Let’s start with the obvious offenders: air fresheners dangling from the rearview mirror. Yes, even that “New Car Scent” tree has got to go. The examiner sees it as a swinging blind spot—and you’re not auditioning for a car wash commercial.
Next up: phone mounts. I know, I know—you need it for GPS. But during the test, your phone must be completely out of sight. Tuck it into the glove box, where it can’t tempt you with notifications. Out of sight, out of mind… and out of test-failing territory.
Also, kiss those fuzzy dice goodbye. Or those little hula dancers. Or that mini Yoda figurine you glued to the dashboard. The rule is simple: if it hangs, sticks, or dangles within your field of vision, it’s illegal during the exam.
The Hidden Culprits You Didn’t Think Of
Now, let’s talk about the sneaky stuff. Your sun visor, for example. Did you prop it down to block the sun? Fine. But did you leave a pair of sunglasses clipped to it? The examiner will ask you to remove them. Why? Because that tiny clip could drop into your eyes during a sudden brake. It’s a glare assassinator waiting to happen.
What about the cargo in your back seat? A gym bag, a stack of textbooks, or your dog’s favorite chew toy? All of it needs to be secured or moved. Loose items can roll under the pedals or slide into your peripheral vision. One test-taker famously failed because a banana rolled from the passenger seat and lodged under the brake pedal. True story. (Probably.)
The evolution of the driver’s view - YouTube
Don’t forget the floor mats. If they’re aftermarket, thick, or even slightly wrinkled, an examiner might ask you to remove them. They’re afraid of them bunching up under the pedals. So, yank them out and toss them in the trunk. Your car will look sad and naked, but your test will be safer.
The “Just In Case” Clean-Up
This is where we get a little obsessive. Your dashboard should be as empty as a monk’s meditation room. No coins, no receipts, no empty coffee cups. That old reusable water bottle? Into the trunk it goes. The examiners have eagle eyes—they’ll spot a single receipt crumb like a hawk spotting a mouse.
Also, check your glove box. If it’s stuffed with napkins, old insurance cards, and a single stale granola bar, close it carefully. The examiner might ask you to open it during the test to access documents. You don’t want a avalanche of junk tumbling out while you’re trying to merge onto the highway. That’s a distraction you do not need.
And here’s a pro tip: remove your sunglasses completely—even the pair you’re not wearing. If they’re sitting on the passenger seat, the examiner might see them as “movable objects that could distract you.” Yes, it’s that nitpicky. But you are stronger than a pair of Ray-Bans.
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Why Do They Do This to Us?
It’s not because they’re cruel. (Okay, maybe a little.) The real reason is safety. Anything that could block your view, roll under a pedal, or catch your eye is a hazard. The test is designed to mimic real-world driving—and in the real world, you don’t want a flying water bottle during a sharp turn.
Plus, think of it as a mini-spring cleaning. You’ll drive away from the test with a spotless car and a shiny new license. Or, you’ll drive away with a clean car and a failure—but at least your car will smell like lemons.
