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COURSE INTRO

How Written Tests Can Assist

The overall purpose for written testing is to give the DMV a way in which to evaluate the new driver’s ability to understand and follow common traffic laws essential for safe driving. The test is given a specific minimum passing score that the particular state has determined to show the drivers basic ability to properly operate a motor vehicle. Combined with a road skills test, this system is designed to pass only those drivers that can prove they have control over the vehicle and know the state driving laws.

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Written tests in many state DMV’s have seen changes, often making the test longer with higher passing score requirements. Currently the average state score to pass is 80% with some states holding lower requirements and a few increasing the average. In addition, each state has done its part to help stop the rising number of road accidents using its written tests in unique ways.

Computerized written tests allow the DMV to give instant scores and feedback to the new driver, in hopes they can learn from their mistakes. During a computerized test, the new potential driver receives an instant score on each individual test answer and incorrect scores will provide the user with the correct answer as well as feedback. Some states have increase standards for passing to include not only an overall passing score, but also a required number of correct answers for traffic law and signs questions.

The graduated license program was designed to evaluate a teen drivers abilities multiple times during the license process. In most cases, the minor will be required to take the written test while applying for a learners permit as well as again at each stage of licensing. This means the teen is taking the written tests" Dmvcheatsheets.com":https://www.dmvcheatsheets.com/articles/helping-your-teen-prepare-to-pass-the-drivers-tests at least three times through out the course of receiving a full privilege license. Test questions are randomly generated each new test so the teen driver is not repeating the same written test twice, giving the DMV an even better gauge on their driving abilities.

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The average written test will consist of similar questions in several areas of safe driving. New drivers may find randomly mixed test questions from some of the following categories, each useful in the ongoing learning process of driving a motor vehicle:

• Road Signs - failure to properly obey a road sign is one of the leading causes of both major accidents in the US. This includes the deaths of many pedestrians when a new driver fails to properly yield or come to a stop. A new driver that fails to yield the right of way to a school bus or ignores a school zone sign can often end in tragedy. In addition, accidents involving the deaths of construction workers have become such a serious problem that many states have double the ticket fines and added jail time to any driver caught disobeying speed limit and other instructions within a construction zone.

• Traffic Laws -The DMV will not pass a driver that cannot show proper understanding of the states traffic laws. This includes an ability to read and follow speed limit signs and how to properly perform a turn at an intersection. The driver must know when they can and cannot perform such maneuvers as turning, changing lanes and actions to be taken when approaching the point of no return at a traffic light.

• Special concerns- DMV written tests have been modified to address new road concerns such as texting and driving and the use of electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. In many states it is now illegal to operate a cell phone while driving. In addition, specific test questions in states with high drinking and driving accident rates are also essential for the learning process.

 

Nationally, car crashes are among the leading causes of death for teens. In 2021 in Arizona, 33 teen drivers died in vehicle collisions and 3,293 others suffered injuries, according to statewide crash reports.

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These simple actions can help teen drivers – and drivers of any age – be safer on the roads:

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• Always wear a seat belt.

• Don’t speed or drive recklessly.

• Don’t drive distracted – put down the phone.

• Don’t drive impaired or let impaired people get behind the wheel.

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Teens preparing to apply for their instruction permit and the written test can study by reviewing the Arizona Driver License Manual and take practice tests on ADOT’s website before taking your instruction permit test online via Permit Test @ Home. 

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