- Written driving tests, often taken in conjunction with a practical test conducted behind the wheel, are designed to test a potential driver's comprehensive knowledge. By testing this knowledge on paper, the exam can drill the potential driver on a wide range of situations. Because the practical exam is conducted with limited distance and time, a driver is unlikely to experience a wide range of driving situations; the written exam compensates for this limitation.
- Because many states have extensive driving laws, drivers who learn solely through experience are often unprepared for rare or unusual situations. Many drivers who have not prepared for written driving tests report being unfamiliar with regulations such as what to do when a traffic light is out of order, how far below the posted speed limit you can legally drive, proper use of hazard lights and other unusual situations. By preparing for a comprehensive written exam, the student must become aware of these regulations.
- Written driving exams are most often administered in conjunction with a practical driving test. Because many actions conducted during the practical exam can not be proven or are somewhat subjective to occupants of the vehicle, the written exam provides a solid, quantifiable score that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can use to approve or deny a driver's license.
