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Written Driving Test Pointers

By DMV Wait Times Staff | May 6, 2021


Like anywhere in the world, to be able to drive you to need a driver's license. And if you reside in the state of California, you can receive one issued by the state as long as you meet the requirements mentioned in this article. 

Person taking a written test
With proper preparation, you can be ready to pass the written exam.

We know these processes can be stressful, so don't worry! That is why we are here. Follow the steps below and receive your license soon!

Driver license classes:

In the state of California, driver's licenses are divided into commercial and non-commercial. Within non-commercial driver's licenses, there are four classes. 

In this article, we will only mention the requirements you need to obtain a Class C license since that basic driver's license is the most common use.

Steps to follow before going to the DMV:

The DMV stands for Department of Motor Vehicles. There they will ask you to answer a theoretical exam, so you must study and know it well to pass it.

Use these resources to study: California Driver Handbook and California Commercial Driver Handbook.

Several educational and interactive materials will allow you to familiarize yourself with the dynamics of questions, the topics to be evaluated, and the content necessary to pass. You can find samples of the exams in English and Spanish here.

Gather the requirements:

Proof of identity: an original or certified document that establishes your date of birth, full name, and identity. You must be 18 or older to be eligible.

  • Social security number (SSN).
  • Proof of California residency.
  • Fill out the application

Once you have the requirements, proceed to complete the Driver License and Identity Card Application and pay any applicable fees. This information is updated directly at dmv.ca.gov where you can also fill out your application before going to the offices, in which case you must make sure you receive the application confirmation via email.

Schedule an appointment:

Once you have the confirmation, make an appointment. You can schedule it online on the same website or by calling 1-800-777-0133.

If you are a beginning driver or if you have not driven in a long time, it is also recommended to practice before attending in case you are asked to take a driving test.

Preparing for your knowledge tests:

In most cases, you need to pass a knowledge test to show that you know all the traffic and safety laws before you can get an instruction permit or Driving License.

In the following, we have given some of the suggestions for studying for your knowledge tests:

  • Review the California Driver Handbook. It has a lot of vital information so it is recommended to go through it.
  • Go through the test questions properly. It will have one correct answer and the other two choices. Do not worry! There will be no trick questions.
  • Remember all the test questions are taken from the handbook. If you will miss any of the questions, the field office employee will tell you on which page to find the correct answer.
  • Do not be nervous. DMV always wants you to pass the exam.

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