California road test checklist: appointment, documents, vehicle and accompanying driver

For a California Class C driving test, first confirm your eligibility using the permit timeline. Minors need the required permit-holding period, education, professional training and supervised hours before testing.

Book the test and arrange the accompanying driver

A behind-the-wheel test requires an appointment through DMV appointments. In the office finder, select Field Offices and Automobile Driving Test. Save the confirmation and follow its address and arrival instructions.

Bring another California-licensed driver aged 18 or older for an adult applicant, or 25 or older for a minor, unless you are already licensed under DMV’s rules. The permit FAQ specifically requires a driver to accompany foreign-license holders to and from the test. A permit alone never lets you drive yourself there without supervision.

Pack the documents

• Your instruction permit or driver license, if you have one.
• Valid vehicle registration and proof of insurance meeting California requirements.
• For minors, the driver-training completion certificate and permit signed to certify the required practice. If prior permit time is needed, bring the expired permit as well as the current one.
• Your corrective lenses if required.
• For a rental vehicle, a contract listing your name that does not exclude driving tests.

The official testing process lists the test-day requirements. Check rental terms before paying for a vehicle.

Check the car and learn its controls

Use the DMV pre-drive safety checklist. Check the driver’s window, clear windshield, turn signals, both brake lights, horn, tires, mirrors, brakes and seat belts. You need at least two mirrors, including an outside mirror on the left; a temporary donut spare is not allowed.

Practice identifying and operating the parking brake, wipers, defroster, emergency flashers and headlights, and demonstrating arm signals. A failed vehicle safety item can mean rescheduling. Being unable to locate or demonstrate four or more of items 9–14 on DMV’s checklist counts as a failed test, so knowing the controls matters too.

Cameras, driver assistance and language help

Backup cameras and blind-spot monitors may be used, but you must still check mirrors and blind spots yourself. Advanced assistance such as automated parking, lane-departure technology and adaptive cruise control is not permitted during the test.

Disable audio and video recording. If a recording device cannot be switched off or disabled, DMV requires it to be blocked so it records neither video nor audio. An interpreter may help identify and demonstrate controls during the pre-drive inspection, but cannot accompany the driving test. Prepare with DMV’s translated driving-test words and phrases.

If you need another attempt

Minors must wait 14 days, excluding the failure day, before retesting. The current fee schedule lists a $9 Class C driving retest fee. After three drive-test failures, you must reapply and pay the application fee again.