Maneuverability

The maneuverability test is conducted in two steps. Each step is to be completed in one continuous motion. The examiner will instruct you to steer to the right or left of the point marker.

Step One

You must drive forward through a box (9' by 20') formed by 4 markers. Steer to the right or left of the "point" marker (20' ahead of box in center of course) as directed by the examiner. Steer to a straight ahead position and stop when the rear bumper of your car is even with the "point" marker and generally parallel with the course (See diagram above).

Step Two

From your stopped position at the end of Step One (you must be back past the "point" marker). Straighten your car and back through the box and come to a stop with your front bumper even with the two rear markers and generally parallel with the course. If you stop your vehicle because of striking a marker, you will have to go back to start and begin again (See diagram above).

Before the test is complete, your vehicle must be removed from the test area without running over a marker or committing any other dangerous action.

Scoring

Points are deducted for:

Stopping to check progress;

Bumping markers;

Misjudging stopping distance;

Not parallel with test area;

Immediate failure = running over or knocking down a marker or other dangerous action.

Passing Score

Applicant will have passed this portion of the examination provided he does not receive a minus score in excess of 25 points

Following are some suggestions:

Drive slowly (ride the brake if needed). You can travel as slowly as you wish as long as you do not stop within the course. (Stopping is only 2 points. You can get up to 25 points and still pass. “0” is a perfect score and 26 points fails.)

Use both hands going forward…. You can use one hand and “palm” the steering wheel while backing.You can look over your shoulder or use the mirrors while backing. (It’s best to be able to do both.)

Remember, you can only start over while backing and if you have not yet failed the test…. You must pull forward to the second stop to start over.

You can “over steer” and you can “under steer”. Most students tend to want to over steer. Remember to steer in the direction you want the back of the car to go….Remember that you always steer in the opposite direction of your last turn to straighten the wheels…. And how far you turn the steering wheel in one direction, you must turn it just as far in the opposite direction in order to straighten the wheels. (Remember what direction you last turned the steering wheel and how far!)

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