Nevada Drive Academy 

Nevada DMV Practical Road Test Tips

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Check in 1/2 hour early. They may take you early depending on the day.

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All the DMV locations have a parking area for drive test appointments. If that area is full you will have to park in the public lot.  The first question will be "where did you park". So don't forget where your car is parked !

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Another problem right off is if something is not working on your vehicle. The examiner is going to tell you to get in the car start the motor and roll down the driver side window. They are going to check all signal lights. So check your horn, all signals and brake lights the evening before your test. I have seen many people with some malfunction. The test is over before the examiner gets in the car. Also none of your windows can be cracked or dirty.

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Your side view mirrors must also be intact.

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I have seen some drivers back into the test spot. To make it easier to pull straight out. This is a mistake. The examiner may ask you to go find another parking spot so they can grade you on how you reverse out.

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The examiners are experienced and can tell in the first few seconds if you know how to drive and how you handle the vehicle. And how experienced you are.  New driver vs experienced. They are also making sure you are a safe driver. They can tell if you are confident and know what to do in each situation. Or if you are hesitant.

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You need 80 points out of 100 to pass. Little mistakes can be 1,2 or 3 points off.

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You can loose up to 6 points on parallel parking. So it's worth practicing at the barrels in the evening or Sundays when the DMV is closed.

 

Some examiners are more strict.  Sometimes passing depends on who you get.

Even though they all follow the same testing format and guidelines.

 

There are a few unfriendly examiners also. You have to focus on your driving. Your job is to keep your passenger safe.

 

The drive test can be anywhere from 20-30 minutes. An auto fail may result in bringing the driver back early.

 

The test starts as you back out of the parking space. Check all your mirrors and look out the side windows also when backing out.

 

Nevada no longer requires Parallel Parking

First or last: Parallel Parking

 

You may do parallel parking first at the Flamingo DMV because of where the barrels are located in the parking lot right next to the drive test lot.

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In Henderson if you park before the barrels they may have you parallel park first.

 

Second: drive around the area for approximately approx 20 minutes

Third: drive back to the DMV and Regular Parking

 

MAKE SURE you remember to put the seatbelt on BEFORE you start the car.

Also  check that the examiner has the seatbelt on as well before you proceed.

DO NOT FORGET to signal in the DMV lot on every turn you make. And when you come back after the test to park.

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Drive safe and slow in the DMV parking lot.

 

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.

 

ALWAYS stay as close to the posted speed limit as possible.

 

ALWAYS turn your head over your shoulder to check the blind spot you are asked to change lanes. Don’t just glance to the side. You should glance at your side mirror then turn your head over the shoulder to check behind you.

 

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

 

If you choose to turn right on a red light make sure you are clear. The 1st two lanes oncoming lanes must be clear, no one is making a U turn in front of you and no pedestrians.

 

Look to your right for pedestrians also before moving. Accelerate and get up to the speed limit. IIf 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

If the examiner asks why you are not going say "I don't feel safe".

 

KEEP hands on wheel in the proper position for the entire test.

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Lane changes, check mirror first, signal for 100 ft. Look over your should (headshake)

glide into the lane without slowing down, leave signal on 3 seconds before cancelling.

 

If there is a bike, skateboarder, scooter or jogger on your side of the lane. Change lanes if you are able.

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Scan the intersection and side streets when crossing.

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Stop one full can length behind vehicles. You should see the tires touching the road.

Extra distance on buses and trucks.

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Continue to check all your mirrors while driving.

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Signal 100 feet before your turns.

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Look over the shoulder when crossing over the bike lane into the turning lane.

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Some Auto Fails

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• Stopping on a green light for no reason

• Stopping on the RR tracks

• Running a stop sign or red light

• Stopping past the white line or past the stop sign

• Not coming to a complete stop

• Taking the wrong lane

• Speeding

• Hitting a curb

• Not yielding to pedestrians

• Not yielding to U turns when turning right

• Braking too hard

• Going thru a yellow when you could've stopped

• Drifting over the line or dots

• Turning left thru the intersection as the light turns red.

• Driving too slow

• Cutting someone off

• Not following the examiners instructions

• Hitting the barrels

• Backing over the curb on parallel parking

• Colliding with another vehicle

• Road rage

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