Passing your DMV Behind the Wheel Test is a big step towards getting your driver’s license. Here are 4 essential steps to help you prepare and pass with confidence.
1. Review the California Driver’s Handbook
There’s a reason why you have to pass the written test before driving on the road. Make sure you fully understand and can apply the knowledge from the California Driver’s Handbook. Take time to read through it carefully, paying close attention to the signs, rules, and driving tips.
This handbook isn’t just about driving—it’s about being a safe driver, which is exactly what your DMV examiner wants to see. While you don’t need to memorize every detail, focus on the key points, like speed limits, handling tricky intersections, and what to do at stop signs.
Now that you’ve reviewed the handbook and built a solid foundation of driving knowledge, it’s time to take the next step—getting behind the wheel and practicing your skills.
2. Schedule Your Driving Lessons with Traffic Depot and Practice Consistently
Now that you have your learner’s permit, it’s time to schedule your driving lessons with Traffic Depot. Practicing with your instructor will prepare you for your DMV Behind the Wheel Test. Your driving instructor will help you prepare for your DMV test, point out any mistakes, and teach you useful techniques to improve your driving skills.
We recommend scheduling your lessons with two-week gaps between each session. This gives you enough time to practice what you’ve learned, build good habits, and get comfortable behind the wheel.
During these two weeks, focus on the skills that will be on the test, like turning, parking, and stopping at the correct distance from stop signs or crosswalks. Have a licensed adult ride with you to provide feedback. With consistent practice, you’ll build confidence and develop the muscle memory needed to handle different driving situations easily.
With regular practice under your belt, it’s important to understand exactly what the DMV examiner will be looking for on test day. Let’s take a closer look at the evaluation sheet and what you need to know.
3. Understand the DMV Evaluation Sheet
When you take your behind-the-wheel test, the examiner will use DL 32 Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet to grade your driving. This sheet covers several areas, so it’s important to know what they’re looking for. Here’s a breakdown of what the DMV Behind the Wheel Test evaluator will be looking for:
- Vehicle Requirements: Before the test, make sure the car you’re using meets all DMV requirements. The vehicle should be safe, have working lights, brakes, and mirrors, and be properly registered and insured.
- Pre-Drive Checklist: Before you start driving, the examiner will check if you know how to operate the car. This includes showing you can use the brakes, turn signals, and windshield wipers. It’s important to know where everything is!
The Full Pre-Drive Checklist includes:- Driver Window: Make sure it rolls down.
- Windshield: Must provide an unobstructed view and be in good condition.
- Rear-view Mirrors: Must have at least 2 mirrors; one on each side of the vehicle.
- Turn Signals: Front and back turn signals must be fully functional.
- Brake Lights: Must be functional when pressing on the brakes.
- Tires: Must be in good condition, at least 1/32 inch tread depth.
- Foot Brake: Must be fully functional and unobstructed.
- Horn: Must be functional, not-modified, and loud enough to be heard at least 200ft.
- Emergency (Parking Brake): Must be able to locate, activate and deactivate parking brakes.
- Arm Signals: Must correctly show and explain left turn, right turn, and slow down/stop.
- Windshield Wipers: Locate control switch.
- Defroster: Locate windshield defroster buttons.
- Emergency Flasher (Hazard Lights): Locate red triangle button.
- Headlights: Locate switch for headlights.
- Passenger Door: Must open and close properly.
- Glove Box: Must be closed and secured.
- Seat belts: Must have functioning seat belts. Driver is responsible to ensure passengers have their seat belts on.
- On-the-Road Evaluation: During the drive, the examiner will evaluate different skills, such as:
- Parking Lot Driving: Safely navigating through parking lots, checking for pedestrians, and parking correctly.
- Intersections: Stopping at the correct place, yielding when necessary, and handling traffic lights and stop signs properly.
- Business/Urban and Residential Driving: Following the speed limits, watching for pedestrians and cyclists, and being aware of surroundings.
- Lane Changes: Using signals, checking mirrors and blind spots, and changing lanes smoothly and safely.
- Backing: Reversing safely, checking your surroundings, and maintaining control of the car.
- Turns: Making smooth, controlled turns without crossing lanes or cutting corners.
Each part of your performance will be graded, so focus on staying calm and doing each step carefully. The key is to show the examiner you can drive safely and follow the rules.
- Critical Driving Errors: Be careful not to commit any of the following critical driving errors or you will automatically fail your test. In general, anything illegal or dangerous will be an automatic failure.
- Intervention by Examiner: Any time the examiner has to physically or verbally intervene (e.g., telling you to “Stop”).
- Striking an Object: Hitting another vehicle, object, bicyclist, pedestrian, or animal when it could have been avoided.
- Disobeying Traffic Signs or Signals: Failing to follow signs, signals, or lane markings such as stop signs, traffic lights, or lane arrows.
- Disobeying Traffic Safety Personnel: Ignoring directions from law enforcement officers, safety personnel, or emergency vehicles.
- Dangerous Maneuvers: Performing any action that forces other drivers or pedestrians to take evasive action. Not moving your head and eyes to check traffic at an intersection, lane change, or merge when a hazard is present.
- Improper Speed: Driving more than 10 mph over or under the speed limit without justification from road, traffic, or weather conditions.
- Auxiliary Equipment Use: Not using windshield wipers, defroster, or headlights when necessary due to weather or darkness.
- Lane Violations: Driving in a bike lane, center turn lane, or oncoming traffic lane improperly, or making turns from the wrong lane.
Now that you know what the examiner will be grading you on, it’s time to prepare for any surprises on the road. Being able to handle the unexpected is key to passing your DMV test.
4. Expect the Unexpected: Handling Bad Drivers and Staying Calm
One of the most important things to remember during your DMV Behind the Wheel Test is to stay calm and expect the unexpected. You never know when another driver might make a mistake, so it’s important to be ready. Here are some tips on how to handle tricky situations:
- Stay Calm: If another driver cuts you off or makes a sudden stop, don’t panic. Keep your focus and make sure you’re driving safely. The examiner wants to see that you can stay in control, even in stressful moments.
- Defensive Driving: Always be on the lookout for hazards. This means checking your mirrors regularly, keeping a safe distance between you and the car in front of you, and watching for pedestrians or bicyclists who may cross suddenly.
- Adjusting to Conditions: Whether it’s raining, there’s heavy traffic, or the roads are full of pedestrians, make sure you adjust your speed and stay cautious. Slowing down and giving yourself extra time to react will help keep you safe.
- Handling Aggressive Drivers: If you encounter an aggressive driver who’s tailgating or weaving through traffic, stay calm and don’t engage. It’s best to keep your distance and let them pass.
By following these steps and staying prepared, you’ll be ready to face your DMV Behind the Wheel Test with confidence. But remember, it’s always helpful to have expert guidance.
Ready to pass your DMV Behind the Wheel Test?
Schedule your driving lessons with Traffic Depot today and get expert guidance every step of the way!
