I recently took my driving test at the Lodi DMV and was nervous about it. During the test, I became less nervous and became confident. When I parked and finished the test, the driving instructor told me that I passed. The test wasn’t that bad, and it felt easy in a way.

Here are some things I learned while taking the test. The first thing you need is a driver’s permit and if you have that, you can make an appointment for the behind-the-wheel test at your nearest DMV. When you arrive on the day of the appointment, you need to check in and bring the car over to the side, where the driving instructors are. Before the test starts, the instructor has to do an inspection on the vehicle, they have to make sure the lights work and you know how to use the windshield wipers, defroster, and headlights. If a required item doesn’t work, you will not be able to start the test. The instructor also does a quick test on the hand signals before you actually start.

The route the instructor tests you on could be random, meaning each test could be different for everyone else. While driving, the instructor will give you directions on where to go. The instructor may randomly tell you to pull over so that you can do the backing-up portion of the test. For this part, you have to back up until the instructor tells you to stop, but you have to make sure the car drives in a straight line meaning you can’t hit the sidewalk or go into the road. If you hit the sidewalk or go into the road, it’s a critical error, meaning you probably failed the test.

After the backing-up portion of the test, the instructor will tell you to go back on the road. You will have to use your turn signals and check your mirrors and blind spots to make sure a car isn’t coming. When it is safe to do so, you can get back on the road. If your car is installed with a backup camera, you will not be allowed to use it on the test.

You will also have to stop at stop signs, just remember to take turns and yield to other drivers and pedestrians. (The pedestrians always have the right of way no matter what). If you practiced driving before the test, you would probably pass since you have experience. Just obey the laws, watch your speed/follow the speed limit, look ahead for dangers, and be aware of your surroundings.

When you arrive back at the DMV the instructor will tell you to park in the END OF THE TEST parking spots. After you put on the parking brake and turn off the car, the instructor might tell you to practice on things you may have messed up on. They may make it sound like you failed, but the instructor will give you a paper that they graded you on, and on the top right corner they would mark if you passed or not.

If you pass, you have to walk into the DMV and get a temporary license until you get the driver’s license card in the mail. If you are under 18 and fail the test, you have to wait two weeks before taking the test again and pay a fee. If you’re over 18 you can immediately make a new appointment and retake the test. You have three chances to pass, if you fail all three, you have to reapply for a driver’s license. I would recommend reading the DMV handbook and watching YouTube videos about the driving test. One very important thing to always do on a driver’s test or in life in general is to not be nervous, and be confident with yourself. 

Note: In California, you can get up to 15 points wrong, if you get more than 15 points off you fail, if you make any critical errors, you fail automatically

Link to Lodi DMV video-*ACTUAL TEST ROUTE* Lodi DMV #2 CA Behind The Wheel Driver’s License Driving California Course – YouTube

Link to Stockton DMV video-DMV Driving Test – Challenging City – OFFICIAL road test – no commentary – YouTube