Top 10 Mistakes Students Make During Their NJ Road Test (and How to Avoid Them)

Taking your road test in New Jersey can feel stressful—but most students don’t fail because they’re “bad drivers.” They fail because of small mistakes that can easily be avoided with practice and preparation. At Vista Driving School, we know exactly what examiners are looking for at locations like Delanco NJMVC and Bakers Basin NJMVC in Lawrenceville, and we help our students get it right the first time.

Here are the top 10 mistakes students make during the NJ road test—and how you can avoid them.

1. Not Coming to a Full Stop at Stop Signs

Rolling stops (a “California stop”) are one of the biggest reasons students fail. Make sure your wheels stop completely, check for traffic, and proceed when safe.

2. Forgetting to Use Turn Signals

Examiners watch for signals at every turn, lane change, and pull-over. Always signal at least 100 feet before turning.

3. Poor Parallel Parking

Parallel parking is a required skill on the test. Students often rush or oversteer. Practice step-by-step until it feels smooth and natural.

4. Improper K-Turns (Three-Point Turns)

K-turns must be clean, controlled, and within the lane. Many students hit the curb or take too many steps.

5. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly

Nervous students sometimes drive well under the speed limit. Others forget to check posted limits. Drive confidently but safely—within 5 mph of the limit.

6. Not Checking Blind Spots

Examiners want to see you look over your shoulder when changing lanes or pulling out. Relying only on mirrors will cost you points.

7. Sitting Improperly in the Seat

If you sit too far forward or back, you can’t control the car properly. Adjust your seat so you can see clearly over the dashboard and have full control of the pedals.

8. Stopping Too Hard or Too Soft

Sudden braking shows a lack of control. Smooth, gradual braking is key.

9. Not Yielding to the Right of Way

Whether at stop signs, crosswalks, or while merging, students often forget who has the right of way. Examiners expect you to yield when required.

10. Nerves Taking Over

Forgetting simple steps—like turning on headlights in the rain—often happens because of stress. Practice in advance, stay calm, and treat the test like a regular drive with an instructor.

✅ Pro Tip: At Vista Driving School, we give our students practice routes so you’re ready for the exact conditions you’ll face at your road test.