Before You Start — The Pre-Drive Check
Most examiners size you up before the car ever moves. Scored on some states' road tests, not all.
Not every state publishes this as its own scored line item, but examiners commonly start here — knowing your controls before the car moves costs nothing and can only help.
Step by step
Adjust your seat, then both side mirrors and the rearview mirror, before you touch the ignition.
Fasten your seatbelt and confirm the examiner is buckled in too before you move.
Be ready to point out or use the parking brake, headlights, dimmer switch, wipers, defroster, and gear selector on request.
Check all three mirrors again immediately before shifting out of park.
The rules that decide the score
- What examiners commonly ask for (Important) — Alabama's published road-test guide lists locating the brake, parking brake, light switch, dimmer switch, wipers, ignition, and gear selector as part of the test.
- A defect can end the test before it starts (Critical) — Several states refuse to start the drive at all if the vehicle has unsafe tires, a defective parking brake, or a brake the examiner can't reach from the passenger seat.
More road test maneuvers
Frequently asked questions
Before You Start — is it on every state's road test?
No. Each state's licensing agency sets its own maneuver list. This one is used by some states and not others — check your own agency's page before test day. The road test guide lists the official sources this app checked.
How do I practice this before test day?
Drive the maneuver with your supervising driver, and keep the written rules behind it sharp with the free turns, parking and backing module — no account needed.
