Anonymous
10/28/2021 11:31
Subject: Maryland drivers test in pandemic times
We dug up the space dimensions (on the MVA website, and I forget where else). We measured them exactly for practice. We found that premarked parking lot spaces were rarely the same as the test space dimensions, usually a little smaller, sometimes a bit larger, almost always too short in depth. We never did find out the distance from the mouth of the parking space to the guardrail on the access lane (i.e., the width of the access lane), and I’m not sure if it is the same at every test center.
The most important thing DC learned from the 3 professional lessons was the technique for backing out of the space.
We practiced the test in exactly the order it is given, including the backing up to the starting point between exercises.
Never did fully figure out all the turn signals.
Absolutely have to do the visual look-see.
The stop signs are a time-proven flunk point, enhanced by some tricky examiners who tell the driver to “pull over there” at the end, with no reference to stopping.
The test is not impossibly hard, but it is not a walk in the park. There’s a lot of emphasis on precision, coordination, multitasking and close attention to detail.
We used what passes for a larger sedan these days. I’ve watched people use mid-size SUV’s. Many driving schools (as an adjunct to other lessons, or as a stand alone product) will let you hire an instructor and car for the test.
It is very profitable to go watch some tests.
The most important thing DC learned from the 3 professional lessons was the technique for backing out of the space.
We practiced the test in exactly the order it is given, including the backing up to the starting point between exercises.
Never did fully figure out all the turn signals.
Absolutely have to do the visual look-see.
The stop signs are a time-proven flunk point, enhanced by some tricky examiners who tell the driver to “pull over there” at the end, with no reference to stopping.
The test is not impossibly hard, but it is not a walk in the park. There’s a lot of emphasis on precision, coordination, multitasking and close attention to detail.
We used what passes for a larger sedan these days. I’ve watched people use mid-size SUV’s. Many driving schools (as an adjunct to other lessons, or as a stand alone product) will let you hire an instructor and car for the test.
It is very profitable to go watch some tests.
Anonymous
10/28/2021 10:53
Subject: Maryland drivers test in pandemic times
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:- Pull into a parking spot
- Reverse into a parking spot
- 3 point turn
That's it.
* must use turn signals on everything or you fail
** must do headchecks for everything or you fail
*** can't use backup camera unless you are fully in the spot and are just adjusting
**** must stop at stop sign (it seems obvious but lots of kids forget = automatic fail)
My kid had this question -- do you need to use a turn signal when you are backing out of the parking spot?
I am pretty sure you do. Maybe those are the yellow splotches on the instructions?
NP here. Good call on the splotches! I was trying to figure those out as well. I told DS to us the turn signal like crazy and turn head side to side and entire body to back when in reverse (even bough you can’t see squat out the back)!
OK, but check out page 3. Am I crazy?
https://mva.maryland.gov/Documents/prepare-for-noncom-driving-test.pdf
You pull forward -- fine. Now you have to back in, turning the car towards the right... so you turn on your right side turn signal. all fine and good.
Now you are in the parking spot. WHY are the blotches on the LEFT side of the car now? You aren't going to turn left .. you pull out to the right, then back up again. Correct?
I think when you pull up to the spot, put the right signal on. While backing into the spot, put on the left signal because the car is actually turning to the left while going backwards? And then when you pull out put your right signal back on. This is the only way I could guess the left signal would come into play.
Anonymous
10/28/2021 10:30
Subject: Maryland drivers test in pandemic times
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My knowledge is probably 6 months out of date but yes, they have them do the test in a parking lot. It involves pulling forward into a parking spot, backing into a parking spot and doing an odd three point turn.
If the car touches a pylon at any point you fail the test so it’s probably worth some practice (you could be a good driver and fail the test or be a bad driver and pass the test).
There are some videos on youtube although I think they also say taping the test can result in failure.
This pylons are very close, I was shocked at how close they were.
It's easy to see how kids fail.
They fail because they don’t practice and their parents are sloppy Parker’s. The cones are ten feet across. You should be able to back an ocean liner in there.
You clearly have no idea what you're talking about. The space where DD took the test was so narrow, as was the approach lane, that I'm not sure how any one could park something larger than a mid-sized sedan in it. Based on the two times we were there, I'd estimate the passage rate at around 50%. My wife and I have had multiple discussions with others about how most people fail their first time through.
God help you if MVA was still using the road test plus the parking drills. No one would ever get a license.
Anonymous
10/28/2021 10:11
Subject: Maryland drivers test in pandemic times
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My knowledge is probably 6 months out of date but yes, they have them do the test in a parking lot. It involves pulling forward into a parking spot, backing into a parking spot and doing an odd three point turn.
If the car touches a pylon at any point you fail the test so it’s probably worth some practice (you could be a good driver and fail the test or be a bad driver and pass the test).
There are some videos on youtube although I think they also say taping the test can result in failure.
This pylons are very close, I was shocked at how close they were.
It's easy to see how kids fail.
If you’re driving a car with a huge turning radius, you’re basically screwed.
Very unlikely a not-yet unlicensed driver, particularly one under 25, will qualify as an authorized driver under the rental agreement.
That would be those who take the test in moms $80,000 SUV instead of a sensible car.
just rent a Corolla or Honda Fit instead of taking mom’s SUV!
Anonymous
10/28/2021 09:53
Subject: Maryland drivers test in pandemic times
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:My knowledge is probably 6 months out of date but yes, they have them do the test in a parking lot. It involves pulling forward into a parking spot, backing into a parking spot and doing an odd three point turn.
If the car touches a pylon at any point you fail the test so it’s probably worth some practice (you could be a good driver and fail the test or be a bad driver and pass the test).
There are some videos on youtube although I think they also say taping the test can result in failure.
This pylons are very close, I was shocked at how close they were.
It's easy to see how kids fail.
If you’re driving a car with a huge turning radius, you’re basically screwed.
That would be those who take the test in moms $80,000 SUV instead of a sensible car.
just rent a Corolla or Honda Fit instead of taking mom’s SUV!