The Vision Test

Your eyes will be tested by means of a mechanical device. The minimum acceptable vision is 20/60 in one eye, with or without corrective lenses, and a field of vision of at least 140 degrees for a Regular Class license and 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses with a field of vision at least 140 degrees for a Commercial Class license. Upon failure of the field vision screening the applicant will be required to have a DS-274 completed by a licensed optometrist.

Knowledge Exams

The Road Rules Test

The road rules test consists of a set of questions about driver responsibility, knowledge of laws and safe driving practices, applicable to the class of license applied for. To pass the test, the applicants must answer at least 15 out of 20 questions correctly.

The road rules tests are available in some non-English languages, but all drivers must demonstrate the ability to read and understand simple English such as is used in highway traffic and directional signs. The Road Sign Test and actual driving test are in English only.

The Road Sign Test

The Road Sign Test consists of questions about the meaning of standard highway signs. You will be asked to identify certain signs, signals and markers. A minimum score of 15 out of 20 correct answers is required to pass.

Note: Knowledge Exams must begin at least 30 minutes before the Customer Service Center closes to allow adequate time for testing and permit issuance.

The Driving Test

All road test vehicles must be covered by liability insurance (you must show a valid insurance card), pass a safety inspection, and if the vehicle is not equipped with turn signals, you must know your hand signals. You must present your vehicle registration and the tag (license plate) cannot be expired.

Appointments are recommended for all driving tests. Without a reservation you will be worked in between scheduled appointments, but there is no guarantee that you can be served on a particular day.

On the driving test you will be expected to do all or part of the following:

1. Parallel Parking: Park midway between two standards so that your car is not more than 18 inches from the curb.
2. Quick Stops: Drive at a speed of 20 miles per hour and make a quick, safe stop when the examiner instructs you.
3. Backing: Back your car for a distance of about 50 feet, at a slow rate of speed, and as straight and as smoothly as possible. Turn your head and look back at all times while backing.
4. Stopping for Signs or Traffic Signals: Give the proper hand or brake signal; approach in the proper lane; stop before reaching a pedestrian crosswalk; and remain stopped until you may move safely through.
5. Turnabout: Turn your car in a narrow space using two-, three- or five- point turns.
6. Use of Clutch: If your car has a standard transmission, you must shift smoothly and correctly.
7. Approaching Corners: You must be in proper lane and look in both directions.
8. Yielding Right-of-Way: Always yield right-of-way to pedestrians, motor vehicles, bicyclists or anyone else who moves into the intersection before you.
9. Turning: Get into the proper lane and give signal an adequate distance before reaching the turn.
10. Passing: Always look ahead and behind to make sure you can safely pass without interfering with other traffic.
11. Following: Do not drive too closely behind other cars. Watch the car ahead of you; when it passes some reference point, such as a telephone pole, then count "one-thousand-one, one-thousand-two." If you pass the same spot before you are through counting, you are following too closely.
12. Posture: Keep both hands on the steering wheel. Do not rest your elbow on the window and do not attempt to carry on a conversation with the Examiner because they will be busy giving instructions and recording your score.

At the end of the test, the license examiner will gladly show you your score sheet and will provide you ample opportunity to discuss the test if you so desire. The applicant must achieve a minimum score of 75% to pass.

Retesting

Applicants who fail the knowledge or driving test must wait at least one day to retest.

Applicants who fail the knowledge or driving test a second (third, fourth, etc.) time must wait at least 7 days to retest.

 A 30 day waiting period for retest applies to an applicant who fails the driving test due to a traffic accident or traffic violation during the driving test, whether ticketed or not.

All retesting is subject to reservation availability.