The driver’s test is a rite of passage every teenager who wants to drive a car must take, and sometimes bumps appear in the road. Unfortunately, maybe due to weather, nerves or even lack of preparedness, many teens fail the exam on the first try.

You can always retake the driving test, although each state has different restrictions on how long you must wait until you retake the test, or if you need to take a prep class first.

Here are some tips you can follow so you are prepared and ready to take the driver permit test again.

* Practice (always with a responsible adult in the car) in all kinds of traffic situations. Practice at stop signs, city streets, neighborhood roads and even on highways and if possible, in all kinds of weather. If the adult in the car has constructive feedback on improvements, follow those suggestions. Or you can sign up for additional driving classes to keep the material fresh in your mind for when you take the test.

* Read the state driving rules and regulations book and get to know the information in it well. Even though you’re not taking a written test, if you were in the driving test and passing a bicyclist on the side of the road, you need to know how far your car needs to be away from the bike rider in your state, for example. The examiner will keep an eye out for this knowledge and it could be easy to lose points if you don’t know all the rules and regulations.

* Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good meal prior to the test. You don’t want to have a foggy brain or a rumbling stomach distracting you while behind the wheel during the driving exam.

* Don’t tell any of your friends you’re taking the exam. Your friends might get extra excited for you, which could heighten your nerves and potentially cause you to make mistakes. Plus, you can always surprise them with the announcement that you passed the test afterward.

Not everyone passes the exam on the first try, but with a little practice and good studying skills you’ll be in a much better position to successfully pass it the second time around.