The road test starts before you move. The examiner checks your registration and insurance, has you show how the controls work, and inspects the car. Missing, broken or illegal equipment can get your test canceled or rescheduled.
You must show you can operate the:
- Headlights and dimmer switch
- Turn signals and brake lights
- Emergency brake
- Horn
- Emergency flashers
- Windshield wipers
Road test ground rules:
- Rental cars are allowed only if your name is on the rental contract as an operator
- The examiner rides in the front passenger seat—seat and floor must be clean or the car may be rejected
- Driver and examiner wear seat belts if factory equipped; belts must be clean and working
- You drive in normal traffic; the examiner won't play tricks or ask you to do anything illegal
- Interpreters can't ride along, but may help before and after the test
Lighting requirements
| Equipment | Requirement |
|---|---|
| High beams | Light the road to reveal a person 350 feet ahead |
| Low beams | Reveal a person 100 feet ahead; no glare at oncoming drivers |
| Taillights (two, red) | Visible from 500 feet behind |
| Brake lights | At least two red lights on the rear |
| License plate | Legible, unobstructed and lit at night |
Know the rule
Brakes must be able to stop and hold the vehicle, with two separate means of applying them—each working on at least two wheels—so one failure never leaves you without brakes on at least two wheels.
Handbook p. 17 ↗Other required equipment:
- Clear windshield: only legally required papers and a sun-screening strip along the top are allowed
- A windshield wiper on the driver's side
- A horn loud enough to be heard in ordinary traffic
- A muffler
- A left outside mirror plus an inside center mirror or right-side mirror
- Steering in good condition and working mechanical turn signals
- Seat belts worn by the driver and all passengers in vehicles made after 1981
Know the rule
Excessive window tint, flashing lights other than turn signals, or anything blocking your view through the windshield can get the vehicle rejected for the road test.
Handbook p. 18 ↗The road test covers:
- Stops, backing and turning the car around
- Stopping and starting on a hill
- Parallel parking
- Intersection approaches, turns and right-of-way
- Clutch use (if applicable), speed, lane use and overall vehicle control
Know the rule
Any collision, traffic violation or dangerous act may mean automatic failure, and the test ends. Failing to follow the examiner's instructions two times disqualifies you.
Handbook p. 19 ↗Know the rule
Your score sheet shows only pass or fail—no numerical score. If you fail, wait at least one week before retesting.
Handbook p. 19 ↗Put it into practice
On test day, the examiner finds your car has no left outside mirror and dark aftermarket window tint. Either problem can get the vehicle rejected and your test canceled or rescheduled—fix equipment before you go.