Feeling nervous about passing driver’s ed? You don’t have to be. With the right approach, you can score high on both the knowledge test and the behind-the-wheel exam. We promise!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to pass driver’s ed, what mistakes to avoid, and which topics to focus on when studying for the written portion of the test. We’ll also share insider tips to boost your chances of success.
Let’s get started.
How to Pass Driver’s Ed: 8 Steps
First, make sure you understand what it takes to pass driver’s ed. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you need to do:
1. Enroll in a DMV-Approved Driver’s Education Course
Start by choosing a driver’s education course licensed by the California DMV. Use the DMV’s online search tool to find a licensed driving school.
Or, sign up with Traffic Safety Institute, which offers a state-approved California driver’s ed course you can complete from any device. Our course is 100% online, and we guarantee you’ll pass. Plus, it comes with free audio read-alongs, practice quizzes, 24/7 support, and other helpful resources.
2. Complete 30 Hours of Classroom or Online Instruction
In California, driving school takes around 36 hours, plus 50 hours of supervised behind-the-wheel practice. However, the theoretical component requires only 30 hours of study.
Students can complete the mandatory 30 hours online or in a classroom setting. Online courses cover the same topics as in-person instruction, but the lessons are delivered in a more flexible format. This option has several advantages, including:
- Study at your own pace, from any device
- Take practice tests with instant feedback
- Pause and resume at any time
- Access the course materials 24/7
- Track your progress through a user-friendly dashboard
- Often cheaper than in-person classes
- No commuting required
Depending on the school, online classes may also feature interactive elements, printable certificates, 24/7 support, and other perks.
💡 Our online driver’s ed course includes 15 easy-to-follow modules, practice quizzes, and an open-book exam. These resources are designed to improve and test your knowledge of California traffic laws, right-of-way rules, safe driving practices, roadway markings, and more. At Traffic Safety Institute, the test has 25 questions – and 100% of our students pass.
3. Submit Your Certificate of Completion to the DMV
After you pass the exam, the school will issue a certificate of completion, or pink slip, that you will bring to the DMV to get your learner’s permit. At Traffic Safety Institute, we provide students with an instant electronic certificate copy. We also mail a physical copy of your pink slip to the DMV for free.
You’ll also need to bring the following documents:
- Driver’s license application form (DL 44)
- A California ID card or proof of identity and residency
- Form DL-11 (if you’re an emancipated minor)
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
Apart from that, you must provide a thumbprint, have your photo taken, and pay a $45 application fee. If you’re under 18, ask your parent or legal guardian to sign form DL-44.
Note: It’s necessary to book an appointment with the DMV prior to your visit.
4. Pass a Vision Test
A DMV examiner will test your vision to ensure you’re fit to drive. To pass the screening, you must have a visual acuity of 20/40 in both eyes, with or without glasses or contact lenses. If you need glasses, be sure to bring them with you!
If you fail the vision exam, you’ll undergo further tests to check your eyesight.
5. Take the Knowledge Test to Get Your Learner’s Permit
At the DMV, you’ll also be required to complete a knowledge test. It includes 46 multiple-choice questions. These are based on the California Driver’s Handbook and cover topics like traffic signs and their meanings, safe vehicle operation, and the rules of the road. This is the same material you learned in your driver’s ed course. (In other words, you’ve got this!)
If you score at least 80% on the test, the DMV will issue a learner’s permit. This allows you to start driver’s training (DT).
⭐ Young adults over 17 ½ years old can get a learner’s permit, or instruction permit, without completing driver’s ed. However, they still need to take and pass the knowledge test.
6. Complete Behind-the-Wheel Training
Next, you need to complete at least six hours of practice at a DMV-approved driving school. This step is mandatory for all applicants aged 15 ½ to 17 ½.
Again, check the DMV’s list of approved driving schools to find one that meets your needs. Expect to pay $350 to $550 or more for driving school, depending on the school’s location, reputation, and what’s included in the package.
Read: How Much Is Driving School in California?
7. Log 50 Hours of Supervised Driving Practice
Next, you’ll need to complete at least 50 hours of driving practice, including 10 hours at night, under the supervision of a licensed adult driver. Try to mix it up – freeways, parking lots, rainy days – so you’re ready for anything on test day.
If you prefer to spend some of this time with an instructor, ask about bundled discounts. Many driving schools offer better rates when you book 10, 20, or even 50 hours of practice.
8. Schedule and Pass the Driving Test
Once you’re done with driver training, schedule your behind-the-wheel test online or by calling 1-800-777-0133. Note that you must hold your learner’s permit for at least six months before taking the road test.
Here’s what to bring to the DMV on test day:
- Your instruction permit
- A vehicle that’s safe to drive
- Proof of auto insurance
- Valid vehicle registration card
Make sure you’re accompanied by a California-licensed driver who is at least 18 years old. If you’re a minor, you must be with a driver aged 25 or older.
First, the DMV examiner will ask you to perform basic tasks like using the emergency brake, turn signals, and windshield wipers. If everything goes well, you’ll move on to the driving portion of the test, which includes:
- Lane changes
- Left and right turns
- Parking maneuvers
- Merging into traffic
- Maintaining safe following distances
- Backing up in a straight line
- Obeying traffic signs and signals
The examiner wants to see that you have strong control of the vehicle and a thorough understanding of traffic laws. You don’t need to drive like a pro, but you must show you can handle the car safely, follow the rules, and respond appropriately to different situations.
If you pass the test, you’ll get a provisional license (if you’re under 18) or full driver’s license.
Applicants are allowed three attempts to pass the test, with a 14-day waiting period between each attempt. Those who fail all three tries must reapply for a learner’s permit and pay the $45 fee.
6 Commonly Missed Topics on the California Permit Test
Studying for the California permit test can be tricky, as you may not know what to focus on.
Here are some commonly missed topics you’ll want to master before test day:
- Right-of-Way Rules: Many test-takers struggle with who goes first, especially at intersections, four-way stops, or when merging. Generally, the driver on the right has the right of way, but there are cases where this rule doesn’t apply. See this guide for a detailed breakdown of when to yield.
- Parking on Hills: If you’re parking uphill with a curb, turn your wheels away from the curb. Downhill or no curb? Steer your wheels toward the roadside to prevent rolling. Check out this chapter of the California Driver’s Handbook for more tips.
- Headlight Usage: California headlight law requires drivers to use their headlights at night, in bad weather or low visibility, and in other situations. There are also specific rules around headlight brightness, height, color, and tint to ensure safety for all drivers.
- Blood Alcohol Concentration: Drinking and driving is forbidden in California, but do you know the legal limits for blood alcohol concentration (BAC)? If not, revisit the California Driver’s Handbook to review the laws on alcohol use and how DUI charges can impact your record.
- Traffic Signs: California has approximately 500,000 road signs, from standard stop signs to more obscure warnings like “Falling Rocks” or “End Freeway.” Knowing what each one means is essential for passing driver’s ed and staying safe behind the wheel.
- Following distances: The California DMV advises maintaining a three-second gap when following another vehicle, though certain situations may require more space ahead of you. During the behind-the-wheel test, the examiner will want to see that you understand and obey these rules.
10 Automatic Fails on the California Driving Test
The DMV uses a scoring system to evaluate your driving ability on the road test. Certain mistakes can automatically disqualify you, even before you start driving.
Let’s see a few examples:
- Intervention by the Examiner: If the examiner has to touch the wheel or brakes, it means they feel unsafe – and it’s game over.
- Collisions: Even a minor crash can disqualify you on the spot, as it demonstrates a lack of control over the vehicle.
- Disobeying Traffic Signs or signals: This common mistake can create a safety hazard. Given the risks, it results in immediate disqualification.
- Failing to Yield the Right-of-Way: Not giving priority to pedestrians, cyclists, or other drivers when required can lead to an accident. One mistake like this, and you’ll fail your driving test, regardless of how well you did otherwise.
- Unsafe Lane Changes: Switching lanes without checking your mirrors, signaling, or watching for other cars puts everyone at risk.
- Improper Speed Control: Driving too fast or too slow indicates that you’re not in full control of the vehicle. The examiner will see it as a safety risk and fail you.
- Failure to Use the Required Equipment: Skipping the seatbelt, applying excessive brake pressure, not using your headlights in the rain, and other blunders can automatically disqualify you.
- Blocking Intersections: Stopping in the middle of an intersection or failing to clear it before the light changes can disrupt traffic flow and endanger other road users. This kind of mistake results in immediate test failure.
- Improper Use of Bike Lanes: Driving, parking, or merging incorrectly in or near a bike lane is against the law and could put cyclists in danger.
- Stalling the Vehicle: Stalling on the road, especially at traffic lights, in intersections, or on steep inclines, may cause you to fail the test.
10 Tips for Passing Driver’s Ed
Knowing the theory is not enough to pass driver’s ed. You also need to understand why traffic laws exist in the first place and connect them to real-world scenarios. This becomes easier as you get more experience behind the wheel.
Here’s a list of tips for acing your tests:
- Master the Theoretical Concepts: Read the California Driver’s Handbook, take notes, and revisit the topics you’re struggling with. Every single question on the knowledge test is derived from this guide.
- Test Your Knowledge: Take practice tests regularly to identify weak areas. Start with the tests available on the DMV’s website and continue with those featured in our permit study guide. Aim for a score of 80% or higher.
- Focus on Common Trouble Areas: Pay extra attention to topics that trip up most students: right-of-way rules, blood alcohol levels, speed limits, traffic signal meanings, and parking regulations.
- Understand the “Why” Behind Rules: Don’t just memorize facts. Read the course materials, watch videos, and look for real-world examples to understand the reasoning behind traffic laws.
- Create a Study Schedule: Set aside 30 to 60 minutes of study each day instead of cramming the night before your test. Review the course materials on your way to school, at bedtime, or whenever it fits your schedule.
- Get Plenty of Practice Behind the Wheel: The mandatory 50 hours of behind-the-wheel practice is enough for some students; others need more. The goal is to get enough practice that you feel confident and ready to hit the road.
- Master Challenging Maneuvers: Some driving maneuvers pose challenges even for experienced drivers. Practice parallel parking, three-point turns, highway merging, and night driving to sharpen your skills and be ready for any scenario on the road test.
- Learn Defensive Driving Techniques: Ask your driving instructor to teach you how to spot hazards, keep a safe following distance, and anticipate other drivers’ moves.
- Take Notes After Each Lesson: Jot down important points from your instructor and review them regularly. For example, if you struggle with parallel parking, take a pen and paper and write the exact steps required, including reference points and mirror checks. Go over these notes every few days and before the exam.
- Ask Questions Immediately: Don’t let confusion build up. If something isn’t clear, ask your instructor right away. If you take driver’s ed online with us, we provide 24/7 support for this reason.
- Communicate With Your examiner: Ask them to repeat or clarify any instructions you don’t understand, and take a moment to think about what they said before performing the maneuver. Remember, the examiner doesn’t want you to fail.
For more tips, check out our guide on how to prepare for your behind-the-wheel test.
Why Take Driver’s Ed with Traffic Safety Institute?
Californians can start driver’s ed at age 15 ½. If you meet this requirement and are eager to get your driver’s license, we’re here to help you prepare for your permit test.
Our self-paced California driver’s ed course is accessible from any device and can be completed online. It’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly, offering a stress-free learning experience from start to finish.
When you take California Driver’s Ed with Traffic Safety Institute, you’ll also get:
✅ Free audio read-along
✅ Save-and-resume feature
✅ Live chat support around the clock
✅ Open-book final exam
✅ Practice quizzes
✅ DMV physical certificate
✅ Electronic certificate copy
✅ 100% pass guarantee
Need one more reason to sign up? We charge an all-inclusive flat fee of only $29.99, which is way less than the cost of driver’s ed with other providers. Use our California Driver’s Ed promo code to get an additional discount.
Take the first step to obtaining your driver’s license in California. Start driver’s education today.
