How to Get Your Learners Permit

My blog is titled, "Freshman Survival Guide," so chances are if you're a freshman, you'll be getting your permit soon like I just did. Oh the process is not so fun, but the driving part sure is and trust me, it will be worth it. I failed the test my first time but ended up getting it on my second try, I'm going to share with you the things that worked for me to help you get your permit.

Photo Courtesy of : http://www.carson.org/modules/showimage.aspx?imageid=4345

1) STUDY!

This tip is obvious, but it is the best advice I can give, just study. What worked best for me was not reading out of the dull and boring book, but online tests. In fact, my mom grabbed me the wrong book, the one that teaches you how to drive semi trucks so that wasn't too helpful. With only taking the online tests, I think I did pretty well.

2) Practice-

I drove a lot before I got my permit, but mainly on roads without many other cars. I think its important to practice a little so the day you get your permit, you won't be driving a car for your first time. Also, there were a few questions on the test I wouldn't know without previously driving.

3) Talk-

Having an older sister that's a senior and being best friends with a junior really helped me. My sister took the test 4 times so she knew what she was talking about and the questions that could be on the test. I highly suggest talking to someone who has their permit about what to expect and see their tips and tricks.

4) Don't get too confident-

Yes, confidence is key, but don't expect to know the questions on the test. There was a question asking about motorcycle insurance in other states, and I'm expecting not many people know that without learning it. The questions really do vary and you may get lucky. I also got a question that had a picture of a stop sign with the "Stop" blurred out. So some are incredibly easy and some are just random.

How to prevent failing more than once:

I assumed the test I was going to take the next day after not passing would be completely different, was so wrong. The test was almost identical. At the end of the test they show you the questions you got wrong, so got through them! It will help so much if your test was anything like mine because all you have to do is memorize a few answers.

Surviving Finals 101

I just finished all of my end of the quarter finals, and somehow I survived. With seven classes and five finals, this week has been insane.  On top of that, it was the last week of my high school volleyball, so add all of the studying and excitement together, and that creates one stressful week. There are a few tips that you should follow so you can ace your tests, and still get all of the beauty sleep you need. Sounds impossible right? It takes sacrifices like giving up Netflix for a while, but it's worth it.

Study Tips- After school, I don't suggest you immediately study, because I know I like a little break for about thirty minutes before going back to academics. For everyone currently involved in a after school sport or activity, it makes this a lot more difficult, but I start studying immediately after practice. I like to start by studying the class I already have the lowest grade in. Therefore if I am not able to study everything that night, at least I have a chance to raise my grade. Study each subject by reading the notes or a specific study guide. It also helps if you have a parent or older sibling to clarify and help explain to you what you are learning. What really helps me the most is quizlet. That is by far the most fun and efficient way to learn vocabulary and terms in my opinion. Everyone has their own ways of studying, but these things are just what help me the most.

GO TO SLEEP!- Even though you want to stay up all night studying, that will not help you on your test. First of all, it is very hard trying to remember the formula for slope-intercept form at 2 am when you are half asleep. Also, you are going to be exhausted during the test and that may contribute to lowering your score.  Basically, GO TO SLEEP EARY.

The Dreaded Morning- While I am doing my makeup or getting ready, I will usually end up studying at that time too because I am so nervous. It does keep all of the information fresh in your head if you have a test first period. For clothes, keep it comfy. Finals week is the one week when I wear sweats, leggings, Uggs or Jesus sandals literally everyday. I think it makes a pretty big difference when you can comfortably take a test. Last important thing to do in the morning is to eat a large and healthy breakfast so you can stay focused all day. Also, if you can study in an elective class that you may have like Sage and I did in journalism, trust me it will help you out a lot for your next class.

Finals week is so stressful and I hope these tips will ease the pain a little. If you have a way to study that's been working, stick with it, but hopefully some of these will help. Good luck on all of your tests!

Currently my desk.