The big day has come. All of your studying, practicing, and worrying is about to be put to the test on the road today. This test will decide if you take that big step and become a licensed driver, or if you need to keep getting rides from your friends and parents. Although passing is extremely important, and a goal that you have worked toward for many months at this point, it is important to remember that failing the test isn’t the end of the world. It happens, and the best thing you can do is practice more and pass next time. Here are some of the most common reasons for failing a driver’s test.

• The California Roll

We don’t mean sushi when we say this. When you barely make a stop at a stop sign, and then continue on driving, that’s what is called a California Roll in many parts of the USA. Stop signs say “stop” not “slow down and keep going when you see there is no traffic around.” They are an important part of road safety, and of traffic management. It is of the utmost importance that you make a full stop, look each way, and then pick back up at a safe speed.

• Not checking your mirrors

We know how tempting it can be to just take a quick look back, and then switch lanes without checking your mirrors. That doesn’t mean that your driving tester will go easy on you, though. Many people just take a look behind them, and then merge into another lane. It is important that you look in all of your mirrors, and react accordingly. Check your mirrors before increasing speed, and be sure to check when pulling off the road, too.

• Not keeping the wheel straight

You would think that after all of the hours of practicing, and all of the training that students have done, that they would be able to keep the wheel straight. However, you’d be surprised at how many people fail the test because they were unable to be steady on the road. Our roads cannot be filled with drivers who veer left and right constantly. You need to be able to stay the course. Sometimes it’s because the student is nervous, and other times it’s just because they haven’t trained enough at the wheel. Either way, do everything you can to keep that wheel straight.

The most important thing about taking your driver’s test is to remain calm. It is a big deal in a young person’s life, but it isn’t going to make or break you. If you get too nervous, then you won’t perform at your best, and chances are you are going to fail. Just remember your training, and ace it. These are the most common reasons for failing a driver’s test. Good luck!