Test Taking Tips: How to Pass Your Permit Test the First Time

It's time to hit the road! Well, almost. Driving is a huge responsibility that can't be taken lightly. It's not as easy as just hitting the start button and driving away—there are a lot of moving parts to consider before you're ready to drive. That's why Florida requires teens to pass the Class E Knowledge Exam (i.e., the permit test) before they can obtain a Florida learner's license.

The permit test consists of 50 multiple choice questions focused on traffic signs and traffic laws. That may sound intimidating, but don't worry—we're here to help!

How to Study

Everyone learns differently. Some people prefer visual learning, while others learn best by listening and talking through the content out loud. Reading and writing is another way some people like to learn, and many prefer a combination of these learning styles.

Knowing your learning style preferences is going to be a big help when it comes to studying for your permit test. Here are a few tips for the best way to study based on your preferred learning style:

• Reading/writing learners thrive on taking notes and reading through written material. As a reading/writing learner, the Florida Driver's Handbook will be your best friend! Spend time going through each section of the handbook and take notes as you go along.
• Auditory learners can spend hours silently reading and still struggle when it's test time. One tip for auditory learners is to read the material out loud. You may feel silly at first, but reading out loud is proven to improve your memory of the material. We're not saying you need to put on a full oral presentation (unless that's what works for you, in which case, have at it!)—simply saying the words quietly to yourself can be a huge help for all learners.
• Visual learners thrive when charts, graphs, and illustrations accompany the material. The driver handbook is an excellent resource for these learners as it includes lots of visual content. Our study games and "cheat sheet" are great for visual learners! The more connections you can make between visual and written material, the better. Take notes as you go—the handbook is available for free in eBook format, so note-taking will be a breeze!

Make the most of your study time by using the style that works best for you!

What to Prioritize

The permit test isn't really something you should be "cramming" for the night before. The content is too important to gloss over, and simply memorizing the material and promptly forgetting it after passing the test isn't going to help you drive safely.

Instead of trying to read the driver handbook cover to cover, focus on specific areas you need extra help with. How will you know what to focus on? As you play our study games and complete the practice exam, make note of any areas you're struggling with. Maybe you're a pro at road signs, but you're still having a hard time remembering speed limits. That's okay! Now you know to spend less time reviewing traffic signs and more time on speed limit laws.

How to Combat Test Anxiety

Obtaining your driver's license is a little different from the math and science tests you're probably used to. Afte rall, a calculator isn't considered heavy machinery! Passing your permit test is only the start of your driving career—after passing the permit test, you'll be able to get behind the wheel for even more learning! In fact, driving is a lifelong learning process. There will always be more to learn as you go along.

It's normal to feel nervous or stressed before an important test. A few nerves shouldn't stop you from taking your test when you've studied hard, but sometimes it's more than the average stress.

You could be an expert on the test material (which we know you can be after studying with us!) and still experience test anxiety. When left unmanaged, test anxiety can cause you to experience symptoms that make it almost impossible to do well on your test. That could include up and down emotions, physical discomfort such as a headache or stomachache, sweaty palms, and shakiness.

If you're experiencing heightened anxiety, it's important to tell a trusted adult how you're feeling if you haven't already. Lots of people need additional help to manage their anxiety, and there's nothing wrong with that!

Here are some strategies you can practice on your own to help calm your anxiety on the day of your permit test.

1. Know the material. Complete our practice tests and play our study games. The permit test will be over before you know it!

2. Try using the 3-3-3 rule. This strategy takes you out of your own head and helps center your mind and body so you can get back to your test feeling a bit more present. The 3-3-3 rule, of course, works in groups of three!

First, notice three things you can see around you. Maybe it's the computer screen, a poster on the wall, and a tree outside the window. Take mental notes about each object in as much detail as possible. What's the color, shape, and size?

Next, you'll try to notice three sounds. Can you hear the clicking of keyboards around you, or the conversations people are having nearby? Listen carefully and think about the details—what does the sound remind you of? How often can you hear this sound?

The third thing is touch. Move three parts of your body one at a time. You could try wiggling your fingers, stretching your arms, or adjusting your posture—anything to get you moving a little.

After completing each step, turn back to your test and give it another try.

3. Focus on your breathing. You'll be amazed at how much better you feel after a few deep breaths. A simple breathing exercise you can use during your test is "hand breathing." The great thing about this exercise is that it's effective, but not disruptive. You can even practice it in a crowded room without drawing attention or distracting others.

To do this, simply spread out your fingers on one hand. You can place your hand on the table in front of you, or just hold it close to your chest. Place your pointer finger at the bottom of your palm using the opposite hand. Slowly begin to trace the outline of your hand using your pointer finger. Take a deep breath in as you slide your pointer finger up your thumb, and a deep breath out as you slide back down. Moving on to the next finger, follow this pattern as many times as needed until you feel regulated and ready to get back to your test.

Give these strategies a try when you're feeling anxious about your permit test. We believe in you!

The Night Before the Test

It's the night before your permit test. What are you doing? Hopefully these things:

1. Review the material one last time. By now, you should be an expert on traffic laws and signs. The night before the test isn't the time to open your study materials for the first time. Spend an hour or so going back through your notes, reviewing flash cards, and anything else you find helpful.
2. Don't spend all night studying! Give yourself some time to unwind and relax the night before your test.
3. Get plenty of rest. No one's at their best when they're sleep-deprived!

Set yourself up for success by keeping the night before your test relaxing.

During the Test

Get as comfy as you can during your test. Stay hydrated! Eating a small snack like a granola bar or fruit can help you focus during the test, but avoid caffeine and too much sugar.

The permit test is multiple choice. If you're stuck on a question, try:

1. Eliminating choices that are obviously incorrect. For example, if you need to identify a sign you're not sure about, take note of the color. If the sign is yellow and one of the options is a stop sign, you can take that one out of the running.
2. Take your time, but don't linger on one question for too long. If you've gone through every possible answer and you're still not sure of the answer, give it your best guess and move on. You need to answer 40 of the 50 questions correctly in order to pass, so there's a little bit of wiggle room if you're completely stuck.

Use your environment to your advantage. There are endless choices of study playlists available to help you focus. Eliminate distractions and make sure you're somewhere comfortable and quiet.

After the Test

You did it—it's time to celebrate!