Adequate brake pressure (you will be asked to step on the brake pedal to show it works properly).

A working horn designed for the vehicle.

Functioning front and back turn signals and brake lights.

The rear plate must show current registration. Before the test, the examiner checks for: Your drive test vehicle must be safe to drive. Vehicle safety technology, such as backup cameras and blind spot monitors, may be used on the drive test, but they are not a replacement for an actual visual check of your mirrors and blind spots and cannot solely be used on a drive test. Therefore, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technologies, such as automated parallel parking and adaptive cruise control, are not permitted during the drive test. The purpose of the drive test is to determine your skill in operating a motor vehicle in most road situations and evaluate your abilities, not the vehicle’s technology. They will not engage in general conversation. During the test, the examiner will ask questions and give directions. If you have any questions, ask the examiner before your drive test begins. Only the examiner, or other DMV authorized personnel, are permitted in the vehicle during your drive test. Anticipate another driver’s errors.įor your safety, ask the examiner to show you their DMV identification (ID) badge before the test begins.

Always look over the proper shoulder before making lane changes or pulling away from the curb.

Always look for potential hazards (scan) and check your mirrors frequently.

Use the proper lane and start a turn from the correct lane into the correct lane.

Know what the traffic signals mean and obey them at all times.

Increase your following distance in bad weather or poor visibility. Remember to turn on your headlights if you need to use your windshield wipers in poor weather conditions. If needed, reduce your speed for weather, road, and other traffic conditions.

If your view is blocked at a crosswalk, move forward carefully and look both ways before entering the intersection. Start braking well ahead of where you must stop to avoid sudden movement.

They will note other areas in which you may need improvement. During your drive test, the examiner will note how you obey the rules of the road and traffic signs and/or signals. The DMV examiner is there to ensure you demonstrate that you can handle your vehicle in regular traffic situations, not to trick you. When you practice, try to correct any driving errors you made before. Ask questions about driving situations that confused you. Ask your accompanying driver to calmly point out your mistakes. When you practice, pretend you are taking a drive test. Minors (under 18 years old) must complete 50 hours of behind-the-wheel training (10 hours must be night driving) before taking a drive test. Get enough practice. Some drivers need more practice than others.

Modesto driving test route