The day of passing the practical exam at the traffic police is always stress mixed with hope. Driver candidates spend years honing their skills in parking and driving uphill, but at the decisive moment they often rely not only on knowledge of traffic rules, but also on mystical powers. Superstitions permeate car culture, and test day is no exception.
Psychologists say that rituals help reduce anxiety levels by allowing the brain to switch from panic to habitual actions. However, we should not forget that none sign for driving test will not replace confident steering skills and sound judgment. However, you shouldn’t ignore the centuries-old experience of previous generations of drivers either, because many of them worked for decades.
In this article we will look at which actions can really harm your mood, and which are simply a tribute to tradition. You will learn why you can’t say hello through glass and what to do if you meet a black cat on the way. The main thing is to remain calm and remember that the inspector is assessing your safety, not your knowledge of folklore.
Psychological preparation and adjustment before going out
The morning of the exam sets the tone for the entire day. Many drivers believe that you need to stand with your “left” foot, although this is more a matter of personal comfort. It is much more important at this moment not to fuss or shout at loved ones, since negative emotions can take hold in the subconscious and break out at a critical moment.
Clothes play a huge role in building confidence. It is considered bad luck to wear new things, especially shoes, on the day of the exam. Sneakers or boots that you have already “broken in” will feel like a glove on the pedals, which is critical for the feeling of the car’s dimensions.
It is also not recommended to try on someone else's clothes or give someone your personal items, such as gloves or glasses. This can symbolically "give" good luck to another person. It is better to focus on your inner state and visualize the successful completion of the route.
It is important to do a short warm-up to relieve muscle tension. Stiffness in the shoulders or back can lead to sudden movements of the steering wheel, which the inspector will regard as a mistake. Breathe deeply and evenly, tuning into a working mood.
What not to do and give to the instructor
There is a strong belief associated with money issues. It is believed that if you give money to an instructor or examiner before starting a movement, you will have to give it back again and again, that is, you will have to retake the exam. Therefore, it is better to complete any financial calculations in advance.
It is also strictly forbidden to say hello through an open car window or through glass. If you're already inside training vehicle, and the instructor approaches from outside, open the door or go out yourself to greet him. A handshake across an obstacle means obstacles on the road.
⚠️ Attention: Never whistle inside the car before driving. It is believed that whistling “blows out” good luck and can attract the attention of evil spirits, which will lead to breakdowns or accidents.
You should not take empty bags or packages on the road - this is a waste of time and money. If you are bringing documents with you, put them in a folder or briefcase. Emptiness symbolizes the absence of a result, which is completely unnecessary on the day of the exam.
Another important detail - do not lend your car (even a training car) to anyone on the day of the exam, if this is theoretically possible within the framework of a driving school. It is believed that you give away your luck with the car. Your task is to maintain the energy of focus solely on yourself.
Road signs and encounters along the way
The path to the exam site is full of signs that our subconscious interprets differently. Meeting a woman carrying full buckets (or bags) is considered an excellent sign of success and a full wallet. On the contrary, empty buckets can signal bad luck, although in a modern city it is difficult to see someone with buckets, so just pay attention to the filled bags of passers-by.
Particular attention should be paid to animals. A black cat crossing the road is a classic symbol of trouble. If this happens, folk advice says that you need to spit three times over your left shoulder or simply clench your fist tightly in your pocket and do not unclench it until the end of the exam.
What to do if you encounter a black cat?
If you are superstitious, stop, knock on the wood (or metal part of the car) three times and mentally ask for good luck. The main thing is not to panic, as fear attracts bugs more than any animal.
Meeting a white cat, a priest in a cassock, or a bride in a wedding dress is interpreted as a very good sign. This promises easy passing and, possibly, quick acquisition of your license. However, you should not look at them, losing vigilance on the road.
Thunder out of the blue or a sharp gust of wind that opens a door can be perceived as a warning. At such moments, it is worth taking a deep breath, slowing down and double-checking that your seat belts are fastened and the doors are closed.
Actions directly in the car
When you get into the test car, the first thing you need to do is knock on the roof three times. This ritual “wakes up” the car and prepares it to cooperate with the driver. After this, you can get behind the wheel, trying not to touch the door frame with your foot.
The salon has its own rules. Gloves, hats or bags should not be placed on the driver's seat or on the dashboard. All personal items should be placed in the glove compartment or on the floor to avoid creating chaos. A mess in the cabin means a mess in your head.
☑️ Checklist before starting the engine
Before starting the engine, touch the dashboard or steering wheel with your hand. Some drivers believe that they need to blow a whistle (if the key fob has one) or simply imitate the sound in a whisper to “blow away” the negativity. The main thing is not to make sudden movements or drop the ignition keys.
If the exam takes place in winter, do not allow the windows to fog up. Fog on the windows is not only a violation of safety rules, but also a bad omen, symbolizing the “cloudiness” of thinking. Turn on the heated windows and set up the climate control in advance.
The most popular superstitions and their meaning
The world of automotive signs is vast and often contradictory. Below is a table that will help organize the main beliefs that you may encounter on exam day.
| Event/Object | Meaning | How to neutralize |
|---|---|---|
| Someone sneezed nearby | Good luck if on the right; to the dispute if on the left | Say "Bless you" |
| Engine stalled | To delays and obstacles | Don't panic, calmly start it again |
| A bird hit the windshield | Danger warning | Stop and wait 5 minutes |
| Found a coin in the car | To financial profit | Put it in the glove compartment until you get your license. |
The sign of a broken headlight or cracked glass deserves special attention. If before the exam you find a chip on your windshield, this may be a signal that you are not attentive to detail enough. It is better to fix the problem before leaving.
It is also considered bad luck to turn back if you have already left the garage or driving school parking lot. If you had to return (forgot your documents), you need to look in the rearview mirror and stick your tongue out at yourself - this will “deceive” the evil spirits.
Behavior while driving and parking
While driving around the city, try not to step on manhole covers if it is safe to do so and does not contradict traffic regulations. Stepping on the hatch means failure. If it is impossible to go around, just mentally note this and move on without focusing on the negative.
When doing parallel parking or boxing, you should not look over your shoulder too often if you are using mirrors. It is believed that this is how you lose sight of luck. However, safety and blind spot monitoring are more important than any superstition, so use all available vision aids.
Take with you a small amulet toy or keychain that is always with you on good days. Put it in your pocket, but do not hang it on the rearview mirror so as not to block the inspector's view.
If another driver cuts you off during the test, do not show him your fist or swear. Aggression directed outward returns like a boomerang. It is better to mentally wish him good luck and focus on your route.
The completion of the movement should be smooth. When you stop at the side of the road at the inspector’s command, do not jump up abruptly. Sit for a couple of seconds, exhale and mentally thank the car for a job well done. This will reinforce the positive experience.
What to absolutely avoid on exam day
There are a number of actions that are believed to guarantee failure. First of all, these are quarrels with relatives or the instructor before the trip itself. The energy background should be calm and positive.
You should also not whistle in the car, as already mentioned, and leave the trunk or hood doors open unnecessarily. Open cavities symbolize drainage of resources and good luck. Everything must be closed and recorded.
⚠️ Attention: Do not take photographs of broken cars or people in hospital wards into your car. Avoid talking about accidents, deaths and breakdowns. Focus only on successful driving.
Avoid wearing red clothing or accessories if you believe in color symbolism. The color red is associated with stop lights and danger. It is better to choose clothes in blue, green or black.
The last piece of advice is to avoid looking at your watch too often, especially if the hands are showing the wrong time. Time flows regardless of our desires, and your task is to control the car, not the minute hand.
The most important sign is your confidence. If you believe that the signs work for you, they will really help you calm down and pass the exam.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I wash my car before an exam?
Yes, it is possible and even necessary. A clean car symbolizes clarity of thinking. However, it is better to dry the car with a rag yourself, without allowing strangers to do it for you, so as not to “wash away” your luck.
What to do if you forgot your license at home?
You will not be allowed to take the exam without an ID card and proof of completion of a driving school. If this happens, take it as a sign that you are not ready yet and come back. From the point of view of signs, this is getting rid of a potential accident in the future.
Do I need to shake hands with the examiner?
It is necessary to say hello, this is a sign of respect. But do it confidently and make eye contact. A weak handshake can be perceived as lack of confidence, which will affect the first impression.
Is it true that you can’t change to another car?
If possible, it is better to take the test on the same machine on which you studied. It is familiar, and you know its features (pedal travel, clutch). Change training vehicle - this is additional stress, which is better to exclude.
What color car is best for the exam?
It is believed that white and silver cars are less noticeable to “evil spirits” and attract less attention from traffic cops (in a humorous way). The main thing is that the car is technically sound and clean.