Tag Archive: Driving exam

Florida Driving Test Changed

February 11, 2015

The written portion of the Florida driving test was changed last year and, apparently, a lot of people are having a hard time passing the newer version.

According to the Florida Department of Highways and Motor Vehicles, the old test hadn’t been updated in 20 years and many of the questions could be found online so it was decided that the time had come to update the test.

According to a spokesman for the Duval County, FL Tax Collector’s office, the previous test had a failure rate of about 40 percent. Since the new test was introduced, the failure rate statewide has increased to almost 70 percent.

The previous test consisted of a total of 40 questions with 20 questions on road rules and 20 on road signs. The new test consists of 50 questions with 45 on road rules and 5 on road signs and it also also requires a passing rate of 80% compared to the old passing rate of 75 percent.

There was no time limit on the old version of the test but the new test has a time limit of one hour.

The new test draws the 50 questions from a total database of 1200 questions so if someone has to take the test again, he or she is unlikely to see the same question twice. There’s no charge for the first test but, if a prospective driver fails the test, each re-test costs an additional $10 plus a $6.25 service fee for a total of $16.25.

Before attempting to take the Florida driving test, prospective drivers should study the driving handbook and can benefit from taking online practice tests.

Ask The Driving School Instructor: Parking During The Driving Exam

May 19, 2014

Question: Will I have to parallel park during my driving exam?

Answer: As far as Florida driving tests go, parallel parking is rarely tested however; you will be required to pull into a parking space marked by traffic cones on either side. If you hit one of the cones either when pulling into the space or backing out, it will be considered as an automatic failure. Remember to use your turn signal to indicate which way you will be turning when entering or backing out of a parking space. You will also be tested on where to turn your wheels when parking on a hill, with or without a curb. Since Florida doesn’t have too many hills to perform this maneuver on, you may just have to explain to the driving examiner how you would turn your wheels when parking on a hill.

Ask the Driving School Instructor: Trick questions during the DMV test?

March 31, 2014

Question: Will there be any trick questions when I take my behind-the-wheel test at the DMV?

Answer: No! Believe me when I tell you the license examiners are too busy to play games during the test. They have a list of basic maneuvers that the applicant has to complete and a long line of applicants waiting to take the test. They just need to see if you can complete the listed driving maneuvers safely after passing the written test. Continue Reading

Worried About Passing Your Driving Test?

October 2, 2012

The driving exam can be grueling for new drivers who are worried about passing. Don’t let anxiety become a factor in passing your exam. Here are a few hints for all new drivers before they go to the DMV driver’s license office.

How much have you practiced your driving skills? The GDL Laws of most states require you to get a learner’s permit or instruction permit first before you get your driver’s license. This is the time when you practice your driving skills either with a parent or driver education instructor. Most states require you to have a minimum of 40 to 50 hours of driving practice during the learner’s permit stage. It is suggested to use a driving experience log so you practice all the maneuvers you’ll be tested on. Here is an example to PRINT.

When you are ready to get your license remember the following driving skills as this is what they will be testing you on during the road test:

Obey the traffic signals and signs

Avoid hitting the curb or cones while parking

Three point turn is the most comment reason for failing the exam – so get lots of practice during your learner’s permit phase especially on narrow streets!

During the test the driver examiner will give you simple instructions and take notes on the skills you are performing. If you do not understand what is being asked it is okay to ask for clarification. Some mistakes are allowed, but if they add up to 30 points you will fail the road test exam.

These may seem like common sense, but when you’re nervous you make forgot the most important items like:

Put on your seat belt before starting the vehicle.
Properly yielding to other traffic when changing lanes.
Using your turn signal when turning, changing lanes, or turning into or backing out of a parking space
Safe driving around school buses and school zones.
Maintain a two to three-second following distance.

Remember practice makes perfect so make the most of your learners permit phase by practicing all of your driving skills. Stay safe!