Nevada Drive Academy 

 

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Nevada DMV Practical Road Test Tips

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For even more tips on how to pass your Nevada drivers test subscribe to our YouTube channel

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Driving Is a complex and demanding skill. Everyone planning to take the DMV road test must be aware of all the elements that form the foundation of a safe and responsible driver.

 

Understanding the vehicle's controls, vehicle handling, and knowing the rules of the road.

 

The driver is responsible for the safety of their passengers. In this case, the DMV examiner. Their job is an assessment, not instruction.

Consistent practice makes all the difference, in my opinion. Individuals that only drive an hour or two a week have a decreased chance of passing than those that drive every day or at least 4-to 5 times per week.

 

Becoming an experienced, confident, well-rounded driver takes a year of daily driving.

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Here are some guidelines and reminders.

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• Remember to put the seat belt on before you start the car.
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• The examiner will check the vehicle's signals, brake lights, and horn. If the windshield is cracked, a mirror is broken, or tires are bald, they may decline to do the test.
   

• Clean your car before the test. Make sure all the windows and mirrors are clean.
   

• In Nevada, you know how hot the car gets in the summer. As soon as you start the car, blast the air to cool it down inside.
   

• The examiners generally are not too chatty. They want the driver to focus on driving safely.
   

• Do not back into a parking space upon arrival. I once watched an examiner have the driver find another parking space, park, and back out.
   

• Signal every turn in the DMV lot. Yield to all pedestrians and vehicles backing out. Keep your speed under control 8-10 mph max.
   

Use of the turn signal

Put your turn signal on at the proper distances. Too early or late, you can lose points.

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Stopping

ALWAYS come to a complete stop behind the white line. If there is no white line, use your side view mirror aligned with the stop sign post. ​A full stop could be a count of 3. Don't hesitate too long, if clear go.

Stopping Distance

​A full car length. Extra distance with buses and trucks.

 

Speed

Stay as close to the posted speed limit as possible. 2-3 mph under the maximum. Don't go over.

Driving 35 in a 45 mph zone is too slow if you are clear.

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Scanning
Move your head left and right when proceeding thru an intersection.

Scan at trail crossings and RR tracks. Look at your rear and side mirrors frequently. Scan at the roundabouts down the side streets. 

 

Lane Changes

Only do so when the examiner asks you to change lanes if you are safe. Don’t cut anyone off in the next lane. 

Check mirrors first—signal for approximately 100 feet or several seconds.
You should turn your head over the shoulder to check the blind spot in the side rear windows.
This is called a "head check" on the DMV testing form.
 

Leave signal on for a count of 3 when you get into your lane before canceling.

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Right Turn on Red (RTOR)

If you turn right at a red light, ensure you are clear. The 1st two lanes oncoming lanes must be clear, and no one is making a U-turn in front of you and no pedestrians.

 

Look to your right for pedestrians before moving. Accelerate and get up to the speed limit. If a car comes up to your rear, you will fail the test for cutting someone off. 

 

You are not required to turn right on red. However, the test is about confidence also. Knowing when you are clear to go. You may be holding up traffic behind you by just sitting there.

 

Posture

Hands-on the wheel in the proper position for the entire test.

Sit back in your seat. 

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Bikes

Suppose a bike, skateboarder, scooter, etc., is on your side of the lane. Change lanes if possible.

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Move Over Law

Change lanes if you see law enforcement, paramedics, Fire truck, tow truck, service vehicles, or a car broken down on the shoulder.

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Flashing Yellow Turn Arrow

If there is no oncoming traffic and no pedestrians do not stop, proceed through the turn.

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If there is a lot of traffic, wait behind the line. As the last car is approaching, move up then and make your turn. If the light changes to red while in the intersection, this is an auto fail on the test.

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Green Light at Intersection

Start promptly if you are the first to go.
Don't stop at a green light unless you are not clear to go.

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School Zones

If there are no students or children, proceed at the regular speed limit.
If there is one child in the zone, you must stay at the reduced posted limit for the entire school zone.
If you see the crossing guards but no children, slow down to the school zone posted limit.

 

End of test

Park in a space between the lines with your wheels straight. Fix your parking if you are crooked or too close to the lines.

  

Some Causes For Automatic Failure
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• Consistently speeding

• Cutting off another driver

• ​Failure to stop for a school bus with its arm out or red lights flashing.

• ​Weaving or straddling the lines

• Stopping at a green light for no apparent reason

• Stopping on the RR tracks

• ​Driving in the bike lane

• Not changing lanes if there is a bike in the lane next to you

• ​Backing over a curb

• Hitting a curb driving or turning a corner

• ​Failure to yield at a stops sign

• Not yielding to cars making U-Turns.

• Not yielding to pedestrians.

• Poor attitude

• Driving with one hand

• ​Crossing the stop line or not coming to a complete stop

• ​Failure to react to a hazardous condition

• ​Taking the wrong lane when turning

• ​Failure to follow the examiner's instructions

• Too much hesitation or overall lack of confidence

• If the examiner has to tell you to "stop!" or has to grab the steering wheel…

 

There may be more. These are just a few.

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Frequent questions we are asked

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How long is the driving test?
 

About 30 minutes.
 

Which DMV location is easiest to pass the test?

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My answer based on taking many students to all locations is that no DMV route is easier or more difficult. The road rules are the same throughout Las Vegas.

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