Take Practice California DMV Driving Test First

According to the United Van Lines Moving Map, people are still heading west to relocate. If you are a new resident of California, you are not alone. Upon arrival, you will likely be looking to obtain a California driver’s license. It is wise to take a DMV Practice Test before you head to the DMV to take the official test.

Each state has different requirements and laws; therefore, the driver’s tests will vary from state to state. Even if you passed the test in your previous state without issue, it is worthwhile to prepare for the California test with the practice tests. Available online in English and Spanish, it makes it easy to complete. The questions are multiple-choice, and seven different interactive quizzes are available. When you take the official test, you will be pleased to see that the questions you encounter are very similar to the ones on the practice tests.

Attempt to pass all of the quizzes before taking the real test. It is also recommended that you consider taking a defensive driving course that can lower your auto insurance costs.

In addition to having different tests, each state also has its requirements for obtaining a license. In California, you will need to pay a fee. The fee depends on what kind of license you plan to get, but for most situations, it costs between $27 and $33. If you drive without a valid license, you can be charged with a misdemeanor. In addition, your car may be impounded.

Passing the California Permit Test isn’t difficult, especially after you have taken the practice tests. The test consists of 46 questions about road signs, laws, traffic regulations, and safety procedures. 39 correct answers are required to pass.

How To Prepare For The California Driving Test

So you’ve passed the California written test, but now you must be wondering, “Will I pass the driving test?” “Is it difficult?”. The truth is; you should not be worried because you can easily pass the test with enough preparation.

Preparation is very crucial because it will ensure you have knowledge on the test, so nothing will catch you off guard on the day of the test.

In this article, we will give you the necessary tips to help you prepare both mentally and physically so you can ace the test. Let’s jump right in.

Check Driving Test Eligibility

Before embarking on the driving test, you need to check whether or not you are eligible for the test in California.

On that note, who are the guys that are mandated to take the driving test?

Applicants who have never taken the test in California or any other American state.
If you’ve been licensed out of state but do not have a license to surrender.
People with vision-related problems.
Applicants with temporary driver’s license due to physical or mental issues.
People with physical disabilities, and are limited by DMV restrictions on their driver’s license and wish for the restrictions to be removed.

Get Enough Practice

California requires that candidates who are below 18 years to complete at least 50 hours of practice (10 of the 50 hours should be night driving) before the test.

When practicing, try and drive under different scenarios. For instance, you can practice driving under different weather conditions, on the freeway, and when there is congested traffic so you could know how to handle different situations during the test.

Nonetheless, it is important to keep a checklist on what you should practice. The checklist should entail safe driving tips like:

Accelerating smoothly to prevent the engine from stalling.
Following safe distance using the three-second rule, especially when the road is not visible because of extreme weather conditions.
Signal for lane change and turns.
Scan for potential hazards, check your mirrors frequently, and practice exaggerated head checks.
Stopping smoothly before the line on a stop sign or stop traffic light.
Practice defensive driving by anticipating other driver’s errors.

Most importantly, when practicing, pretend it’s a driving test and ask your accompanying instructor to point out your mistakes. When you identify your weak areas, practice on them.

Read The California Driver Handbook

Reading the California Driver handbook is a rite of passage when preparing for the driving test. For starters, California’s roads are different from other states hence they pose a challenge to drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

To add on, California has peculiar rules. For example, did you know lane splitting is permitted? Yes, motorcycles can pass in between cars, so you better read the handbook and familiarize yourself with these unusual rules.

Alternatively, if you are a teenager, you can read the California Teen Training guide. It turns out, teens in California have different rules. For example, for the first 12 months after you have been licensed, you’re not allowed to drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Also, you’re not allowed to transport passengers under 20 years, unless accompanied by a licensed driver who is 25 years and above.

Not to forget, seniors also have a driver’s guide. The seniors’ handbook requires that a person over 70 years renew their driver’s license after 5 years and are required to do regular vision checks.

Inspect Your Test Vehicle

The examiner will test the condition of the car to ensure it is road-safe. Before the driving test, you should check up the following things on your vehicle:

Your car horn is working.
Functioning front and back turn signals and brake lights.
Adequate brake pressure (the examiner might ask you to test them out).
A driver’s window that rolls down.
2 rare view mirrors.
Working safety belts.
Emergency brakes that work.
The windshields are properly placed and are not an obstruction to the examiner or yourself.

Nonetheless, ensure you take the car to a mechanic to be serviced. Even if it’s a minor mechanical fault, don’t take any chances since it could cause you to flank the test.

Prepare Your Documents

Before you take the driving test, you will be required to submit some of your documents. Some of the documents you’ll require to have in order are:

Proof of identity: You will require a US identity card, US birth certificate, US passport, permanent residency card, or a passport from another country (they have to be the real documents and not photocopies).

SSN: Provide your social security number for your driver’s license application in California.

California residency documents: You can bring original or copies of the documents.

Application fee: This is a fee you pay when you apply for your first driver’s license. You can pay it in cash, check, money order, or ATM card.

A driver’s education completion certificate: This is proof to show you completed drivers’ ed. If it is online, ensure the site is accredited by DMV so the certificates are valid.

Current proof of registration and insurance: You need to bring papers that show your car is insured and registered.

Signed permit: If you’re under 18 years, you need to show signed proof that your parent, guardian or driving instructor have acknowledged that you’ve completed the required driving hours.