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Mississippi Driving Test Cheat Sheet: Critical Numbers & Rules to Pass

The final moments before your Mississippi driving test are here. You've logged the practice hours and read the driver's manual, but now you need a quick-reference guide to refresh the most vital information. This is your ultimate "cheat sheet"—a focused review of the key numbers, maneuvers, and rules that your DPS examiner will be watching for.

Use this guide not to "cheat," but to sharpen your focus and boost your confidence. Memorizing these critical points will help ensure they are fresh in your mind when it counts the most.

Numbers You Absolutely Must Know

Your driving test isn't just about handling the car; it's about knowing and obeying the specific laws of the road. Examiners will be listening for and watching your adherence to these key numbers.

Speed Limits: The Golden Rules

Driving at a safe and legal speed is paramount. Unless otherwise posted, these are the standard speed limits in Mississippi:

  • Interstates: 70 mph (minimum 40 mph).
  • Four-Lane U.S. Highways: 65 mph (minimum 40 mph).
  • Two-Lane State & U.S. Highways: 55 mph.
  • School Buses: Maximum speed is 45 mph.
  • School Zones: The speed limit is typically 15 mph when children are present or lights are flashing. Always obey the posted signs.

Pro-Tip: Driving too slowly can be marked as an error just like speeding. It suggests a lack of confidence and can impede the flow of traffic. Aim to drive at the posted speed limit when conditions are safe to do so.

Critical Distances & Timing:

  • Signaling Your Turn: While the manual doesn't give a universal distance, a good rule of thumb is to signal at least 100 feet before your turn. One source suggests signaling for the last 200 feet. Consistency and early signaling are key.
  • Following Distance: Don't tailgate! The Mississippi driver's manual advises leaving at least one car length for every 10 mph of speed. In bad weather, double this distance.
  • Parking Parallel to a Curb: Your wheels must be no more than 12 inches from the right-hand curb.
  • Stopping for a School Bus: You must stop at least 20 feet away from a school bus that has its red lights flashing and stop arm extended.
  • Parking Near an Intersection: You cannot park within 30 feet of a controlled intersection.

Key Maneuvers: What the Examiner Is Watching For

The examiner will direct you through a series of maneuvers to assess your control of the vehicle and your awareness of your surroundings.

1. Pre-Drive Vehicle Check

The test starts before you even move. You must be able to identify and demonstrate the basic functions of your car's safety equipment. Be prepared to show the examiner:

  • Headlights (high and low beams)
  • Turn signals
  • Brake lights
  • Horn
  • Windshield wipers

2. Parallel Parking

This is a required maneuver in Mississippi and often the most feared. Follow a consistent method:

  • Signal: Indicate your intention to park.
  • Position: Pull up parallel to the car in front of the empty space, about 2-3 feet away.
  • Backing: Turn the wheel fully, then straighten, then turn back the other way as you enter the space. Look out the rear window, using mirrors as a supplement.
  • Finish: End up centered in the space, no more than 12 inches from the curb, without hitting it. You are typically allowed one pull-up to correct your position.

3. Backing Up (Straight Line Reversing)

You will be asked to back the car in a straight line for approximately 50 feet.

  • Look: Turn your head and look over your right shoulder through the rear window. Do not solely use the backup camera—it's a supplement, not a replacement for looking.
  • Control: Keep your speed slow and the vehicle straight.

4. Quick Stop

The examiner will instruct you to perform a quick, safe stop from about 20 mph to test your reaction time and vehicle control.

5. Observing Right-of-Way

This is about understanding who goes first.

  • Intersections: Yield to vehicles already in the intersection.
  • Pedestrians: Always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
  • Emergency Vehicles: Pull over to the right and stop for any emergency vehicle with sirens or flashing lights.

6. Turns and Lane Integrity

Smoothness and observation are everything.

  • Proper Lane: Turn into the correct lane. When turning left onto a multi-lane road, you should generally turn into the leftmost lane traveling in your direction.
  • Move Over: After completing a left turn, you must move to the right lane as soon as it is safe to do so. Slower traffic keeps right.
  • Signaling: Signal every turn and every lane change.

Automatic Fails: Mistakes That Will End Your Test Immediately

Certain errors are considered so dangerous that they will result in an automatic failure of your road test. Avoid these at all costs:

  • Causing an Accident: Any collision, no matter how minor.
  • Disobeying a Traffic Law: Running a stop sign or red light is a definite fail. If a traffic light turns yellow and you can safely stop, you must.
  • Speeding in a School or Work Zone: This is a zero-tolerance error.
  • Lack of Observation: Failing to shoulder check for blind spots or not scanning intersections will be heavily penalized.
  • Examiner Intervention: If the examiner has to grab the wheel or give a verbal warning to prevent a dangerous situation.
  • Failing to Yield: Not yielding the right-of-way, especially to a pedestrian or at a busy intersection.
  • Driving on the Curb: Striking or driving over the curb during a maneuver.

By keeping this cheat sheet in mind, you can approach your Mississippi driving test with confidence. Remember to stay calm, listen carefully to the examiner's instructions, and focus on demonstrating safe, responsible driving. You've prepared for this moment. Good luck!