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Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Is it an instant fail if you hit the curb on your Oregon driving test at the DMV?
Alex from West Linn HS in Oregon asks: Hi i live in oregon, my friend just took the driving test and said if you hit the curb that is NOT an instant fail? is this true? can you please email me back
Hey Alex
It is my understanding that in Oregon, hitting the curb on your drive test is a potential auto fail. It really depends on two factors:
- how hard you hit the curb (did you barely touch it, scrape it, or did you run into it hard?)
- the examiner's point of view (some examiners are more laid back, some are more strict, or you might just catch an examiner in a bad mood). Each examiner will grade a little differently based on how they interpret the situation.
So my answer to you would be this: Don't touch the curb whatsoever because you are not supposed to. Give yourself at least 6 inches or more of cushion for peace of mind. That way, you don't have to worry about whether or not you will fail.
Hope that helps!
Until next time, stay away from that curb and off the sidewalk Alex!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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Traffic School
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Can you tell me what the DMV instructor will ask me before we start the actual drive test?
Edward from Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles asks: Well im taking the driving test today,in THREE HOURS!!! I was wondering if you can tell me what the instructors ask you before leaving to do the test (about car) kind of nervous cant wtrite.. ?
Mr. Edward - so young and so nervous, just as I was when I went to get my license. Well never fear Edward, I'm here to help and guide you into your driving future.
Here are the questions the DMV examiner will ask you before you depart for the driving portion on your in car test. These questions make up the pre-drive portion of your test, each incorrect answer counts as 1 point against you, if you miss 3 questions it is considered an automatic fail. The questions are:
- - Know your hand signals (left turn, right turn, and slow/stop)
- Know where to find and how to activate:
- 1) headlight controls
2) windshield wiper controls
3) emergency hazard lights
4) window defroster
- Be able to identify the major gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive)
Good luck Edward, hopefully you don't need it!
Until next time, take a deep breath, eat a good breakfast, and ace that drive test!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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California Traffic School
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
How to Schedule a Drive Test at the California DMV (Making a Drive Test Appointment at the DMV)
Beth Asks: How do you get a license test at the DMV? Can I just show up at the DMV if I'm 16?
Beth - unless you want to punish yourself unnecessarily, I recommend that you NEVER show up at the DMV without an appointment. If you do, expect long lines and the probability that you will have to come back
another day for your road test. So to answer your question more directly, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!
There are a couple of ways to make an appointment at the California DMV. As of today, March 10th, 2009, you can call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment. Or, as I always recommend, try making a driving test appointment online so you don't have to sit on hold for hours upon hours. You can schedule appointments for your DMV driving test at the official Ca DMV website. Here is that link for your convenience: Schedule a DMV Appointment
On a side note, make sure you have completed all of your drivers education requirements before scheduling your driver test. Not sure what those requirements are? Find them at the official California Drivers Training website.
Hope that helps.
Until next time Beth, schedule an appointment online, schedule an appointment over the phone, but whatever you do, NEVER go to the DMV without an appointment!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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a driving school question for Jonny? Ask
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Friday, February 20, 2009
What's the easiest DMV in Los angeles for getting your license?
Peter's Question: Jonny Driving School - what's the easiest DMV in LA for getting my driver lisense?
Peter, Peter, Peter - so young and so confused. Please learn how to
spell license before getting yours. Not that I didn't get a D average in
grammar when I was your age...anyway, I digress.
That's a question I get asked almost daily. And the answer is... wait for it... THERE IS NO EASIEST DMV!
Now let's get to the bottom of what you're really asking - At what DMV do you have the highest chance of passing your drive test the first time? Consider this:
1) First of all, if you are a good driver you should be able to pass your road test at ANY DMV.
2) You live in Los Angeles, correct? Then you know and I know and even uncle Charlie knows that there is major traffic anywhere you go in Los Angeles. Whether you go to the Winnetka DMV, Van Nuys DMV, Arleta, Thousand Oaks, or the Glendale DMV - there is going to be traffic. So they should all be about equally difficult, traffic-wise.
3) And the test examiners, contrary to public opinion, are not out to get you. It's not like one DMV has evil employees and another DMV only has nice people working. The California DMVs are like any other place of business - you're gonna have some cool people, some okay people, and some grumpy people. No matter where you go, it's all up to chance which type of test instructor you get. And PLEASE remember, the DMV people actually do want you to pass.
So, with all that said, I, Jonny Driving School, king dork of the driving road, recommend you go to a DMV closest to your neighborhood. Why? Because those are the streets you should be most familiar with. You have been practicing driving like crazy, right? And I'm guessing you practice around your own neighborhood. So why not take the test in your own neighborhood where you know the street names, the speed limits, and any tricky intersections or school zones.
And if you don’t live near a DMV, then go practice by the DMV you will test at. Still don't know which DMV to go to? I always go with the ones with the shortest lines. In my experience the shorter lines are at the Arleta DMV and the T.O. DMV. Longer lines usually at the Van Nuys DMV and sometimes at the Winnetka DMV. The Santa Monica DMV is hit or miss, and the Glendale DMV is usually pretty easy going.
And Peter, above anything, be prepared. If you are truly ready for your license, you should be able to get it anywhere.
Hope that helps.
Until next time, be smart, be safe, and keep all four tires on the road,
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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