Use this California behind the wheel test checklist to prepare for your appointment, confirm what to bring, and check that your vehicle is ready. The DMV can reschedule a test if the vehicle does not meet certain safety requirements, so review the current California DMV pre-drive checklist before test day.
What Should You Bring to the California Driving Test?
What steps should you take?
- Confirm the appointment, valid permit, and qualified accompanying driver.
- Check vehicle safety equipment, registration, and proof of insurance.
- Review the DMV pre-drive inspection and arrive prepared.
Prepare
Check permit, vehicle and appointment
Practice
Observation, signals and control
Demonstrate
Safe driving with the examiner
Before you leave, check the DMV’s current instructions for your application and appointment. The DMV says to bring:
☐ Your instruction permit or driver’s license, if you have one.
☐ Another California-licensed driver who is at least 18—or 25 if you are a minor—unless you are already licensed to drive.
☐ A vehicle that is safe to drive.
☐ Valid proof of insurance and vehicle registration.
☐ If you are using a rental vehicle, a rental contract that lists you as a driver and does not exclude behind-the-wheel tests.
Check the Vehicle Before Test Day
Use the following list to check the vehicle you plan to bring. If you are unsure whether an item meets DMV requirements, review the official safety criteria or have the vehicle checked before your appointment. For a complete explanation of eligible vehicles and required equipment, see California driving-test car requirements.
Vehicle condition
☐ The driver-side window opens.
☐ The windshield gives you and the examiner a full, unobstructed view.
☐ The vehicle has at least two secure, unbroken mirrors, including one outside on the left.
☐ The front and rear left and right turn signals work.
☐ Both left and right brake lights work.
☐ The tires meet DMV tread requirements and are not bald.
☐ The foot brake works and has at least one inch of clearance from the floorboard when depressed.
☐ The horn works and can be heard from at least 200 feet.
☐ The front passenger door opens and closes properly.
☐ The glove box closes securely.
☐ Seat belts are present for you and the examiner and work properly.
Controls to locate or demonstrate
The examiner may ask you to locate or demonstrate how to use these items:
☐ Emergency or parking brake: set and release it.
☐ Arm signals: left turn, right turn, and slowing or stopping.
☐ Windshield wipers.
☐ Front windshield defroster.
☐ Emergency flashers, if the vehicle has them.
☐ Headlights.
The DMV notes that some vehicle problems can cause a test to be rescheduled. It also says that being unable to locate or demonstrate four or more of certain controls can result in an unsatisfactory pre-drive check. See its current pre-drive safety criteria for the exact requirements.
Before You Leave for the Appointment
☐ Confirm the appointment time and DMV office location.
☐ Check that you have the required permit or license, registration, and proof of insurance.
☐ Confirm that the vehicle is ready and the required accompanying driver can bring you, if needed.
☐ If your permit or license requires corrective lenses, bring and wear them.
☐ Remove anything that could block the examiner’s seat, seat belt, or view.
☐ Disable recording devices. If a device cannot be disabled, block it so it cannot capture audio or video; the DMV prohibits recording during the drive test.
For a step-by-step overview of arrival, check-in, and the drive itself, see what to expect on California DMV test day.
Before the Test Begins
Arrive with enough time to check in without rushing. Adjust your seat and mirrors, fasten your seat belt, and make sure you know where the basic controls are. The DMV says only the examiner normally accompanies you during the drive test, with limited exceptions.
This checklist covers test-day and vehicle preparation. For help practicing observation, stops, turns, lane changes, and backing, read 9 California Behind the Wheel Test Tips.
KEEP PRACTICE ORGANIZED
Track hours, skills, and what to practice next
If you have more supervised practice before your appointment, the Student Driver Logbook helps you and your supervising driver record hours, note the skills you worked on, and see what still needs attention.
READY FOR STRUCTURED PRACTICE?
Practice the skills that matter on test day
The 7 Skills Every Driver Must Master: Behind-the-Wheel Digital Guide helps you prepare for road-test driving skills and common mistakes. Use its skill-by-skill approach to decide what to work on during your next supervised practice drive.
For other California study and driving resources, visit the California DMV Resources collection.
Browse the California driver license and DMV resources hub for related guides.
Educational content only. Justin Time Publishing is independent of the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Confirm current requirements with the California DMV before applying, scheduling, or testing.