Driving test

Driving test information

"The road test (also known as a driving test, road exam, behind-the-wheel test) assesses your ability to safely and confidently operate a vehicle according to your state’s driving laws. During the test, you will drive a vehicle while a DMV test examiner evaluates your ability to control it in a variety of realistic driving situations.

All US states and Washington, DC require an applicant to pass a road test before he or she may be issued a driver’s license. Note that in most states, you can obtain a driver’s license without taking a road test if you already hold a valid driver’s license issued by another state (because this implies that you passed the driving test in that state). Some states also let you waive the DMV road test if you already hold a valid driver’s license issued by certain foreign countries. Use our DMV Assistant to find out the exact DMV requirements for your situation.

The minimum age at which you may take a road test varies from state to state. Depending on the state, you may be eligible to take the road test if at least one of the following applies to you:

You’re at least 16 years of age.

You’ve passed certain stages of the state’s graduated driver’s license (GDL) program for young drivers.

You’ve met your state’s requirements for new drivers.

You’ve met your state’s requirements for drivers who have moved into your state from elsewhere.

You should prepare to be tested on a wide variety of driving skills: driving through an intersection; backing up, perhaps around a corner; three-point turns; left- and right-hand turns; and changing lanes. Some states may also test you on your ability to drive on a freeway. If so, be prepared to safely enter a highway, pass other vehicles, and exit the highway. Many states also require you to demonstrate competency at parallel parking. Check your state’s manual to see if this will be included in your road test."