By Audrey Cabaltica
Last week, I passed my Driver’s Permit exam on my first try. I was really nervous because I knew a lot of people who failed or weren’t allowed to take it. Here’s what I did to secure my permit.
First I completed the required 30-hour Driver’s Education online through the National Driving and Traffic School. You have to be at least 15½ to apply for a driver’s permit, so I thought you also had to be at least 15½ to begin Driver’s Ed. I found out later you can complete your Driver’s Ed before you turn 15½.
Many of my classmates didn’t read their Driver’s Ed and instead just left the tab open for 30 hours. A few people I know did this and failed the test. So, not wanting to fail, I read through every section of Driver’s Ed and truthfully spent 30 hours on the site. I learned a lot of traffic rules which I shared with my family whenever I would see a violation.
After I completed my Driver’s Ed, I waited two weeks for my certificate of completion to arrive in the mail. Once I had this, I applied for a Driver’s Permit online at the California DMV site and made an appointment at my local DMV. There’s an online application that you must complete with your information and both your parents’ signatures. If you don’t finish it, you won’t be able to take the permit test at your appointment.
Two weeks before my test, I studied daily. I found helpful study guides on Quizlet and did the sample tests on the DMV site.
I didn’t want to forget any documents and not be able to take the test. So, a week before my appointment, I prepared everything I had to bring: one proof of identity, two proofs of residency, and your Driver’s Ed certificate of completion. You also need your social security number and have the online application completed.
For proof of identity, the DMV prefers your birth certificate, but you can also bring your passport. To prove residency, you can bring any document that shows your name and address, like a school report card. But most teens don’t have mail addressed to them, so you can use documents with your parents’ names such as bank statements or vehicle registration. If you do this, you’ll need to bring your birth certificate to verify they’re your parents. I brought my birth certificate and my dad’s utility bill and bank statement.
On my appointment day, I arrived at the DMV 30 minutes early. But it didn’t matter because you can only check in and get a number 10 minutes before your appointment. There’s no line, you just get a number through your phone and sit down.
I was nervous to take the test because I know a handful of people that failed on their first try. I’ve also heard a lot of horror stories about the DMV, like how crowded it is and how the workers are grumpy.
After I checked in with my phone, I waited 15 minutes until my number was called. The DMV lady that checked my documents was really nice and made me less nervous. She said her kid also went to my high school. She quickly verified my documents and information. Then, I took a quick vision test from behind the counter and had my right thumb scanned. You also have to pay the $46 fee, which can be done with cash or credit card. It was very casual and simple.
I then went to the back of the DMV to get my picture taken. There was a small mirror to fix your hair while waiting in line, which was helpful. After my picture was taken, the DMV guy told me to give my phone to my mom before I took the test.
The testing area is a line of computers against the wall with dividers in between them. You stand up while taking the test. You can also take a paper version of the test and sit at a table nearby. It’s very casual and to start the test you simply scan your right thumb.
The test was exactly what I had studied. All the answers were from the Driver’s Ed. After each question, the computer will tell you if you got it right, and give you the correct answer if you didn’t. There are 46 multiple choice questions, each with three choices, so it’s easy to narrow down the answer. Once you answer 30 questions correctly, the test will stop.
After I passed the test, I went to the “Corrections” counter. The boy in front of me failed, but the lady at the counter let him retake it right away because he seemed too nervous. Usually, you have to wait at least a week to retake it, and only have three attempts to pass.
When it was my turn, I gave my receipt. She verified that I passed, printed my Driver’s Permit, and congratulated me.
To drive, you must first complete a two-hour driving lesson with a licensed driving instructor to validate your permit. I scheduled mine through Cupertino Driving School, which costs $170 per session. My brother used this too and we got the same driving instructor.
My next step is to complete six hours of driving with a licensed driving instructor and 50 hours with my parents, 10 of which have to be at night.
I had a good experience getting my Driver’s Permit. It was straightforward and stress-free because I prepared ahead of time and studied well. The people at the DMV were very understanding and relaxed. The test was all information I learned from the Drivers Ed. I’m very excited to get my Driver’s License and I’m glad I’m over the stress of getting my permit.
Audrey is a teen journalist and opinion editor of her school paper in Silicon Valley. She writes about trends, pop culture, media, and her experience as a Filipino-American.