How to Pass Your Mississippi Road Test: A Complete Guide

If you’re like many new drivers, the road test is what separates you from full driving freedom across the state. In Mississippi, new drivers are eligible for a license as soon as they turn 16 and 6 months. All applicants must pass the road test in order to be granted their driving credentials.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about passing your Mississippi road test with flying colors.

Preparing for the Mississippi Road Test

You will not be allowed to walk in without an appointment. To apply for the road test, we recommend first scheduling an appointment online with the MS Department of Public Safety. Navigating the official portal is quite simple and will take you directly to a calendar with all available dates for the road exam. Be sure to plan at least a month or two in advance, as these appointments are notorious for filling up quickly. On the day of your exam, you’ll be asked to bring proof of: identity, social security, address and a signed birth certificate.

Requirements Under 18

Teenagers in Mississippi have a few more hoops to jump before they are allowed to take their driving skills test. In addition to the above documents, applicants 17 and over will be required to present an education attendance form obtained from their school. If you’re 16 years old taking the exam, a parent or legal guardian is required to accompany you. They will also sign off on your application before it is submitted to the DPS.

Vehicle Requirements for the Driving Test

When taking the driving test you’ll be required to bring your own vehicle. This vehicle must be in accordance with the state’s requirements regarding road legal cars. If there are malfunctioning parts on your vehicle, you may be asked to reschedule once you address these issues. Before heading in for your exam, be sure to check the following to ensure it is fully functioning:

• Functioning brake lights
• Functioning headlights
• Working windshield wipers
• Operable horn
• Good tires
• Working parking brake
• Muffler and tight exhaust system
• License plate and license plate light
• Working mirrors

What’s Tested on the Road Test in Mississippi?

Like all tests, there are certain criteria that comes with taking and passing the driving test. Your test examiner will ask you to perform certain driving maneuvers and you will be expected to complete it successfully. If you cannot, points will be docked from your scoresheet. Here is a list of some of the maneuvers you will be tested on during the exam:

1 – Signals

Signalling is one of the most important parts of driving. When changing lanes, your examiner will be checking to make sure you’re using your lights to indicate whether you’re going right or left. This maneuver keeps you and drivers around you safe.

2 – Turning Around or U-Turn

U-Turns are also an important part of driving. Oftentimes, you’ll need to turn around and travel in the opposite direction. To do so, you’ll need to start on the left side of the road. When you see a turn lane, instead of turning left onto the adjacent street, pull your steering wheel 360 degrees in order to stay on the same street going in the opposite direction. Because this maneuver may be part of the exam, you’ll want to be sure you’re very familiar with it.

3 – Following Vehicles

It is always important to keep a safe following distance when travelling behind other cars. Mississippi driving authorities recommend that drivers keep at least one car length between them for every ten miles per hour of speed. If there is a truck or bus ahead, be sure to increase this distance. This gives you enough time to react to sudden driving movements and avoid accidents.

4 – Parking

Towards the end of the exam, your examiner will likely ask you to park your car. You will be asked to park in a designated space as straight as possible. Do not get out of your car on the street until your car is fully parked and turned off. Improper parking could lead to an accident, and even loss of life.

After the Mississippi Driving Test

After the road exam, you will be notified on whether you have passed or failed. If you’ve passed, congratulations! You’ll be led back into the department to gain your temporary license. Your permanent license will be mailed to you in a few weeks.

What if You Fail?

If you’ve failed, don’t worry. Most people pass with flying colors on their second try. In Mississippi, you can take the driving test as early as the next business day after the first fail. If you fail 3 times, you will have to wait 30 days.

That’s It!

That’s everything you need to know about passing the Mississippi driving test. We hope this guide has helped you out and that you now feel comfortable with the steps moving forward. If you need any help studying for your upcoming exams, then Zutobi is the perfect study resource with a summarized handbook, practice tests, practical driving tips, and a gamified experience.