How to Pass California’s Behind the Wheel Drivers License Tests

If you are getting ready to take a California driving test, don’t be overly concerned. After all, the State of California says there are over 33 million people who have already accomplished the task. Passing a DMV driving test in California is not rocket science, however, you do want to make sure you are properly prepared. You can start by understanding the full licensing process in the state of California. California uses a graduated drivers license program that is achieved by successfully completing a variety of requirements. Two significant parts of the process are passing both a written driving test and a behind the wheel driving test. Knowing how to pass the written driving test in California will give you confidence and improve your odds of success the very first time. Before you schedule a driving test, you’ll want to know what to expect on both the written test and the behind the wheel driving test. This guide will show you how to prepare for the California driving test.

Tips to Make Sure You are Ready for Your Test

Not only should you fully understand the laws involved in driving and have the skills to drive safely, you must also comply with the State of California’s vehicle safety and financial responsibility laws prior to taking your California driving test. This means, the vehicle you are using for your driver’s license exam must be properly registered, insured, and safe to operate on the road. If you have a car you are familiar with, it is properly insured and safe, you are at a good place to start. If possible, learn driving the car you will ultimately take your behind the wheel driving test in.

Passing the Written Drivers License Test

• What is the written driver’s license test? The written driver’s license test in California is designed to test your knowledge about laws, signs, and safe driving practices in the state.
• How many questions are on the written test? The written portion of the DMV driving test in California consists of a total of 46 questions.
• What score do I need to pass the written California driving test? You need to get 38 of the 46 questions on the written exam correct to pass this portion of the test. If you fail the test you must wait seven days to take it again. You have three attempts to pass the written of the driving test in California.

What are the best tips on how to pass a written driving test in California?

1. Relax and tell yourself “You got this.”
2. Download and read the California Driver Handbook.
3. Take the practice tests provided by the state of California until you are confident about your answers.
4. Enlist the help of a friend or family member to drill you on the questions.
5. Make note of laws, signs or safety guidelines that you are struggling with and focus on getting those correct.
6. Keep in mind, this is not just a test of your knowledge. It can keep you from getting a ticket and perhaps even save your life.

Behind the Wheel Driving Test Tips

• What is a behind the wheel driving test? While the written test is designed to test your knowledge about driving safely in California, the behind the wheel driving test will demonstrate to the examiner whether you have the driving skills necessary to gain a license to drive in the state. The behind the wheel test will involve just you and the examiner and will give you the opportunity to show your driving and maneuverability skills.

• How long does a behind the wheel driving test take? While this can depend on your abilities and the patience of the examiner, a behind the wheel test in California should only take about 20 minutes.
• Are there automatic fails on California’s driving test? You will likely not get your California drivers license if in the behind the wheel test any of the following occurs:

1. The examiner has to intervene verbally or physically in your driving.
2. You ignore a traffic signal or sign.
3. You exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or drive so slowly it risks yours and the examiner’s safety.
4. Striking an object.
5. Passing a stopped school bus or not properly reacting to a safety vehicle.
6. Changing lanes improperly.
7. Failure to understand and use vehicle features like the wipers, horn and lights.

What are the best tips for how to prepare for the California driving test?

1. Relax and tell yourself “You got this.”
2. Make sure you understand all the vehicle’s controls including lights, wipers, horn, safety belts, and mirrors.
3. Examiners in California are instructed to treat those taking behind the wheel driving tests with respect and dignity. Do the same for them.
4. Start by putting on safety restraints and checking and adjusting mirrors. These steps can serve to impress upon your examiner you are ready and they are safe.
5. Use turn signals when changing lanes or making turns. Look over your shoulder to double check when pulling out from a parking space or changing lanes.
6. Focus on your ability to steer, accelerate, and brake smoothly.
7. Obey all traffic signs and signals. Stop at the broad white line prior to, not at, a stop sign.
8. Your behind the wheel driving test in California will include a maneuverability test so make sure you are comfortable operating and parking your vehicle in reverse.

Knowing how to prepare for the California driving test can relieve some stress, instill confidence, and save time. It can also be rewarding telling friends you aced it on the first attempt! It is worth your time to practice driving and studying the rules of the road. Passing the California driving test may not be rocket science but there are over 33 million other licensed California drivers out there who count on you knowing what you are doing.