On test day the examiner checks your paperwork, then your car, then you. A missing document or unsafe car ends the test before you drive, and one critical error during the drive ends it instantly.
Bring to the skills test:
- Photo ID (state license, permit, SIP, passport, school ID, yearbook, etc.)
- Owner's permission to use the vehicle, in writing or in person (not by phone)
- Unexpired proof of insurance, paper or digital (an SR22 is not valid proof)
- Unexpired original registration (not a photo copy), signed by the registrant
- Skills test receipt, only if you have no state-issued credential
- Skills Test Evaluation Form, if required for a medical caution or test requirement
No passengers are allowed, except these (each must be 18+, show valid ID, and sign the liability waiver):
- One parent or legal guardian of a minor (17 or younger)
- A translator (need not be certified or licensed; you provide one)
- A law enforcement officer accompanying a current inmate
- A religious missionary companion, if requested
The examiner inspects:
- Passenger door and seatbelt; rear-view mirror or both side mirrors
- Windshield with no cracks or obstructions
- Tires with at least 2/32 inch of tread; no studded tires May 1 to September 30
- Dashboard with no critical lights or gauges lit
Know the rule
Dealer-plated cars are allowed only for a dealer or full-time salesperson with a state dealer ID. Rental cars aren't allowed if you're unlicensed or under 25. An unsafe car means rescheduling.
Handbook p. 36 ↗Know the rule
You must show working: driver door, seatbelt and window, brake lights, turn signals, headlights, wipers, hazards, horn, parking brake, and defroster, plus all three arm signals. Miss 3 or fewer to go on to the drive.
Handbook p. 36 ↗Know the rule
The drive covers commercial/residential streets, curves, controlled and uncontrolled intersections, railroad crossings, roundabouts, freeway, lane changes, parking lots, turns (including U-turns), and stall and curb parking.
Handbook p. 37 ↗Errors allowed to pass the driving portion of the skills test
Handbook p. 36 ↗Critical Driving Error (CDE)
An action (or failure to act) that may cause an incident, injury, or death. Any CDE is an automatic FAIL and the test ends immediately.
Handbook p. 37 ↗Critical Driving Errors include:
- Dangerous action; speeding; striking an object
- Disobeying an emergency vehicle, police, safety personnel, or a traffic sign or signal
- Driving up onto the curb or sidewalk; a lane violation
- Examiner intervention, or disobeying the examiner; passenger interference
- Habitual violation: missing 5 or more of the same scored skill
- Street parking more than 18 inches from the curb while impeding traffic
Know the rule
If you pass, you get your results in a sealed envelope to take to the county DMV; don't open it. You have no driving privileges until the passing result is recorded and a license is issued.
Handbook p. 37 ↗Put it into practice
Your 17-year-old sister wants your mom and her best friend to ride along. Only one parent or guardian may come, and friends aren't an allowed category, so your mom (18+, with ID, signing the waiver) is the only passenger.