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California DMV

Drive Test DayWhat to bring and what happens, step by step

About 20 minutes behind the wheel

Your drive test day has three parts: the pre-drive check, about 20 minutes of driving, and your result. Here's what to bring and what happens at each stage.

Not booked yet? Book through the DMV.

What to bring to your drive test

The DMV's list for the day. Tick each one off as you pack.

0 of 6 packed

Drive test day, step by step

From leaving home to getting your result.

  1. 1

    Before you leave home

    The night before

    Pack everything on the list above and check the car. Most rescheduled tests come down to the car or the paperwork, not the driving.

    • Run through the pre-drive safety check: lights, signals, horn, tires, mirrors and the rest.
    • No spare donut tire on the car, and no cracks in the windshield that could block the view.
    • If you have a dash cam, plan to switch it off or cover it. Recording during the test isn't allowed.
  2. 2

    Arrive and check in

    Your appointment time

    Drive tests are by appointment only. Your licensed driver drives you there, or comes with you, since you can't drive alone on a permit. Arrive in good time and check in for your appointment.

  3. 3

    The pre-drive check

    A few minutes, before you set off

    The examiner walks around the car with you, then sits in the passenger seat. You can ask to see their DMV ID badge before you start.

    • They check the car: two license plates, brake lights and signals, horn, tires, foot brake, driver's window, mirrors, doors, glove box, a fixed passenger seat and working seat belts.
    • They ask you to find the headlights, wipers, defroster and emergency flashers, show the arm signals, and set and release the parking brake.
    • If the car fails, or you won't wear your seat belt, the test is rescheduled. Getting 4 or more of the "show me" items wrong counts as a fail.
  4. 4

    The drive

    About 20 minutes

    You follow the examiner's directions on local roads. Expect left and right turns, stops at intersections, reversing in a straight line, lane changes and ordinary traffic.

    • The examiner may give you two directions at once, like "turn left at the next street, then left again at the first intersection".
    • They'll give directions but won't chat. If you have questions, ask before you start.
    • Driver-assist features such as self-parking, lane keeping and adaptive cruise control aren't allowed. A backup camera or blind spot monitor is fine, but you still have to look.

    See how the drive is scored, including the critical errors that end the test.

  5. 5

    Back at the office

    Straight after the drive

    The examiner goes over the score sheet with you. It shows any errors, any critical error, and a checklist of things to work on, and it tells you whether you passed.

  6. 6

    Pass or retake

    On the day

    Passed: you're given a temporary license to use until your photo card arrives in the mail.

    Didn't pass: keep your score sheet, as it tells you exactly what to practice. See what happens if you fail.

Practice the roads around your office

The test starts and ends at the office, so the roads nearby are the ones you're most likely to drive. Each office page has practice routes, lane guides and the junctions worth practicing.

Find your DMV office

Want the routes from real tests?

The Driving Test Routes app has routes recorded from real tests at California DMV offices, with turn-by-turn voice directions. Your first week is free.

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Questions

How long is the California drive test?

About 20 minutes of driving, plus the pre-drive check before you set off.

Who do I need to bring with me?

A California-licensed driver who's at least 18, or at least 25 if you're under 18. You don't need one if you already have a license.

Can I use a rental car for my drive test?

Yes, as long as your name is on the rental contract and the contract doesn't exclude drive tests.

Can my dash cam record the test?

No. Recording isn't allowed during the drive test. If a camera can't be switched off, cover it so it can't record sound or video.

Can I use my car's driver-assist features?

Not features that drive for you, such as self-parking, lane keeping or adaptive cruise control. A backup camera or blind spot monitor can be used, but you still need to check your mirrors and over your shoulder.

Can someone ride along with me?

Only the examiner. The exceptions are training, service animals and certain law enforcement situations. An interpreter can help during the pre-drive check, but not on the drive.