snippercr has it right...err on the side of safety and don't be afraid to back up/ explain your answer if he thinks you're wrong.. for example... know the regs... however, if the examiner gives you one of those "you're flying this airplane, who has the right of way?'" questions....my answer was "the other guy"... it wasn't legally right but in practical application I wouldn't trust the other guy to yield to me... I knew what the regs said but since I can't think for the other pilot and I don't know whether he sees me or not. If you're dead, it doesn't matter who had the right of way...If the examiner wants to know what the legal answer is give him the legal answer.... but like at uncontrolled airports, a lot of stuff is legal..but it doesn't make it safe... I don't know if that helps... Private checkrides are more like higher stress dual lessons, you shouldn't have a problem if you pass the oral. Also if he "advises" you to do something definitely do it.