Tips for Passing the DMV Motor Vehicle Written Test

For some of us, passing the DMV motor vehicle written test can create a deep sense of anxiety. Maybe it’s our first time going for our license, and our ego and strong desire for independence are on the line. For others of us, maybe we’ve moved to a new state and find ourselves hoping we actually remember everything we learned as a novice driver, and again, our ego and desire for independence are on the line.

Many of the test-taking strategies adopted during our school days still apply when going to take the DMV written test. I’m sure you remember these:

• Be well-rested.
• Show up early and allow yourself plenty of time so as not to add to your stress level.
• Bring all required materials (this used to mean two #2 pencils, but for the DMV, you’ll need to determine what “required materials” now means for you).
• Breathe deeply, go through the test first answering the questions you know the answer to, and come back to the ones you were unsure about. The DMV test is not a timed test, so you can take as much time as you desire. Do not leave any questions unanswered – guess if you need to, it’s multiple choice so you might get it right!

Then, there is the matter of studying. Yes, the best strategies in the world might help, but they don’t always allow one to glide over the need to prepare. Each state’s DMV does offer a booklet with all of the information that could be on the written test and almost all include some sample questions. Many of us don’t have the time though to read this entire manual, and even if we did, our procrastinating personalities would put it off until our current license has expired. There are resources available that help to alleviate this stress and many can be found with a simple google of “DMV Written Test.”

One such resource, DMVCheatSheets.com, offers a summary of key information covered in the DMV guide in the format of sample questions, and it also provides a summary of what you need to bring to the DMV to take the test (see the third bullet above). This may not seem that valuable, but just try to find the information yourself on your state’s DMV web site – some state sites are easy to navigate, but many are NOT!

One last tip – Do take the time to study your road signs. Pay attention to the shape and color of the signs. Many states are preparing for a transition in road signs to meet the needs of non-English drivers and these are always a part of the written test. You will find that road signs are not as easy as you might think to discern without the familiar English words – so study your signs! Good luck and we’ll hope to see you on the road with your ego and independence in tact!