at an appropriate location
• Observing right-of-way laws
• Backing up
• Maintaining a safe following distance
• Turning left & right, being sure to signal at the appropriate times
• Safely switching lanes & passing other vehicles

The Day of Your Driving Test: What to Expect

Arriving at the Test Center:
Arrive 15-30 minutes early to allow time to check in and calm your nerves. Ensure all required documents are ready, such as your valid permit and proof of insurance.

Essential Items to Bring:
Create a checklist for test day:

• Valid PA driver’s permit
• Proof of insurance
• Registration documents for the test vehicle

Managing Test-Day Nerves:
Use deep breathing techniques or visualization exercises to calm your anxiety. Remind yourself of the practice and preparation you’ve done.

Benefits of a Day-of-Test Refresher Lesson

A driving test isn’t like a written exam you take in school or a permit test. There isn’t always one right answer, and passing the road test can depend a lot on your ability to make quick decisions and anticipate hazards on the road if they arise during your test. Passing the road test also depends on knowing how to handle the car well in the real world. This can make a lot of students feel nervous since the situation can’t be controlled. However, with a Day of Test refresher lesson, you can feel a lot more at ease and set yourself up to succeed on your driving test. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits of getting a refresher lesson on the day of your test.

Avoid Surprises 

While no one can know or practice on the exact route of your driving test, the driving instructor will take you out on similar roads in the area of your driving test. This will help you feel more comfortable with your surroundings so that if something occurs during your test, like traffic or a hazard on the road, you feel more confident to make a quick decision. The practice won’t be the same as the test but very similar, that way there should be no surprises. 

Familiarize Yourself With the Vehicle

Your driving school will likely offer the opportunity to do your driver’s test in one of their cars, so having a lesson beforehand will help you get familiar with that specific car’s features and how it drives. 

Expert Instructor Guidance

Your license test examiner will be testing you based on PennDOT’s testing guidelines, meaning there are certain things that can lead you to lose a lot of points or even result in an automatic fail on a driving test. With a refresher lesson, you can get some last-minute guidance from a professional to help you point out areas where you might lose points so that you’re aware of them going into the test. The Third Party Road Test that is offered at Driven2Drive is identical to PennDOT’s Road Test.

Know What to Expect

Sometimes, the difference between a pass and a fail is simply knowing what skills you need to demonstrate in order to pass. Of course, no two driving tests are identical, so you need to be comfortable with a wide array of driving skills, but a refresher on the day of your test can help you practice the skills you’ll need to pass so you know exactly what to expect.

Calm Your Nerves

For many students, doing a driving test is a big deal! It’s normal to feel nervous or anxious, but familiarizing yourself with the area, car, and skills you’ll need to know, and getting immediate feedback from an instructor on the day of your test will help you alleviate some of your fears and allow you to go into your test with a clearer mind.

Make the Most of Your Driving Lessons

Tips for Productive Practice Sessions:

• Set specific goals for each lesson (e.g., mastering parallel parking).
• Practice during different times of the day to get used to various lighting conditions.

Why Regular Feedback Is Crucial:
Feedback from an instructor can help you correct small mistakes before they become habits. Focus on one skill at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Why Choose Driven2Drive for Your Driving Test Prep?

Driven2Drive offers our students the option to get a refresher lesson on the day of their road test. This Day of Test Service helps solidify all the information our students learned in their courses to help remind them what they need to know to pass. 

Here’s what you should know about Driven2Drive’s Day of Test Service:

• This service begins at ends at our facility
• You’ll take your driving test right away in the same car and area as your refresher lesson so that everything is fresh in your mind
• For safety and insurance purposes, the Day of Test service can only be done in Driven2Drive vehicles
• If you’re under the age of 18, you need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian when coming to a Driven2Drive location for your Day of Test lesson
• You are required to bring your valid and original Pennsylvania-issued driving permit
• The Day of Test Service DOES NOT include pick up or drop off

Why Do Students Prefer Us?

Whether you feel ready to take your road test now or need more practice first, Driven2Drive is here to help you achieve your goals. In addition to being the Philly area’s student-preferred permit & license testing center, we also offer a variety of driving lesson packages to suit all of our students’ needs. Take a look at what Maurice W. had to say after taking a driving course and road test with us:

Excellent driving instructors, they helped me prepare for my test so well & I passed! They also have great prices. Thank you so much. – Maurice W.

Make the Most of Your Driving Lessons with Driven2Drive

Not every student will need our Day of Test Service, but it’s there for everyone as an option. At Driven2Drive, we’re confident that our student’s learning experience with us in the classroom and on the road is enough to prepare them for their driving test.

Driven2Drive offers multiple different driving lesson packages to fit your needs. Whether you just want a professional to guide you the day of your driving test or you want to complete PA driving lessons including Driver’s Ed in a classroom, one-on-one sessions behind the wheel, highway or nighttime driving, or practice on an automatic or manual vehicle, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you want us to help you prepare on the day of your driving test or you’re confident enough to go on your own, Driven2Drive lessons will give you the skills you need to pass your driving test with confidence.

Pass Your Driving Test on the First Try!

FAQs

Related Resources:

• PennDOT Certified Same Day Driving Test in PA
• What to Learn for Driving Test: How to Prep
• PA Driver’s License Types Explained 
• DriveGetting Your License in PA If You’re Over 18
• Best Places to Practice Driving in Greater Philadelphia
• How Many Driving Lessons Do I Need in PA?