If you are getting ready to take your driver’s permit exam to get your driving permit, you are probably starting to get nervous. Getting your driver’s license can be a long and tedious process, but it all starts with the learner’s permit. Until you have that permit in hand, you will not be able to start driving and work on your driving skills.
While it is easy to be intimidated by the whole permit process, you do not have to let it get to you. With the right preparation and planning, you can ace all the questions and pass the test with flying colors your first time out.
#1. Use Sound Study Habits
It is tempting to cram for your permit exam, but sound study habits will serve you better in the long run. Cramming for the exam and reading and rereading the driver’s manual may help your short-term memory, but these techniques will do nothing to help you retain the information for the test.
Never wait until the day before the exam to start studying. You should be studying the manual a little bit every day. Looking at that thick set of rules and regulations can be daunting, but breaking the task down into more manageable chunks will help a lot. If you think it will take you a week to read the manual cover to cover, break the task down into days and set bookmarks to keep you on track. This technique will make studying easier and more productive.
#2. Know What the Test is Like
The process for administering the written permit exam varies from state to state. Be sure to research the testing process in your state before you sit for the actual exam.
Many state DMVs use computer terminals or electronic exams to test their new drivers, while others rely on printed testing materials. Knowing what to expect will give you more confidence and help you relax on testing day.
#3. Learn from Your Mistakes
Practicing the test questions with a friend or family member is one of the best ways to learn. It is also the best way to identify your weak points and gaps in your knowledge of state traffic laws.
Each time you practice the test, ask your friend to flag the questions you get wrong. Make those questions the focus of your next learning session, and keep practicing until you can ace every question. Knowing the traffic laws inside and out will give you the confidence you need to pass the actual test with flying colors.
#4. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is good for your body and your mind. Eating healthy will help you feel more refreshed and less stressed, so include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. Supplement those fruits and vegetables with delicious whole grains, lean meats and dairy products.
Be sure to get plenty of sleep in the weeks leading up to the permit exam. A lack of sleep could leave you feel groggy and unwell on the day of the test, and that could hurt your chances of passing and getting your permit.
#5. Reduce Your Anxiety
Nothing will kill your chances of passing the test as much as nerves. Being nervous on test day will throw off your concentration and can lead to inadvertent mistakes on the questions.
If you meditate or use formal relaxation techniques, now is the time to use them. If not, take deep breaths, close your eyes and visualize yourself passing the test and walking out with your permit in hand.
Getting your learner’s permit gives you the freedom to drive and practice your skills. The state has a vested interest in making sure its new drivers have the knowledge they need to be safe behind the wheel, and the testing process is designed for that purpose. From knowing what to expect to practice the questions and answers, the right preparation can help you get that coveted permit and get behind the wheel.
