Is parallel parking on the driving test?

Testing Information

Knowledge exams are given on a walk-in basis at every DDS Customer Service Center statewide. To ensure that an applicant has adequate time to complete the knowledge exam, customers must begin taking the written test at least 30 minutes prior to closing. Please check the hours of operation before you visit on our website at dds.georgia.gov.

We offer special assistance for customers with reading disabilities and hearing impairment. Please visit your local CSC to schedule an appointment for an oral exam or to schedule an interpreter for the hearing impaired.

The road rules tests are available in some non-English languages, but all drivers must show ability to read and understand simple English such as is used in highway traffic and directional signs. Road signs and the actual driving test are conducted in English only.

These basic rules must be followed while a knowledge exam is being given:

• You may not bring pens, pencils, paper, or any other items into the testing area;
• All cell phones, text messaging devices, and other types of wireless devices are prohibited in the testing area;
• You may not speak to anyone during the test other than the examiner administering the test.

Any violation of these rules is considered misconduct. If misconduct occurs during the administration of the knowledge exam, the exam session will be counted as a failure.

The questions on the knowledge exam pertain to topics discussed in this manual and consist of the following components:

Road Signs

A set of questions on the meaning of standard highway signs will be given. This test is given in English only. You will be asked to identify certain signs, signals and markers. You must correctly answer 15 out of 20 questions to pass. You may take a practice test at dds.georgia.gov.

Road Rules

The road rules test consists of a set of questions about driver responsibility, knowledge of laws, and safe driving practices applicable to the class of license for which you are applying. You must correctly answer 15 out of 20 questions to pass. You may take a practice test at dds.georgia.gov.

Road Test

Making Road Test Reservations

The Road Skills Test is administered by appointment only. Appointments allow us to maximize our resources and to serve all of our customers more efficiently. When all testing slots have not been reserved, an appointment may be available for same day service. To make an appointment, please visit DDS Online Services at dds.georgia.gov.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Drivers may perform the skills test in vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance technology. However, the applicant must demonstrate their ability to operate the vehicle without such technology.

Road Test For Class C or D

• DDS will only administer a Class C or D
  road test in a four-wheel vehicle;
• You must provide the vehicle for the road test;
• All road test vehicles must have a valid registration/license plate, or if equipped with a temporary dealership tag, the applicant must provide the bill of sale for proof of purchase within the last 30 days (7 days if the vehicle is purchased from a third party);
• All road test vehicles must be covered by liability insurance (you must show a valid insurance card or Motor Vehicle registration card that shows the VIN) and pass a safety inspection;
• If the vehicle is not equipped with illuminated turn signals, you must be able to pass the road test using hand signals;
• You may take the test in a rental vehicle. Please be advised that many rental agreements do not allow vehicle use for driver training or testing. Additionally, you must meet the following conditions:
  • You must provide a copy of the rental contract (the contract will be reviewed to determine if testing is allowed);
  • You must be listed as a driver on the rental contract;
  • You must provide proof of valid insurance for the vehicle.

  The driving test will not be conducted if weather conditions or any other conditions are determined to be unsafe for the driver or examiner. DDS will make every effort to ensure that impacted customers are rescheduled as soon as possible.

  For the driving test you will be expected to demonstrate your ability to do all of the following:

  • Parallel Parking: Park midway between two standards so that your car is not more than 18 inches from the curb. The standard parallel parking dimensions utilized in the driver’s license test are 22 feet in length by 10 feet in depth;
  • Straight Line Backing: Back your car for a distance of approximately 50 feet at a slow rate of speed (not more than 10 miles per hour) as straight and as smoothly as possible. You must turn your head and look behind the vehicle while backing. No boundary lines should be encroached;
  • Stop for Signs or Traffic Signals: Give the proper hand or brake signal; approach in the proper lane; stop before reaching a pedestrian crosswalk and remain stopped until all pedestrians have cleared the crosswalk on the side of the roadway upon which you are traveling; move through the intersection only when you may do so safely;
  • Turn About: Turn your car in a narrow space using a three-point turn;
  • Use of Clutch: If your car has a manual transmission, you must shift smoothly and correctly;
  • Approaching Intersections and Corners: You must be in the proper lane and look in both directions;
  • Yielding Right-of-Way: Always yield right-of-way to pedestrians, vehicle operators, and bicyclists who move into the intersection before you by stopping and remaining stopped until they have cleared the intersection;
  • Turning: Move into the proper lane and signal an adequate distance before the turn;
  • Passing: Always check in front of and behind your vehicle to make sure you can safely pass without interfering with other traffic;
  • Following: Do not follow other cars too closely. Follow at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you in order to maintain control of the vehicle in case of any emergency situation or abrupt stops or turns;
  • Maintaining Good Posture: Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Do not rest your elbow on the window and do not attempt to carry on a conversation with the examiner because he/she will be busy giving instructions and recording your score.

  At the end of the Class C/D road test, the license examiner will gladly show you your score sheet and will provide you an opportunity to discuss the results if you wish to do so. You must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass.

  Road Test For Class M

  You must furnish a motorcycle for the test and pass a safety inspection of the motorcycle by the license examiner before the driving test is given. All road test vehicles must have a valid registration/license plate or if equipped with a temporary dealership tag, the applicant must provide the bill of sale for proof of purchase within the last 30 days.

  Motorcycle operator testing information is covered in the Motorcycle Operators Manual, which is available at all DDS Customer Service Centers and online at dds.georgia.gov. For more information, you may contact the Motorcycle Safety Program at (678) 413-8400 in the metro Atlanta area.

  If you hold a motorcycle permit, you may schedule a motorcycle skills test appointment by calling (678) 413-8400.

  Motorcycle road tests cannot be conducted when the weather conditions make it unsafe for the driver or examiner, including when it is raining or when the pavement is damp.

  Road Test For Class E and F Non-Commercial

  There is no driving test for Classes E & F Non-Commercial; however, you must present an Application for Issuance of Non-Commercial E/F License (DS-36), establishing your ability to operate vehicles within the particular class, and pass a knowledge test for that particular class. You must also possess or be eligible to obtain a Class C Driver’s License. Class E & F licenses are available to volunteer firefighters at no charge.

  Customers who wish to take the non commercial Class E/F exam should study the Commercial Drivers Manual. The Commercial Drivers Manual can be located online at dds.georgia.gov or customers can obtain a hard copy at any DDS Customer Service Center.

  Road Test For Class A, B, and C Commercial

  Commercial vehicle operator’s testing information is covered in the Georgia Commercial Drivers Manual, which is available at all DDS Customer Service Centers and online at dds.georgia.gov. You may schedule a Commercial skills test appointment by calling (678) 413-8400.

  Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §40-5-25 and DDS Rule 1-1-.09(7), the $50.00 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Road Skills Test fee is now required for each testing attempt.

  Results of Pass/Fail

  If you pass all the tests, you will be issued a temporary license/permit. Your permanent license/permit will be mailed to you when all other requirements are met. If for any reason you do not receive your driver’s license/permit within 30 days of meeting all requirements, contact DDS at (678) 413-8400 or visit your local DDS Customer Service Center.

  If you fail any part of the knowledge or road test, and it is your:

  • 1st Failure: You must wait until the next day before retaking the portion you have failed.
  • 2nd or Subsequent Failure: You must wait 7 days before retaking the portion you have failed.

  How to Master Parallel Parking in 8 Simple Steps

  If parallel parking feels like a dragon that’s just too big to slay, you’re not alone. Many drivers struggle with this skill, which combines spatial visualization, reverse steering, and strong nerves — often in heavy traffic. Whether you’re a student preparing for your first road test or a seasoned driver relocating to an urban area, knowing how to parallel park will make your life a whole lot easier. The good news is that, with practice, you can master on-street parking. Here’s how.

  Parallel Parking Dimensions

  On some streets, parallel parking spaces are marked with painted lines. If you have an area like this near you, it’s a great place to practice, since these spots are usually quite spacious. You’ll get plenty of room to maneuver without worrying about bumping into the cars around you.

  «Official» parallel parking dimensions vary from state to state, and sometimes even city to city. Most parallel parking spaces will have a standard length of 22 feet to 26 feet and a width of 8 feet. Spaces designated for compact cars will have smaller dimensions, such as 20 feet long and 7 feet wide.

  To get a feel for how big that is, it helps for you to measure your car and then measure out a standard space. You can do this in your driveway to help visualize. Once you get this general size in your mind, it will be easier to pick out a good parallel parking space «in the wild» — that is, on streets where spaces aren’t marked with painted lines.

  Step-by-Step Guide to Parallel Parking

  

  While there’s no substitute for hands-on practice, understanding the mechanics of parallel parking is key. We break down the process into steps so you know just what to do when you hit the road to practice your parallel parking skills.

  • Step 1: Choose your space. Make sure it’s one that’s big enough for your car, with room to spare in front and behind. Keep in mind your mental image of 26 feet to help you decide.
  • Step 2: Pull up to the space. Position your car so that it’s beside the car in front of the empty parking space. Your front bumpers should line up. There should be about two feet between your vehicle and the parked car.
  • Step 3: Signal your intentions. Put on your right turn signal to let other drivers and cyclists know you’re going to parallel park. This will warn people not to come too close behind you.
  • Step 4: Check your mirrors. Make sure no one — pedestrian, cyclist, or vehicle — is coming up behind you. If they do, you may have to wait until they pass you to continue, if they haven’t left you enough room to back up. You may also need to adjust your passenger side mirror downward to see the curb.
  • Step 5: Back into the space. Shift the car into reverse. Before you take your foot off the brake, turn the wheel most or all the way to the right so the vehicle goes into the spot at a 45-degree angle. Look over your right shoulder to see what’s behind you and ease backward. Keep going until the back driver’s side corner of the car is lined up with the driver’s side front bumper of the vehicle behind the parking spot. If your back wheels hit the curb, you’ve gone too far.
  • Step 6: Straighten it out. Straighten the wheels by turning the steering wheel to the left. Slowly back up as you straighten the wheels, which will help you pivot the vehicle into the space (instead of hitting the curb). If needed, pull forward to straighten the vehicle in the parking spot. You may need to back up a little again if you’re too far forward in the spot.
  • Step 8: Put it in park. Once your car is centered in the space and is 6 to 12 inches from the curb, put the vehicle in park. If you’re parked on a hill, make sure to angle your wheels toward the curb before you engage the parking brake.

  Note that these instructions assume that you will be parking on the right side of the road. If you’re driving on a one-way street, it may be possible to parallel park on the left side, in which case you’ll need to mentally revise the steps to face left instead of right.

  Get More Help With Parallel Parking

  Though several states have eliminated the parallel parking requirement on road tests, learning this skill ensures that you are ready to drive — and park! — anywhere you want to go. For more help preparing for your driver’s test, check out the convenient online courses at DriversEd.com.

  The Texas Driver’s License Driving Test Guide

  

  

  Once you have passed your Texas driver’s license written exam, it’s time to move on to the actual driving test so that you may finally obtain your driver’s license. This guide is intended to help you prepare for the Texas driver’s license driving exam and help you to know what to expect. While the failure rate is fairly high and the Texas driving test is not the easiest exam in the world to pass, being prepared will vastly increase your chances of success.

  Check Out The Top-Rated Online Texas Drivers Ed Course Here!

  First Of All – RELAX!

  As a certified driving instructor I know first-hand that the number one reason most new drivers fail their driving exam is simply due to them being nervous. When you are nervous, it causes your critical thinking skills, reaction time, and motor skills to become less effective. These, of course, are all the skills necessary for you to pass your driving exam in Texas.

  As a new driver, one of the first things that you will need to learn is how to control your emotions behind the wheel. There will be times when you will have to drive in poor weather conditions and other situations where you will be very nervous. You will also need to deal with aggressive drivers and other unforeseen situations that will cause your emotions to rise. Even if you are nervous, being able to control your nerves and still pass your driving exam is a huge step to becoming a very safe driver.

  You also need to understand that the examiner does not want you to fail. Whether your examiner is a nice talkative person or very quiet and reserved, the ultimate goal is almost always the same – they want to see you pass. So don’t think that the examiner is there to “get you” or is out to try and make you fail.

  However, they also have a job to do and they are the first line of defense for keeping both yourself and our shared roadways safe. If you do happen to fail your Texas drivers license driving exam, just calm down and relax, because it is not the end of the world. Everyone is excited to get their drivers license but you will be able to take the test again after a little bit of practice. You’ve waited this long, what’s a few more weeks?

  Practice Ahead Of Time

  While it seems obvious, you need to practice ahead of time. It is shocking how many potential drivers show up for their driving exam and they clearly have not practiced any of the maneuvers they will need to perform in order to obtain their drivers license. You can just drive around for hours on end without practicing the maneuvers that you will have to show your examiner. So, let’s go over some of the things that you can expect during your driving test in Texas so that you can be as prepared as possible.

  Test #1: Vehicle Inspection & Paperwork

  When you first to go out to your vehicle with the driving test examiner you will need to perform a very brief safety check and also show that you have the required paperwork to operate the vehicle. Here are some of the things that you should show the examiner before you actually begin driving…

  Inspection & Registration – Every vehicle in the state of Texas must be registered. You will need to show your examiner the vehicle registration, inspection, and an updated sticker on the license plate. Without this paperwork, the exam will be terminated until you are able to show the legal paperwork which you are required to have with you at all times while driving your motor vehicle on public roadways.

  Current Insurance Card – You will also need to show an updated and current auto insurance card to the examiner. All vehicles driving on public roadways in the state of Texas must be insured. If you have any questions about how to properly insure your vehicle contact your parent’s auto insurance agent to find out how to make sure you are properly insured for the vehicle you will be driving during the exam.

  Turn Signal / Light Checks – The examiner will likely have you perform a basic check of the left and right turn signals. Nearly all driving exams are performed during daylight hours, however, there are some conditions which may require you to use your headlights which will also need to be checked. And finally, you will need to depress the brakes so that you can ensure that the rear brake lamps are working.

  Horn Test – All motor vehicles in the state of Texas need to have a working horn. Before beginning your exam you will need to make sure that the horn is properly functioning.

  Before scheduling a time to take your driving exam it is crucial that you perform all of these checks before you show up in order to avoid failure before you can even begin your driving exam.

  Test #2 – Parallel Parking

  In almost all cases your driving exam will begin in the parking lot of the testing facility. There will likely be a section of the parking lot that is used exclusively for testing your ability to parallel park. One of the reasons they perform this test first is because it is the test that is most frequently failed. Make sure you do a lot of testing on your own and learn how to parallel park efficiently on both the left and right sides before you show up for your driving exam.

  Video Of The Actual Texas Parallel Parking Test