Behind-the-wheel drive test (Driving Performance Evaluation, DPE)

California Road Test (2026) What’s on the Driving Test, Scoring & Tips

The drive test has two parts: a Pre-Drive Safety Check of your vehicle and controls, then the Driving Performance Evaluation, where a DMV examiner rides with you and scores parking lot driving, backing along a curb, intersections, turns, lane changes and street driving. To pass you may miss no more than 3 of the pre-drive control items, make no critical driving errors, and have no more than 15 errors on the scored maneuvers. DMV does not publish a test length.

Checked October 4, 2026 against official California Department of Motor Vehicles sources. Tap a numbered chip to read the exact wording.

See the 8 maneuvers
Maneuvers in official sources
8
Most errors allowed
15with conditions
Listed automatic failures
18

Who can take the California road test

Under 18: be 16-18, hold a provisional instruction permit at least six months, complete driver education and six hours of professional driver training, and log 50 hours of practice (10 at night) with a licensed adult 25 or older. Applicants between 17 1/2 and 18 without driver education/training cannot take the drive test until 18. A drive test appointment is required. Official source 1dmv.ca.gov“Be between 16-18 years old. Have held your provisional instruction permit for a minimum of six months. Have completed driver education. Have completed six hours of professional driver training.”“Have completed 50 hours of practice with an adult 25 years old or older who has a valid California DL and can certify that you completed the 50 hours of practice. Practice driving at night for at least 10 of the 50 practice hours.”“Schedule a driving test appointment (driving tests are not given without an appointment).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 2dmv.ca.gov“If you are over 17 ½ but under 18 years of age, you may get your instruction permit without the DE/DT certificates. However, you will not be able to take the driving test until you are 18 years of age.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

What to bring on test day

Tick things off as you pack. Saved on this device.

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SourcesOfficial source 3dmv.ca.gov“On the day of your behind-the-wheel test, you must bring: Your instruction permit or driver’s license (if you have one). Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old (25 for minors), unless you are already licensed to drive.”“A vehicle that is safe to drive for your test. Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration.”“If you plan to use a rental vehicle for your drive test, your name must be listed on the rental contract. The contract must not exclude behind-the-wheel drive tests.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Vehicle requirements

The examiner checks your car before you drive. If it fails, you usually can’t take the test that day.

  • Driver-side window opens
  • Windshield gives a full, unobstructed view for you and the examiner
  • At least two mirrors, one outside on the left
  • Front and back turn signals work on both sides
  • Left and right brake lights work
  • Each tire has at least 1/32 inch tread; no bald tires and no donut spare
  • At least 1 inch between the depressed brake pedal and the floor
  • Horn designed for the vehicle and audible at 200 feet
  • Working parking brake
  • Front passenger door opens and closes; glove box closes securely
  • Working seat belts for you and the examiner
  • Driver assistance features such as automated parallel parking, lane departure and adaptive cruise control may not be used; backup cameras and blind-spot monitors may be used but don't replace looking
SourcesOfficial source 3dmv.ca.gov“The tires must have at least 1/32-inch of uniformed tread depth. The use of a donut tire is not allowed during a drive test.”“Therefore, advanced driver assistance systems technologies, such as automated parallel parking, lane departure, and adaptive cruise control, are not permitted during the drive test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 4dmv.ca.gov“If an item listed in the Pre-Drive Checklist (Items 1–8 or 15–17) on your vehicle does not pass the criteria requirement (known as a “mechanical failure”), your driving test will be rescheduled.”“The vehicle must have at least 2 mirrors. 1 must be located outside on the left side of the vehicle.”“Requirement Both right and left turn signals on the front and back of the vehicle must be operational.”“Requirement Each tire must have 1/32 inch tread depth in any 2 adjacent grooves. NOTE : The vehicle cannot have bald tires.”“Requirement There must be at least 1 inch of clearance between the pedal and the floor board when the pedal is depressed.”“Designed for the vehicle and in proper working condition. Loud enough to hear from a distance of at least 200 feet.”“Item 15. Passenger door Requirement The front passenger side door must open and close properly. Item 16. Glove box Requirement The glove box door must be securely closed.”“All vehicles designed with seat (safety) belts must have seat (safety) belts for both you and the examiner.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

How the California road test is scored

Errors are marked on the Driving Performance Evaluation score sheet (DL 32). To pass: no more than 3 errors on pre-drive items 9-14, no critical driving errors, and no more than 15 errors on the scoring maneuvers. Any critical driving error is a failure. Official source 5dmv.ca.gov“To pass, you must have no more than 3 errors marked for Items 9-14 under PRE-DRIVE CHECKLIST, no marks in the CRITICAL DRIVING ERROR section, and no more than 15 errors marked for the Scoring Maneuvers.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“The following scoring criteria is DMV’s standard for evaluating an applicant’s driving ability. All driving test examiners use these criteria to evaluate noncommercial Class C driving tests.”“This criteria is used to evaluate your action or inaction during a driving test that would result in a driving test failure.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Automatic failures

Any one of these ends or fails a California road test, no matter how well the rest goes.

  1. Examiner has to intervene physically or verbally Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“Any action or inaction that requires physical or verbal intervention by the examiner. An example of a verbal intervention could be the examiner loudly stating, “Stop.””Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  2. Three attempts to back the vehicle Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You make 3 attempts to back your vehicle. Strikes object You make contact with another vehicle, object, bicyclist, pedestrian, or animal when it could have been safely avoided.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  3. Hitting a vehicle, object, bicyclist, pedestrian or animal that could have been avoided Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You make 3 attempts to back your vehicle. Strikes object You make contact with another vehicle, object, bicyclist, pedestrian, or animal when it could have been safely avoided.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  4. Driving over the curb or on the sidewalk Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You drive over the curb or on the sidewalk. Disobeys traffic signs or signals”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  5. Rolling a stop sign, flashing red light or right turn on red faster than a brisk walk (4 mph) Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You go through or exceed a brisk walking speed (4 mph) at a: Stop sign.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  6. Not stopping and waiting for green at a red light or red freeway ramp meter Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You do not stop and wait for a green signal at a: Red light.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  7. Unnecessary stop at a green light or on a freeway-metered ramp Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You make an unnecessary stop at a green light or on a freeway-metered ramp.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  8. Disobeying other traffic signs or lane markings (lane drops, painted arrows or islands, curb markings, traffic cones) Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You disobey other traffic signs and/or lane marking, such as: A lane drop (lane merges). Painted arrows. A painted island. Curb markings (red, blue, etc.). Traffic cones, etc.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  9. Passing a school bus with flashing red lights Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You pass a school bus that has flashing red lights. Note Traffic in both directions must stop unless driving on a divided highway.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  10. Not pulling over and stopping for an emergency vehicle, or disobeying safety personnel, police or firefighters Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You fail to pull over and stop for an emergency vehicle. You disobey any safety personnel, law enforcement officer, or firefighter.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  11. Causing another driver or pedestrian to take evasive action Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You take any action or inaction that causes another driver or pedestrian to take evasive action.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  12. No traffic check at an uncontrolled intersection when a hazard is present Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You do not move your head and eyes to make a traffic check at an uncontrolled intersection when a hazard is present.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  13. Blocking an intersection so it impedes cross traffic Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You block an intersection at anytime with your vehicle so that it impedes cross traffic.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  14. Not checking mirrors or blind spot when changing lanes, merging, backing, turning right with a bike lane, or pulling from the curb Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You do not look in your mirror(s) or over your shoulder to check the rear or blind spot when: Making a lane change. Merging. Backing. Making a right turn with a bike lane. Pulling from the curb or side of the road.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  15. Stalling in an intersection, or 3 times from poor clutch/gear use Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You stall the engine: In an intersection. 3 times due to poor clutch/gear use.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  16. Driving 10 mph over the limit, 10 mph under it when conditions don't warrant, or too fast for safety Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You drive 10 mph: Over the speed limit. Under the speed limit when the road, pedestrians, bicyclists, and/or traffic conditions do not warrant a lower speed. You drive too: Fast for safety.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  17. Not using wipers, defroster or headlights when weather or darkness requires them Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“Failure to use the windshield wipers, defroster, or headlights when weather conditions or darkness requires the use of auxiliary equipment.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026
  18. Lane violations: more than 200 feet in a bike lane or center left turn lane, straight from a turn lane, in the oncoming lane, turning from a straight lane or the wrong lane Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“Further than 200 feet in a bike lane or two-way center left turn lane. Straight ahead while in a designated turn lane. Unnecessarily in the oncoming traffic lane at anytime. You turn from a designated forward (straight) lane. You make a turn from the wrong lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Maneuvers on the California driving test

Steps and scoring come from California Department of Motor Vehicles’s own materials, in their words where possible. Where a state publishes no steps, we say so rather than guess.

Pre-Drive Safety Check

Always tested

How it’s scored

The examiner checks the vehicle (items 1-8 and 15-17; a failure means the test is rescheduled) and asks you to locate or demonstrate the parking brake, arm signals, windshield wipers, defroster, emergency flashers and headlights (items 9-14). Not being able to do 4 or more of items 9-14 is a failure.

Steps

  1. Set and release the parking brake
  2. Show arm signals for left turn, right turn, and slowing or stopping
  3. Locate the windshield wiper switch and/or control the wipers
  4. Locate the front windshield defroster button
  5. Locate the emergency flasher (hazard lights) switch
  6. Locate the headlight switch
SourcesOfficial source 4dmv.ca.gov“Note If you cannot locate and/or demonstrate the operation of 4 or more items from Items 9–14, your driving test will be counted as “unsatisfactory” (failure).”“You must be able to locate and demonstrate how to use the parking brake (set and release).”“Requirement You must correctly demonstrate arm signals for: Left turn. Right turn. Slowing down or stopping.”“Requirement You must correctly locate the windshield wiper switch and/or control wipers. Item *12. Defroster Requirement You must correctly locate the front windshield defroster button.”“Requirement You must correctly locate the emergency flasher switch/button if the warning vehicle is equipped with emergency flashers. Item *14. Headlights Requirement You must correctly locate the headlight switch.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Parking lot driving

Always tested

How it’s scored

The examiner scores traffic checks ahead and behind, yielding to vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians, reacting safely, and driving through the lot at a safe speed in control.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 6dmv.ca.gov“You yield the right-of-way to vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary for safety. You turn your head, and look toward other drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians when necessary.”“You drive through the parking lot at a safe speed and are in control of the vehicle.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Pull to the curb, back in a straight line, and merge back into traffic

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored on entering, backing and exiting: traffic and blind-spot checks, signaling to and from the curb, smooth safe speed, backing straight for 3 vehicle lengths within 3 feet of the curb, and no more than 1 correction. Three attempts to back, or driving over the curb, is a critical driving error.

Steps

  1. Signal and check traffic ahead, to the right and behind, including your blind spot, before pulling to the curb
  2. Pull up to the curb at a safe speed and cancel the signal
  3. Turn your head over your right shoulder and look through the back windshield; don't rely only on mirrors or a camera
  4. Back up smoothly in a straight line for 3 vehicle lengths, staying within 3 feet of the curb, with no more than 1 forward correction
  5. Signal, check traffic to the left and behind and your blind spot, then pull away from the curb at a safe speed and cancel the signal
SourcesOfficial source 6dmv.ca.gov“Criteria used to evaluate your ability to pull to the curb, back the vehicle in a straight line without striking the curb, and merge back into traffic.”“You observe traffic while entering or exiting: Ahead. To the right before entering and the left before exiting, and behind you. You check appropriate blind spots.”“You activate the turn signal before pulling up to or away from the curb. You cancel the turn signal after pulling up to or away from the curb.”“You back up at a smooth, safe speed. Parallel (B) You back in a straight line for 3 vehicle lengths while remaining within 3 feet of the curb.”“Turn your head over your right shoulder and look through the back windshield instead of relying on the rearview and/or side mirrors, or camera, which may not show all hazards.”“You perform the action with no more than 1 correction. Note A “correction” is any movement forward.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Intersections (through, stop, and start)

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored on traffic checks, speed, yielding, smooth braking, a full stop with no rolling, stopping within 6 feet of the limit line (or corner) without the front of the car in the intersection or past the sidewalk, leaving about half a car length behind the car ahead, and accepting the right-of-way when safe.

Steps

  1. Look ahead and to the left, right and behind as you approach
  2. Brake smoothly and come to a full stop with no rolling forward or back
  3. Stop within about 6 feet behind the limit line, or from the corner if there is no limit line, without the front of the car in the intersection or past the sidewalk
  4. Behind another car, stop about half a car length back so you can see its rear wheels
  5. Look left and right, yield when needed, then go when it is safe and accelerate smoothly
SourcesOfficial source 6dmv.ca.gov“You decelerate and brake smoothly. You depress the brake pedal without depressing the accelerator (gas pedal) at the same time.”“You bring the vehicle to a full stop. You make no unnecessary movement forward or roll backward. Gap or limit line”“You stop within 6 feet (about half-a-car length): Behind the limit line. From the corner of the intersection if there is no limit line. You stop without the front-most part of the vehicle: In an intersection. Over the limit line. Beyond the sidewalk or stop sign.”“You accept the right-of-way: Without causing confusion or impeding traffic flow. When it is safe to start. Speed You accelerate smoothly.”“You are able to see the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you or have enough room to move around the vehicle without backing up.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Left turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored on approach (traffic check, signal at least 100 feet before, braking, yielding, lane use), the stop (full stop, limit line, wheels straight), and the turn itself (steering, staying in the lane, ending in the proper lane, speed, cancelling the signal). Turning from the wrong lane is a critical driving error.

Steps

  1. Signal at least 100 feet before the turn
  2. Enter a two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn, or a designated left turn lane at its opening; otherwise use the left-most part of the left lane
  3. If you stop, keep your wheels pointed straight ahead
  4. Turn the wheel smoothly, only as much as needed, and end the turn in the proper lane
  5. Cancel the turn signal after the turn
SourcesOfficial source 6dmv.ca.gov“You activate the turn signal at least 100 feet prior to the turn, but not so early that other drivers will not understand your intentions.”“Left turns Enter the two-way center left turn lane within 200 feet of the turn and do not violate the right-of-way of any vehicle already in the lane. Enter the designated left turn lane at the opening. Use the left-most part of the left lane.”“Wheels straight (left turns only) The wheels of the vehicle are straight ahead when stopped.”“You turn the steering wheel: Smoothly and with full control of the vehicle. Only the necessary amount (do not over or under-steer).”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Right turns

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored the same way as left turns. For right turns, enter the bike lane within 200 feet of the turn (after a blind-spot check) or the designated right turn lane at its opening, and use the right-most part of the lane. Not checking the blind spot on a right turn with a bike lane is a critical driving error.

Steps

  1. Signal at least 100 feet before the turn
  2. Check your right blind spot over your shoulder, then enter the bike lane within 200 feet of the turn if there is one
  3. Otherwise enter a designated right turn lane at its opening, or use the right-most part of the right lane
  4. Turn smoothly, end in the proper lane, and cancel the signal
SourcesOfficial source 6dmv.ca.gov“You check the blind spot by looking over your right or left shoulder before merging into the bike lane or center left turn lane.”“Right turns Enter the bike lane within 200 feet of the turn. Enter the designated right turn lane at the opening. Use right-most part of the right lane.”“For right turns with a bike lane, you must enter the bike lane only after ensuring there is no bicycle traffic and then make the turn.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Lane changes

Always tested

How it’s scored

Scored on mirror and over-the-shoulder blind-spot checks, signaling and cancelling, speed (no need to slow down), waiting for an adequate gap, safe spacing, smooth steering, and moving to the center of the new lane. Skipping the mirror or shoulder check is a critical driving error.

Steps

  1. For a left lane change, check your left mirror and look over your left shoulder; for a right lane change, check your right mirror and look over your right shoulder
  2. Signal before changing lanes
  3. Wait for an adequate gap; you don't need to slow down
  4. Steer smoothly into the center of the new lane and leave a safe distance ahead
  5. Cancel the signal
SourcesOfficial source 6dmv.ca.gov“Left lane change, look to the left, behind you, and at your left side blind spot (check your left hand mirror and look over your left shoulder).”“You activate the turn signal before making a lane change. You cancel the turn signal after the lane change.”“You use an appropriate speed: To change lanes without exceeding the speed limit. Note It is not necessary to slow your speed before a lane change.”“You create a safe distance in front of your vehicle after a lane change. Steering control You change lanes by turning the steering wheel smoothly. You move to the center of the lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Freeway or highway driving

May be tested

How it’s scored

Only on the Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE), not the standard first-time DPE. Scored on the on-ramp, merging, driving and exiting.

Steps

Not officially described by DMV.

SourcesOfficial source 6dmv.ca.gov“Freeway (FWY) or Highway (HWY) Scoring Criteria Note Only appropriate for Supplemental Drive Tests.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Skills the examiner watches the whole time

  • Traffic checks

    Observing vehicles and pedestrians and reacting properly is watched in every action. Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“A “traffic check” is both the observation of vehicle and pedestrian traffic and the proper reaction to the traffic. It is observed by the examiner in every action.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Speed in business and residential areas

    Keep to the speed limit without exceeding it and slow for hazards; 10 mph over or under the limit is a critical error. Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“Driving 10 mph over or under the speed limit, unless justified by road/traffic/weather conditions, will cause a critical driving error.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Spacing and lane position

    Keep a safe distance to the front and sides and stay in the center of the lane. Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“You slow for hazards or obstructions. Spacing You maintain a safe distance to the front and sides of your vehicle. Lane position You keep the vehicle in the center of the lane.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Following multiple directions

    The examiner may give two or more instructions at once. Official source 3dmv.ca.gov“The examiner may give two or more instructions at one time to determine whether you can understand and properly follow both directions.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

  • Unnecessary stops

    Don't stop unless required by another road user, a sign, a signal, or to avoid a collision. Official source 6dmv.ca.gov“Do not stop unless required by another vehicle, bicyclist, or pedestrian, traffic sign, signal, or to avoid a collision.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

If you fail the California road test

The application fee covers three drive test attempts; after a third failure the application is void and you must reapply. Each retest is on another day and costs a $9 retest fee (DMV's current fee schedule). Minors must wait 14 days (two weeks), not counting the day of the failure. Official source 1dmv.ca.gov“Your application fee allows you three attempts to pass the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new driving test on another day”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 3dmv.ca.gov“Note Minors must wait 14 days to retake a failed behind-the-wheel drive test, not including the day of the failure.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 7dmv.ca.gov“Change DL/ID Information – Adding a firefighter endorsement Fee $37 License Class Application Driving (behind-the-wheel) retest Fee $9”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 8leginfo.legislature.ca.gov“Before retaking a test, the person shall wait for not less than one week after failure of the written test and for not less than two weeks after failure of the driving test.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 9leginfo.legislature.ca.gov“a person who fails to successfully complete the driving skill test on the first attempt shall be required to pay an additional fee of five dollars ($5) for each additional driving skill test administered under that application.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 10leginfo.legislature.ca.gov“the department shall adjust the fees imposed under the sections listed in subdivision (a) by increasing each fee in an amount equal to the increase in the California Consumer Price Index for the prior year”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

Didn’t pass? What to do next, including the California permit (knowledge) test retake rules.

Waivers and third-party testing

No official source found offering a waiver or third-party/driving-school tester for the noncommercial Class C drive test; DMV examiners give it. First-time applicants, including holders of a license from another country, must pass it. Official source 1dmv.ca.gov“If you have a DL issued by another country, follow the application process listed above for “I have a DL issued by another state.” You’ll also need to pass a driving test to obtain an original California DL.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026Official source 11dmv.ca.gov“We require first-time DL applicants, and other applicants who meet certain conditions, to pass a behind-the-wheel drive test before they can get a DL.”Open the official page ↗Checked October 4, 2026

California road test questions

What is on the California road test?

The drive test has two parts: a Pre-Drive Safety Check of your vehicle and controls, then the Driving Performance Evaluation, where a DMV examiner rides with you and scores parking lot driving, backing along a curb, intersections, turns, lane changes and street driving. To pass you may miss no more than 3 of the pre-drive control items, make no critical driving errors, and have no more than 15 errors on the scored maneuvers. DMV does not publish a test length. Maneuvers covered by official sources: Pre-Drive Safety Check, Parking lot driving, Pull to the curb, back in a straight line, and merge back into traffic, Intersections (through, stop, and start), Left turns, Right turns, Lane changes, Freeway or highway driving.

How is the California driving test scored?

Errors are marked on the Driving Performance Evaluation score sheet (DL 32). To pass: no more than 3 errors on pre-drive items 9-14, no critical driving errors, and no more than 15 errors on the scoring maneuvers. Any critical driving error is a failure.

What is an automatic fail on the California road test?

Official California sources list these as automatic failures: Examiner has to intervene physically or verbally; Three attempts to back the vehicle; Hitting a vehicle, object, bicyclist, pedestrian or animal that could have been avoided; Driving over the curb or on the sidewalk; Rolling a stop sign, flashing red light or right turn on red faster than a brisk walk (4 mph); Not stopping and waiting for green at a red light or red freeway ramp meter; Unnecessary stop at a green light or on a freeway-metered ramp; Disobeying other traffic signs or lane markings (lane drops, painted arrows or islands, curb markings, traffic cones); Passing a school bus with flashing red lights; Not pulling over and stopping for an emergency vehicle, or disobeying safety personnel, police or firefighters; Causing another driver or pedestrian to take evasive action; No traffic check at an uncontrolled intersection when a hazard is present; Blocking an intersection so it impedes cross traffic; Not checking mirrors or blind spot when changing lanes, merging, backing, turning right with a bike lane, or pulling from the curb; Stalling in an intersection, or 3 times from poor clutch/gear use; Driving 10 mph over the limit, 10 mph under it when conditions don't warrant, or too fast for safety; Not using wipers, defroster or headlights when weather or darkness requires them; and Lane violations: more than 200 feet in a bike lane or center left turn lane, straight from a turn lane, in the oncoming lane, turning from a straight lane or the wrong lane.

What do I need to bring to the California road test?

Your instruction permit (or driver's license if you have one); Another California-licensed driver at least 18 (25 for minors), unless you are already licensed; A vehicle that is safe to drive for the test; Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration; and For a rental car, a contract that lists your name and does not exclude drive tests.

What are the vehicle requirements for the California road test?

Driver-side window opens; Windshield gives a full, unobstructed view for you and the examiner; At least two mirrors, one outside on the left; Front and back turn signals work on both sides; Left and right brake lights work; Each tire has at least 1/32 inch tread; no bald tires and no donut spare; At least 1 inch between the depressed brake pedal and the floor; Horn designed for the vehicle and audible at 200 feet; Working parking brake; Front passenger door opens and closes; glove box closes securely; Working seat belts for you and the examiner; and Driver assistance features such as automated parallel parking, lane departure and adaptive cruise control may not be used; backup cameras and blind-spot monitors may be used but don't replace looking.

When can I take the California road test?

Under 18: be 16-18, hold a provisional instruction permit at least six months, complete driver education and six hours of professional driver training, and log 50 hours of practice (10 at night) with a licensed adult 25 or older. Applicants between 17 1/2 and 18 without driver education/training cannot take the drive test until 18. A drive test appointment is required.

What happens if I fail the California road test?

The application fee covers three drive test attempts; after a third failure the application is void and you must reapply. Each retest is on another day and costs a $9 retest fee (DMV's current fee schedule). Minors must wait 14 days (two weeks), not counting the day of the failure.

Can the California road test be waived?

No official source found offering a waiver or third-party/driving-school tester for the noncommercial Class C drive test; DMV examiners give it. First-time applicants, including holders of a license from another country, must pass it.

Notes from our check

Official score sheet: DMV publishes a sample Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet (form DL 32, REV. 5/2016) and the full DPE scoring criteria that all examiners use for Class C tests. Neither the scoring criteria nor the score sheet lists parallel parking, a three-point turn or hill parking; the backing maneuver is a straight back along the curb. Freeway driving is only scored on the Supplemental DPE (referral tests). Conflicts, resolved: the retest fee is $9 on DMV's licensing-fees page and Teen Driver Roadmap but $7 on the Driver's Licenses page. The statute sets a $5 base fee (Vehicle Code §14900(b)) that DMV must raise each year with the Consumer Price Index (§1678), so this page follows the current fee schedule: $9. The minor's wait after a failed drive test is 'not less than two weeks' in the statute (§12814.6(a)(5)) and 14 days on the handbook and Driver's Licenses pages, but 15 days on the Teen Driver Roadmap; this page follows the statute: 14 days. DMV publishes no official test duration. The 'parking-lot' maneuver id is used because California scores parking lot driving as its own section.

Sources

Every fact above links to one of these official pages. Checked October 4, 2026.

dmv.ca.gov

  1. driver licenses dl
  2. instruction permits
  3. the testing process
  4. pre drive checklist safety criteria
  5. Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet Sample (PDF)
  6. driving performance evaluation dpe scoring criteria
  7. licensing fees
  8. preparing for knowledge and drive tests

leginfo.legislature.ca.gov

  1. codes displaySection.xhtml
  2. codes displaySection.xhtml
  3. codes displaySection.xhtml

This guide summarizes official California sources for study. It is not the test itself, and only a DMV examiner (or a tester the state licenses) can pass or fail you. Rules change; confirm with California Department of Motor Vehicles before test day.

California permit practice testsSupervised driving log