The California Driving Test Experience

Are you about to take the California Driving test? Knowing what to expect can make the test a smooth ride. Better yet, it will give you confidence during the test because you’ll have already rehearsed it in your mind.

In this article, we shall cover the California driving test experience, with emphasis on what you should expect.

Scheduling the Test

After passing the written test and obtaining your permit, the next step is to schedule the driving test. You can schedule the California driving test either by calling or booking it online.

You may need to schedule the test a few months in advance of your desired test date. Scheduling months in advance ensures you have ample time to prepare for the test. Besides that, keep in mind that there are numerous test centers in California; try to schedule your test in a center that is located in a rural or less populated area to have an advantage.

Do not forget to schedule your test during convenient weather conditions; avoid months with extreme weather conditions.

Arriving at the Test Center

On the day of the test, you should arrive at least 30 minutes earlier than the scheduled time. Arriving early gives you enough time to calm your nerves. On the other hand, arriving late could result in your test being canceled.

Before the driving test, you will need to present your documents for processing. The documents you need to show are: learner’s permit, car insurance, car registration, and appointment confirmation.

After you are processed, you will be requested to park your car in a specific area, usually marked “vehicle inspection waiting”.

Pre-Drive Inspection Test

During the pre-drive inspection, the examiner introduces him/herself; then shows you the performance evaluation score sheet. That’s when you know the actual test has begun. The examiner will then ask you to operate the vehicle controls, including the brakes, hazard lights, turn indicators, windscreen wipers, and headlights.

The examiner will also ask you to pinpoint the emergency flasher, the hand brake, the defroster, and the headlights.

Otherwise, some examiners may ask you to demonstrate hand signals and what they mean.

Driving Test Stage 1

At this stage, the examiner will get in the car and explain that they are testing your ability to drive safely and skillfully in any situation, make lane changes if you have mastered the basic maneuvers, and if you can follow their instructions.

The examiner will then ask you to drive out of the parking lot onto the road. Once you’re out of the test center and on the road, the examiner will give you further instructions. For instance, the examiner may say something like “make a right turn at the corner.”

In the next part of the test, the examiner will test you on the backing maneuver. The examiner will ask you to park and back up the car until you’re instructed to stop. Remember, don’t hit the curb! When backing up, try to maintain a steady pace. Besides that, make sure to use the turn signals and look over your shoulders, even if you have backup cameras.

Also, the examiner will ask you to drive in a residential area with low traffic. When you enter the residential area, stay in your lane. Don’t forget the speed limit is usually 25 mph, even if you don’t see the signs. Of course, you must scan your mirrors regularly with apparent head motions.

Driving Test Stage 2

Now that you’re out of the residential area, what’s next? The examiner will probably instruct you to drive on a busy road with more traffic. The examiner does this to test how you will perform under pressure.

When merging with traffic, the examiner will evaluate how you are making turns. Remember to keep an eye out for bike lanes. Make shoulder checks and scan out for bikes before entering the bike lane 200 meters from the turn.

The examiner will then direct you to the nearest intersection. This is to evaluate how you will stop, merge into traffic, and navigate the intersection. Make sure you check left and right when entering an intersection. Similarly, perform visible shoulder checks, as the examiner will be looking out for these, and turn on your blinkers.

You probably wish you were done! Well, the examiner will probably take you to a construction site, a hazard zone, or a school zone to see if you will slow down and not exceed the 25 mph speed limit while turning on the hazard light.

Additionally, the examiner will frequently ask you to change lanes. This is because the examiner will analyze whether you signal, check the mirror, perform head checks, and cross lanes.

Later, the examiner will ask you to enter the freeway or highway. At this point, make sure you don’t drive too slowly but blend with the traffic. However, if you’re driving on an undivided road with trucks, you should slow down and keep the 55 mph speed limit. The examiner will be on the lookout for how you perform traffic checks, lane positioning, signaling, and if you keep the 3-second distance from other cars.

After all is said and done, the examiner will guide you back to the DMV test center. Once you arrive, you will be asked to park next to a signpost that reads “No parking, reserved for drive test only”.

The behind-the-wheel test typically takes 10 to 20 minutes. But the test is not over until the car is safely parked, and the examiner has stepped out.

After The Test

Now that the tricky bit is done, the examiner will tell you if you have failed or passed after the test. The examiner will then return the score sheet that was being marked during the test, regardless of whether you’ve passed or not, so that you can improve on your weak areas.

If you pass, you will hopefully gain valuable insights from this article and be issued a temporary driving license to use until you obtain your permanent driver’s license.