What road skills are needed to pass the Georgia driving test?
Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for teens. The first step to independence is getting a learner’s permit. The final step is getting that coveted driver’s license. In order to do so, Georgia drivers must pass a road skills test. This can be a bit nerve-racking, but preparation is key. So, what skills must new drivers master in order to pass the Georgia driving test?
All road skills tests are administered at the Georgia Dept. of Driver Services or an authorized third party center, like Drive Smart Georgia. Our customers that take a 30-hour Drivers Ed class and at least 6 hours on in-car driving lessons can take an on-site road test at our Johns Creek or Alpharetta location. Plus, you can take your test in the same car you practiced in with one of our caring instructors. Regardless if you take your road skills test with us or at the DDS, below are the following skills that you will be graded on during the road test.
Parallel parking
During the test, you will be required to park midway between two cones so that your automobile is not more than 18” from the curb.
Quick stops
You will be asked to drive at a speed of 20 miles per hour and make a quick, safe stop when the examiner says to do so.
Turnabout
You will be asked to turn your car in a narrow space using two-, three- or five-point turns.
Reverse backing
You must back your car for a distance of about 50 feet, at a slow rate of speed, and as straight and smoothly as possible. Be sure to turn your head and look back at all times while backing up.
Stopping for signs and traffic signals
During the road skills test, you’ll drive on actual streets. The examiner will look to make sure you give the proper turn signal. Make sure that you approach intersections in the proper lane, stop before reaching a pedestrian crosswalk, and remain stopped until you can move safely through.
Approaching corners
Remember to be in the proper lane and always look in both directions before proceeding.
Yielding right-of-way
Always yield right-of-way to pedestrians, motor vehicles, bicyclists or anyone else who moves into the intersection before you.
Turning
Get into the proper lane and be sure to signal your turn an adequate distance before reaching the turn.
Passing
Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can safely pass without interfering with other traffic.
Following other cars
Do not drive too closely behind other cars on the road. Watch the car ahead of you. When it passes some reference point, such as a telephone pole, count “one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two.” If you pass the same spot before you are through counting, you are following too closely.
Posture
Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Do not rest your elbow on the window and do not attempt to carry on a conversation with the examiner because he will be busy giving instructions and recording your score.
After your road skills test, the examiner will go over your score sheet. In order to pass, you must achieve a score of 75% or higher. So – practice, practice, practice before your test. Stay calm and show confidence in your driving skills. If you’ve done your homework and have honed your skills, a Georgia driver’s license is on the horizon.
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