Nevada DMV road test: what to expect

What the examiner checks

• preparing to drive
• vehicle control
• entering traffic
• lane use
• speed control
• turns
• parking
• backing up
• stopping (possibly on a grade)
• passing
• attention to traffic situations

How it's scored

Graded on driving performance; feedback given if you fail. You may need to wait up to 30 days to retest.

Mistakes that end the test

• Serious violations such as speeding or failure to yield
• Using a cell phone during the drive test
• Violating traffic laws

Your car

• Registration and plates
• Evidence of insurance card
• Headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals
• Horn
• Seat belts
• Tires
• Windshield wipers
• Brakes, speedometer, muffler in working order
• Clean seat for the examiner
• No passengers or animals; parking assist, cruise control and similar features may not be used

After you pass

Drivers under 18 get a provisional or junior license first. Its restrictions:

• Licensed at 16 or 17: no passengers under 18 except immediate family for the first 6 months
• Curfew: no driving 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until age 18 unless driving to or from a scheduled event such as school or work
• Under-21 BAC limit .02; 185-day revocation at .02-.08
• A minor's license can be suspended for alcohol or drug offenses (even not while driving), firearms violations, graffiti, habitual truancy, or speed contests and trick driving
• Minor licenses are printed vertically with the 18th birthday in red

How to prepare

• Practise in the car you'll take the test in, including parking and backing up.
• Drive the kinds of roads near the test site with your supervising driver: intersections, lane changes, school zones.
• Check the car the day before: lights, signals, horn, brakes, mirrors, tires, seat belts, and current registration and insurance documents.
• On the day, signal every turn and lane change, check mirrors and blind spots visibly, and come to full stops behind the line.