The drive test is the most important part of licensing because it shows you can drive safely. Right now it can't be scheduled at State driver license offices; it's mostly given by Certified Commercial Driving Schools, and some county-operated offices offer it.
Know the rule
Whoever provides the vehicle, the examiner checks brake lights, turn signals, seat belts, the windshield and tires, and whether the doors and windows open from inside.
Handbook p. 4 ↗Before and during the drive test:
- Only the driver and the examiner may be in the vehicle
- No interpreters/translators, family, friends or pets
- Remove weapons from the vehicle
- Turn off electronic devices, including the radio and your cell phone
- Remove objects from the dashboard and rearview mirror
Know the rule
If you fail the drive test, you must wait until the next business day to retake it.
Handbook p. 4 ↗Know the rule
You won't be asked to do anything illegal. Ask questions before the test starts; you are scored during the entire test.
Handbook p. 4 ↗Skill categories scored (AAMVA guidelines)
| Category | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Perceptual | Perceiving the traffic environment | Judging gaps, identifying hazards |
| Motor | Manipulating controls to maneuver | Rotating the wheel when turning a corner |
| Attentional | Focusing and shifting attention | Watching traffic ahead and to the side in a merge |
Maneuvers you're scored on:
- Left and right turns
- Stopping at intersections
- Through intersections
- Lane changes in traffic
- General driving behavior
- Merging into and leaving traffic
Know the rule
Turn signals: on continuously 100 feet before turning or changing lanes in urban areas, 200 feet on 4-lane highways, and cancelled within 3 seconds after.
Handbook p. 5 ↗Know the rule
Stopping: come to a complete stop without crossing the stop line or crosswalk, keep wheels pointed straight ahead, and stop far enough back to see the rear wheels of the car ahead touching the ground.
Handbook p. 5 ↗Know the rule
Lane management: keep both hands on the wheel and steer hand-over-hand or push-pull-slide. Turn right from the right-most part of your lane, left from the left-most part.
Handbook p. 4 ↗Know the rule
Searching: use mirrors, look over your shoulder before lane changes, look left-right-left before entering intersections and look behind after each turn.
Handbook p. 5 ↗Know the rule
Back-up cameras and blind spot or lane departure warnings may be used on the test, but they don't replace physical searching.
Handbook p. 5 ↗Know the rule
Acceleration: smooth, without jerking, lugging the engine, coasting, impeding traffic, clashing gears or stalling.
Handbook p. 5 ↗Put it into practice
You stop behind a pickup at a red light. Pull up only until you can still see its rear tires touching the pavement, with your wheels straight. That gap is what the examiner looks for.