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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
Monday, April 13, 2009
OMG can i change my picture on my license??? please help!! thx Jonny!!!!!!
Chelsey from Escondido, CA Exclaims: My friend nd told me that the picture they took for my permit will be the same picture that they put on my driver's license!!?! Is that true? I totally didn't know they were going to take my picture and I look HORRIBLE!! HELP!!!!!!!
Chelsey, you have larger problems that your driver's license picture. For instance, your excessive use of exclamation points is somewhat disturbing. But, we are here to talk about driving, so let me address
your question.
The answer is yes, the picture the Escondido DMV took of you for your permit paperwork will be the same photo they use on your CA driver license. However, depending on the DMV and the mood of
the DMV employee assisting you, you can actually request that they retake your license photograph, free of charge. If you attempt to do this, make sure you ask them to retake the pic BEFORE you take your
DMV drive test. If they print up your DMV drive test paperwork, it may be too late for them to enter a new photo ID into the system.
Hope that helps!
Until next time Chelsey from Escondido, do your make-up, comb your hair, and go retake your driver license photo... you bright shining star you!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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Escondido Driving School Online
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Can I drive in California if I am from another country?
Daryl from La Canada Asks: My girlfriend has a U.K driver license and is going to be staying with me in my La Canada, CA home. Can she drive a car legally here, or does she have to get a California drivers license?
Hello Daryl from La Canada, according to the CA DMV, if you are over 18 and visiting California with a valid drivers license from your country of residence,
you can drive in California without having to get a CA driver's license, as long as the license from your home country remains valid.
However, if your girlfriend gets a job in La Canada or becomes a resident, she must get a state driver license within TEN days.
Hope that helps.
Until next time Daryl from La Canada, tell your girlfriend she can drive in CA, show her around California, and tell her good luck on our freeways!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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La Canada Driving School
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
I Lost my Driver License in California - how do I get a new one?
Steve from Salinas Asks: Help Jonny! I lost my drivers license at the mall and I can't find it!! How can I get a new one?
Oh me, oh my Steve, however did you lose your driver's license? And what mall were you at, I didn't even know there was a mall in Salinas. Anyways, I digress. Here's what you need to do to get a duplicate
license from your local Salinas DMV, which I believe is located at:
- 260 E. Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA 93906
(800)777-0133
Steps to getting your duplicate California Drivers License in Salinas and anywhere in CA:
- Fill out a Driver License or ID Card Application form DL44. Get this form at the Salinas DMV or have it mailed to you by calling (800)777-0133.
- If you are a minor (under 18 years old) - make sure your parents signs the DL 44 form.
- You must also pay the replacement fee, which as of today is $22.
Hope that helps.
Until next time Steve from Salinas, quit losing your license, call the Salinas DMV, and say goodbye to $22!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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Free Salinas Drivers Ed Online Trial
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I just got into a bad accident? Will I lose my license?
Elliot Asks: I got into an accident in Los Angeles where I ran a red light and creamed another car. Totaled both cars. Will I lose my license?
Good gravy Elliot, that sounds pretty darn nasty - I hope nobody was hurt. Whether or not you will lose your license will depend on your driving record. In the state of California,
you want to avoid becoming what is called a "Negligent operator" and losing your license. According to the CA DMV Official Website, you are negligent when your driving record has any of the following:
- 4 points in 12 months, or
- 6 points in 24 months, or
- 8 points in 36 months
So in short, if your record was clean before, I don't think your accident will cost you your license. However, check your driving record to see how many points you have to get the definitive answer.
Hope that helps.
Until next time Elliot, quit running red lights, quit crashing into other cars, and keep your license!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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Friday, March 06, 2009
How long do I have to wait before I can drive with my friends?
Javier Inquires: Yo Jonny - I just got my license - when can I start driving with my friends in the car?
"Yo" Javier - if you are a minor, you've got to wait a full 12 months (i.e. one year) before you can have anyone under the age of 20 as the sole passenger in your car. Simple as that. And take it from me, you don't want distractions in the car anyway.
They say ("they" being the masters of the universe) that you are 10 times more likely to get into a car accident during the first 500 miles of your driving life. And I have to admit, I am guilty of
getting to an accident within the first week that I had my license. Why? Because my friend McGivern in the passenger seat was distracting me with his antics, causing me to run a red light.
If only I had a 'Jonny Driving School' to guide me when I was a new driver...
Hope that helps.
Until next time Javier, drive alone, don't drive between 11pm and 5am, and drive distraction free!
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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Monday, February 23, 2009
What are the automatic fails (auto fails) you can get during your drive test at the DMV?
Nelly's Question: Hello Jonny Driving Skool!! I'm taking my license test next week - what are the things that can make me fail?
Hello to you too Nelly! As a friendly warning, please never spell School
with a 'k' again. It's disrespectful to the Jonny Driving School family
name.
So you want to know how NOT to fail your driving test. That's mighty pessimistic of you, but you are not alone in your pessimism. In fact, I was asked that very same question yesterday by soon to be licensed driver Ryan in Tarzana. And this is the long winded speech I gave him:
There are basically two different ways one can fail their DMV drive test. First of all, you will be disqualified if you make 16 or more minor violations. Examples of minor traffic violations include stopping on the limit-line, signaling too late or not at all, forgetting a traffic check, not making full 3-second stops at stop signs and so on. If you receive 15 or less minor violations you can still pass your test and get your license.
Now it has been my experience that most people who fail their drive test are NOT disqualified for getting 16 minor traffic violations (though it does happen). The majority of those who fail their road test commit a Critical Driving Error (CDE) or what most call an "auto fail". If you commit one CDE you may be failed by your DMV examiner. Examples of CDE's or auto fails are:
• Failing Your Pre-drive Test: If you get three wrong answers on your oral pre-drive test you don't even get to move the car. Of course, this should never happen if you know your hand signals and where your headlights, windshield wipers, hazard lights, front window defroster, and parking brake are.
• Examiner Intervention: What you don't want on your drive-test is any help from the DMV tester. That means they shouldn't ever have to reach for the steering-wheel, tell you to slow down, or give you any other sort of driving advice.
• Dangerous Maneuver: What's a dangerous maneuver you ask? Swerving, taking a turn wicked-fast, cutting off other drivers, impeding another driver's progress and any other number of things that are not safe.
• Disobeying a Sign or Signal: Pretty straightforward: run a red light or blow through a stop-sign and it's pretty safe to say your test is over. Don't break the law and you'll be fine.
• Lane Violation: Drift out of your lane: FAIL. Make a lane change without checking mirrors and over your shoulder: FAIL. You get the point.
• Speed Control: In general, if you exceed the safe speed limit by 10 miles you will fail your test. Depending on the traffic situation, you could also fail for speeding by less than 10 miles per hour. A good rule of thumb for your test is to make sure you stay within 3-4 miles of the speed limit. Of course not speeding at all is your best bet.
• And a few others: Make sure you obey traffic cops and school crossing guards if they're out and about. If it rains or snows make sure you turn on your windshield wipers and low beam headlights. And last but not least, do not "strike an object". I think it goes without saying that hitting someone or something with your car is a no-no on your DMV test. Be careful when you curbside park because hitting the curb is considered striking an object - and that, my friend Nelly, is an auto fail.
There you have it Nelly, now you know what NOT to do next week on your DMV license test. Now, if you can focus on what you need to do, you'll be fine. If you drive courteously, safely, confidently, and defensively come your exam day, you should have no problem whatsoever getting your license. Take it from me - I'm Jonny Driving School and "I know stuff"! And yes, I do enjoy quoting myself.
Hope that helps.
Until next time, be big brained, be super nice, and don't drift,
Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com
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