driving test prep sheet notes

self explanatory

what to bring to the test

• your permit

• another california licensed driver, 18+

• a vehicle safe to drive for the test

• proof of insurance and vehicle registration

test contents

• takes abt 20 min

• tests:

  • backing in a straight line

  • parallel parking

  • turning

  • stopping in regular traffic

  • controlling the vehicle

  • observing traffic

  • maintaining vehicle position

  • using signals

• any dangerous/illegal maneuvers will result in immediate failure

vehicle requirements

• window on driver side must be open

• windsheild must allow full, clear, unblocked view for you and proctor

• at least 2 rearview mirrors

• left & right brake lights must work

• can’t use donut tires

• foot break must have at least 1 inch of clearance between bottom of pedal and floorboard when pressed

• horn must be loud enough to hear from 200 feet

• know how to turn on emergency parking break

• know the arm signals for turns/stops

• show that windshield wipers work

• seatbelts must work

test will be rescheduled if any of these fail

pre-driving skills

• don’t panic, take your time to avoid mistakes

adjusting the driver’s seat:

• adjust seat & headrest

• adjust mirrors

• adjust and fasten seatbelt

• locate controls

getting started

know how to:

• turn on the vehicle

• shift between park, drive, and reverse w/ foot on brake

• smoothly put vehicle into motion

• driving in a straight line, maintaining position

• stopping smoothly w/o jerking

• backing up safely

• keeping hands on wheel save for backing up

• using mirrors correctly

turning tips

things you should expect to do:

• make right/left turns from a stop

• make right/left turns while in motion

• execute a turn from the correct lane

• signal 100 feet before starting turn

• using hand-over-hand turning method

• making 2, 3, and 5 point turns

• making u-turns

parking tips

know how to

• park in a parking lot

• enter/exit parking spaces

• parallel park

intersection tips

know how to

• understand right-of-way @ controlled/uncontrolled intersections

• stop fully at stop signs before crosswalks/stop lines

• yield right-of-way to pedestrians

• follow traffic signs/lights

changing lanes tips

know how to

• check blind spots

• signal 100 feet before change

• demonstrate how to pass/be passed

• stay out of other ppl’s blind spots

spatial awareness

• understand where your vehicle is relative to

  • other vehicles

  • pedestrians

  • obstacles

• maintain appropriate space cusion

• employ SEE iT

  • search

  • evaluate

  • execute in time

highway driving tips

know how to

• enter/exit highway

• maintain safe highway speeds

• leave appropriate following distance

• passing/changing lanes on highway

following the law tips

• understand/follow all signs

• obey speed limit

• don’t use phone while driving

• don’t drive under the influence

• drive defensively

• stop/move for emergency vehicles

other important skills to have

• driving at night

• negotiating city traffic

• dealing with extreme weather (know when not to drive)

• respond to car skids/malfunctions/blowouts