As the middle of March approaches, many Benilde-St. Margaret’s sophomores are newly licensed and starting to drive to school. While some are passing their drivers test, others have failed. Whether it’s not practicing enough, or they have a harsh instructor, there are a number of factors that add to the overall failing of the test.

Some sophomores practiced more than the required amount. They also did their research on the course and were still unsuccessful. “ [I practiced] a lot and I went out with my parents and practiced driving. [I also] watched the closed course video a couple times for the Eagan course,” sophomore Anna Brown said.

The mindset going into the test also played a factor. Even when students felt fairly confident in their driving, they didn’t pass. “I really wanted to pass so I was determined. I was also really nervous, I was confident but nervous,” sophomore Nelle Teitscheid said.

The instructors also have an effect on the outcome of the test. You can get a really good instructor, but you can also get one that tries to trick you. “The first [test] my instructor was very quiet and also mean to me, and he told me to do things that my behind the wheel instructors didn’t tell me to do and it was very confusing,” sophomore Ella Pasqua said.

Little mistakes can quickly add up and cause the sophomores to mess up and fail. Instructors can be very picky and take points off for small mistakes. “There were a lot of little points off because like my instructor was really harsh on my driving,” Brown said.

Minnesota requires that you have your permit for six months before you take your test. Most sophomores got their permit close to their 15th birthday. Even after practicing for over a year it doesn’t always help. “I had had [my permit] for like a year, probably a year and a couple months,” Pasqua said.

Weather conditions also play a part in taking the drivers test. Most DMV’s still have students take the test even in a snowstorm. It isn’t always helpful to be driving while there is a blizzard, but sometimes it works out to the students benefit because the instructors feel bad and are more lenient. “My first two [tests] no there weren’t any weather conditions, but the third one I passed in the snowstorm,” Pasqua said.