After you have fulfilled the permit requirements and practice time (and if you’re 16 or older), you can take the behind-the-wheel driving test at the DMV. You must schedule an appointment — it’s not available on a walk-in basis.
What to Expect
Appointment and Documents
- Make a DMV appointment for your driving test.
- Bring:
- Your instruction permit
- Proof of insurance and registration for the vehicle you’ll use
Test Vehicle
- You must provide your own vehicle (or use a borrowed/rental vehicle with proper insurance)
- With a rental, your name must be on the contract and the contract must not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests
- The vehicle must be in good working order
🔍 Pre-Drive Checklist
Before you begin, the examiner will ask you to locate and demonstrate:
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Driver window | Must open |
| Windshield | Full, clear, unblocked view — cracks may postpone the test |
| Rearview mirrors | At least two, one of them on the left side |
| Brake lights | Right and left must work |
| Tires | At least 1/32-inch of uniform tread depth — a donut spare is not allowed |
| Foot brake | At least 1 inch of clearance to the floorboard when pressed |
| Horn | Designed for the vehicle and audible from 200 feet |
| Parking brake | Know how to set and release it |
| Turn/arm signals | Left, right, and slowing/stopping |
| Windshield wipers | May be asked to show they work |
| Seat belts | All must work and be worn |
If your vehicle does not meet the requirements, your drive test will be rescheduled.
🤖 Driver Assistance Technology
- Not permitted during the test: automated parallel parking, lane departure, adaptive cruise control. The test evaluates your ability, not the car’s.
- Permitted, but never as a replacement for an actual visual check of mirrors and blind spots: backup cameras and blind spot monitors.
- Recording devices are prohibited during the drive test.
Accompanying Driver
- If you are under 18, you must arrive with a licensed adult (e.g., parent or instructor)
-
You cannot drive to the test alone
During the Test
- A DMV examiner will sit in the passenger seat and give you directions
- The test takes approximately 20 minutes
- You’ll be asked to perform typical maneuvers, such as:
- Starting the car
- Leaving the curb
- Turning left and right
- Stopping at stop signs
- Backing up straight
- Lane changes
- Possibly parking
- The examiner will observe how you:
- Obey traffic laws (e.g., speed, right-of-way, scanning, signaling)
Common critical errors include:
- Failing to check blind spots on lane changes
- Not making a full stop at stop signs
- Unsafe or illegal maneuvers
Scoring
- You may miss some minor points (e.g., wide turns, forgetting a signal)
- However, critical errors (like breaking a law or hitting something) result in automatic failure
- The examiner will review your performance at the end
Passing
- If you pass, congratulations!
- You’ll receive a temporary paper license
- Your photo Class C license will arrive by mail
- If you’re under 18, your license will be marked “provisional” and include restrictions (see next section)
Failing
- If you fail, don’t be discouraged
- The examiner will explain what to improve
- Minors must wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test, not counting the day of the failure
- You have three chances per application fee
- If you fail three times, you’ll need to start a new application
Be Prepared and Calm
- Practice DMV test routes if possible
- On test day:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat beforehand so you’re alert
- Listen carefully to the examiner’s directions
- Ask for clarification if needed
Show that you are a safe, attentive, and courteous driver