Preparing for the New Jersey Road Test can feel intimidating, especially for new drivers who want to pass on their first attempt. The good news? Most students fail not because they are “bad drivers,” but because they make avoidable mistakes due to nerves, rushing, or lack of proper practice.

At Technical Driving School, with 27+ years of experience, 10+ certified instructors, and 684+ reviews with a 4.9-star rating, we’ve helped thousands of students pass their NJ road test confidently. Over time, we’ve noticed common patterns that lead to test failure—and we’re here to help you avoid every single one.

This complete guide covers the top mistakes students make during the NJ road test and offers expert advice on how to pass with confidence.

🚗 1. Not Checking Mirrors Enough

New drivers often forget to check their:

• Rearview mirror

• Side mirrors

• Blind spots

during crucial moments such as:

• Lane changes

• Merging

• Turning

• Backing up

✔️ How to avoid this mistake

• Check mirrors every 5–8 seconds while driving

• Always glance over your shoulder when changing lanes

• Make your mirror checks noticeable but not exaggerated

This shows the examiner you’re aware of your surroundings.

❌ 2. Rolling Through Stop Signs

A rolling stop happens when the car slows down but never fully stops. Examiners fail many students for this.

✔️ How to avoid

• Stop completely—count “one, two” after stopping

• Check your surroundings before moving

• Avoid stopping too far from the stop line

A full stop is non-negotiable on the test.

🚦 3. Improper Lane Changes

Incorrect lane changes are a major reason students fail. These include:

• Forgetting to signal

• Not checking blind spots

• Drifting into the next lane

• Changing lanes at the wrong time

✔️ How to avoid

Follow the SMOG technique:

1. Signal

2. Mirrors

3. Over-the-shoulder check

4. Go when safe

Practice this until it becomes automatic.

🛑 4. Hard or Sudden Braking

Slamming the brakes—even once—can cause an automatic fail. It shows a lack of control or late reactions.

✔️ How to avoid

• Keep a safe following distance

• Anticipate stops early

• Use “smooth braking”: apply pressure gently, then release gradually

Controlled braking shows confidence and skill.

↩️ 5. Poor Turning Techniques

Turning mistakes are extremely common and include:

• Taking turns too wide

• Cutting into another lane

• Turning too fast

• Not staying within the lines

✔️ How to avoid

• Slow down before turning

• Turn the wheel gradually

• Maintain your lane throughout the turn

• Practice right and left turns in quiet neighborhoods

Good turning is a major scoring section on the NJ test.

🅿️ 6. Struggling with Parallel Parking

Parallel parking is one of the most feared parts of the NJ road test. Mistakes include:

• Hitting the curb

• Going too far from the curb

• Not being aligned properly

• Needing too many adjustments

✔️ How to avoid

• Practice the same method repeatedly

• Use reference points your instructor teaches

• Keep calm and focus on alignment

• Avoid rushing—slow and steady wins

At Technical Driving School, we teach easy step-by-step techniques that simplify parallel parking for beginners.

🎛️ 7. Driving Too Slowly

Many nervous students think driving slow equals driving safe. But going too slowly is actually dangerous and can cause a fail.

✔️ How to avoid

• Follow the speed limit

• Don’t block traffic

• Maintain a smooth, steady pace

Aim for 3–5 mph below the speed limit if you’re unsure.

⚠️ 8. Not Understanding Right-of-Way

Confusion about who goes first at:

• Four-way stops

• Uncontrolled intersections

• Roundabouts

• Yield signs

is a common reason for test failure.

✔️ How to avoid

• Practice different right-of-way scenarios

• Remember: when in doubt, wait

• Never assume other drivers will stop

Right-of-way knowledge shows the examiner you’re safe and responsible.

🔄 9. Forgetting to Signal

Some students forget to signal when:

• Turning

• Changing lanes

• Pulling over

• Leaving a parking spot

This is a major safety violation.

✔️ How to avoid

• Make signaling a habit

• Signal 3 seconds before any maneuver

• Practice signaling in every lesson

Your examiner must see clear, timely communication.

👀 10. Poor Observation & Situational Awareness

Examiners want to see that you’re always aware of:

• Pedestrians

• Cyclists

• Other cars

• Crosswalks

• Road signs

✔️ How to avoid

• Scan ahead constantly

• Look left-right-left at intersections

• Watch for unexpected obstacles

• Always read signs

Observation is one of the highest-scoring categories on the NJ test.

🚫 11. Panicking Under Pressure

Nerves can cause:

• Stiff steering

• Sudden braking

• Overthinking

• Forgetting basic steps

✔️ How to avoid

• Take the test in a familiar car

• Practice the testing route

• Breathe deeply before and during the test

• Remind yourself: you’re ready

Confidence is a major part of passing.

🏫 How Technical Driving School Helps You Avoid These Mistakes

We specialize in preparing our students to pass the NJ road test on the first attempt.

Here’s what sets us apart:

⭐ 684+ reviews, 4.9-star Google rating

Families trust us for a reason.

🚗 27+ years in business

We know exactly what NJ examiners look for.

👨‍🏫 10+ patient, certified instructors

Experts in parallel parking, defensive driving, and test preparation.

🅿️ Hands-on parallel parking mastery

We teach simple, repeatable methods that work every time.

🛣️ Road test–focused lessons

We cover all test scenarios in detail:

• Lane changes

• Right-of-way

• Smooth braking

• Turns

• Observation techniques

📍 Pick-up and drop-off available

Convenient for busy students and parents.

🏆Passing the NJ Road Test Is Completely Doable

Most students fail due to small, preventable mistakes, not lack of skill. With practice, patience, and the right instruction, you can avoid these common errors and pass your NJ road test with confidence.