Because there is so much content to cover in a short amount of time, online driver’s education courses try to prepare you as best as they can for your driver’s license test. By the time you complete your class, you’ll hopefully know and understand all the rules of the road, the quirks of driving your car, statewide and city-wide driving expectations, driving in inclement weather, how to handle emergencies, and much more.
But what online driver’s ed may fail to inform you of is the entire process of getting your license at the DMV. It’s an important day that you’re trying to prepare for, so we’ve put together some general expectations for when you go in and try to get your license. Of course, every Department of Motor Vehicles will be different, and every experience will be different, but these tips should help you go in ready for anything.
Leave Time To Fill Out Forms
DMVs sometimes are notorious for long lines and sitting and waiting. Why? Because there are a lot of important forms for visitors to fill out and employees to process. Although it might feel frustrating to not get seen right away, know that this is part of the bigger picture that keeps the roads safe.
The forms you need to fill out should be easy to locate, but definitely ask someone working there if you need assistance. Questions themselves should be relatively easy to answer—your name, date of birth, details about the car you’re driving, and other related information. It’s advised not to rush through this step, no matter how excited you are to take the test. Errors will only prolong your visit. The best you can do to try and quicken the pace is to bring your own pen. While they’ll likely provide something there for you, having one on your person means you won’t have to search for it or worry about it running out of ink.
Driver’s Education
Not all states require you to take a driver’s ed course, but for those who do, you will usually have to take a few hours’ worth of courses.
In some states, it can be a specific course required by the DMV, while, for others, it’s a course that discusses the whole DMV handbook for the state.
Driver’s ed courses can be done online or in-person, depending on your state’s requirements.
Online driver’s ed is usually more convenient since you don’t have to go to classrooms to finish the course. What’s even better is that you can take it in your own time.
The Vision Test
Don’t let the word “test” scare you here—this is just to see that your vision is up to par and you’re able to see clearly. Depending on the DMV, you may simply stand and look at a vision test on the wall, or there may be some kind of electronic device you look into. Either way, you’ll be asked to read a few lines aloud, and you’ll be given a few chances if you don’t get it completely right the first time.
If you’re wearing corrective lenses (glasses or contact lenses), the DMV won’t ask you to remove them. Instead, they’ll let you wear them while you take the test and see if you’ll still pass it.
If you do, your driver’s license will be given a restriction of “with corrective lenses” or some phrase of the sort.
The Written Test
The two main parts of getting your license are the driving test and the written test. Most people stress out about the driving portion, but they don’t even think about what could happen if they fail the written test. In those cases, you won’t even be permitted to take the driving test, and you’ll have to return another time to re-take both. The written test can also induce a bit of nerves because, well, it’s a test! Few people enjoy the pressure of having to get a certain number of answers right, and sometimes it causes them to perform poorly.
If you’re at all worried about taking the written part of your test at the DMV, we highly recommend taking an online driver’s ed class. These classes are designed to not only teach you everything you need to know in an efficient amount of time, but the best ones have a final test that can be used towards your written test at the DMV. That’s right, if you pass your state-certified online driver’s ed course with flying colors, you don’t even have to worry about the written test at the DMV!
What’s even better is that the best online driver’s ed has practice tests that help you get a feel of the final exam. That way, you can prepare better and be less nervous for the exam.
This is also convenient because when you’ve completed the course, the information is fresh in your mind. At the DMV, you’re probably feeling a little anxious, thinking about all the other things you need to do later that day, and it could cause you to make mistakes you wouldn’t normally make.
If you did not do an online driver’s ed class, then you will be required to take the written test. Check with your local Department of Motor Vehicles to find sample tests online and know the requirements needed to pass.
Wait Patiently
If we haven’t already stressed it, there might be a bit of waiting involved in your visit. Even if the DMV doesn’t seem incredibly busy inside, know that there might only be a few select employees who are cleared to conduct the driving tests. Bring a book, homework, or something else to keep you occupied during this time and it will go by much faster!
Get Ready To Drive And Listen Carefully
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for: the driving test. But as much as you might have imagined it in your head before even arriving at the DMV that day, try to keep your mind as a blank slate. Just like driving, you need to be prepared for anything.
When taking the driving test, make sure to arrive with an insured car. This car will go through a safety inspection before you are able to use it for the test.
Know that your instructor might take you to the town square, ask you to do easier turns, park, and pass you with flying colors. Your instructor could also ask you to drive on the highway, parallel park on a busy street, or any other number of things.
Additionally, keep in mind that you will need to actively be listening to your instructor. He or she will not only be telling you what actions to perform and where to go but may also ask you to turn off the radio or completely silence your phone. It might not be the way you’re completely used to driving, but if you want to pass the test, you will need to also play by the instructor’s rules.
The best way to prepare for your driving test is to have practiced driving as much as possible beforehand. While there is no such thing as a perfect driver, practice will give you the opportunity to drive in a multitude of situations. If you’ve followed the guidelines set forth by your state and have been driving behind the wheel, you’ll increase your chances of passing with flying colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting your driver’s license for the first time can be nerve-wracking and you might have more questions about what to do and how to prepare for it.
Here are some FAQs that can help you out.
Are Online Driver’s Ed Required?
Not all states require an online driver’s ed, but some states make it a part of their whole driver’s license process.
Regardless of your state’s guidelines, taking an online driver’s ed can help you a lot in preparing for both the written and the driving test.
Is a Driving Test Required If You’re Above 18?
In most states, yes. You still have to take a driving test even when you’re over 18 years old.
This is especially true when you’ve never had a driver’s license before.
What is a Learner’s Permit?
A learner’s permit is issued to people under the age of 18 years old who are applying to get their driver’s license.
This temporary driving permit will allow you to do behind-the-wheel training as long as you have adult supervision inside the vehicle.