Guide on California DMV Exam

There is nothing more exciting than learning how to drive. The fact that you can go out on your own and without the help of your parents or friends to take you places can make you a feel like a full-fledged adult. Just imagine the places you can go and see and the exciting road trips ahead. The sky is the limit when it comes to your destinations.

Before you start daydreaming and planning your trips, you need to make sure you focus on one thing first, getting your driver’s license. The dreaded part of the test is probably the practical exam which is the actual driving but before that, you need to ace the DMV exam.

In the state of California, the DMV test consists of 46 questions, only 38 of which you need to answer correctly. In short, you need 83 percent to pass with flying colors. The DMV test sounds nerve-wracking but it would help if you have the full details about the test you need to hurdle.

What to Study?

Road Signs

It is guaranteed that questions about important road signs will appear in the DMV exam. As a driver, you must be able to know the meaning when you see an inverted red triangle or when you see broken white lines down the road. There are plenty of road signs and it is important to know them all as for sure, you would encounter all of them in the future. Memorize the meaning of different signs and colors that you will see on the road, as well as different markings on the pavement. It would be easy to ace this DMV test when you can interpret all the road signs out there.

Road Laws

Aside from signs, the meat of the DMV exam would be about the laws that you would need to know by heart if you are going to be issued a driver’s license. You need to know how the state of California punishes those who disobey the driving laws, an example of which is the distracted driving law. You know that you are not allowed to call and text while driving but when caught, what are the state’s punishments for the drivers? What are the consequences of your actions when you are caught several times?

There are also laws that you need to remember when it comes to child safety. Even if you are not a parent, you should know what the requirements for children are if in case you will be having kids as passengers. Knowing all these laws will help you drive safely and help you avoid running into authorities as soon as you go out.

Speed Limits

There are varying speed limits when it comes to different places and areas. For example, within a school zone, you should know how fast the law allows you to when passing through child-prone areas. Speeding is one of the most common traffic violations as people sometimes do not know how they are supposed to slow down whenever they are in a residential area or when entering a tunnel so be prepared as you are going to be asked about this.

How to Share the Road

When you are out there on the road, you encounter motorists like you as well as pedestrians and those who are driving a motorcycle, a truck or other types of automobiles. You can expect that the test will ask who the right of way is in most cases that you will encounter them in the road. Questions like how far should you be when you are trailing varying types of vehicles such as a truck or a motorcycle will be asked.

Driving in Different Weather

You will not always be driving in a perfect condition. Although bright and sunny is the most ideal driving weather, you will not always have it this easy. When you are in transit, you can experience changing weather when going from one state to another. You might be surprised at how dynamics change when you are suddenly encountering a snow storm on the way to your destination. You are expected to know how to handle your vehicle whenever you are in a snowy road or in a flood. You can encounter questions about how to handle your vehicle in extremely bad weather such as a thunderstorm or a tornado. Even if you live in sunny California, you should be ready and knowledgeable about all weather types.

Tips to Pass the DMV Test

There are just so many topics covered when it comes to driving and 46 questions is not that many. However, you cannot expect the DMV exam to be easy as the state ensures that all drivers out there are well trained and knowledgeable to drive. The DMV test do not have to be so intimating to someone who is well prepared. Here are some additional tips for you in order to ace the DMV test, especially if your exam is just around the corner.

Read the Manual

This cannot be emphasized enough, you need to thoroughly master the DMV handbook if you want your license in no time. In preparing for any exam, all you need to do to make sure you pass is you read, study and understand. Read everything the book has to offer and make sure you do not miss anything. Expect that you will be asked at least one questions from different topics of the handbook so do not skip an entire chapter or section. Do not just scan through the many pages and choose to review the ones that you think would most likely be asked. Aside from the purpose of passing the exam, the manual is created to ensure that all drivers out there are equipped with knowledge they need to operate a vehicle. Driving is a privilege and a responsibility. Only responsible and serious drivers should be allowed to take on the road.

Take Practice Tests

Aspiring drivers are lucky these days as they have the internet to help them pass the test. There are so many websites offering free DMV practice tests so you can gauge how well you remember the materials you’ve read and studied. Take the practice test seriously, as if you are doing the actual one. Time yourself so you know how fast you are able to take on the questions.

Since there are plenty of sites offering different types of practice tests, take as many as you can. If you get enough practice, the chances are you will encounter one of these questions in the actual exam and you will know how to answer them already.

Review Once Again and Retake the Practice Test

If you do not fare as well as you hope you would in practice tests, do not worry as that is what practice tests are for. It would even be better of you have plenty of errors early on as you usually remember these questions more and if you’re lucky, you would know how to answer them come real DMV exam. If you do not pass in any of the practice tests, you know that you are still not ready. Do not be disheartened and study again. Focus on the topics you have missed or do not remember. Read and reread the areas of the handbook that you find most difficult. Whenever you feel like you’re ready, take the practice tests again and for sure, you would fare better the next time around.

Ask your Friends about their Experience

Before the test, it would help a lot to hear from someone who actually took the DMV recently. Ask your friends who have recently taken the test and get tips from them as well. Their experience and encouragement can help build your confidence. If there are some other concerns that you do not read about online, now is the perfect time to clarify them.

Condition Yourself Before the Test

Right before an exam, you know that a well-conditioned body and mind can help you a lot. The night before, go to bed early so you will not have trouble staying awake when taking the test. A good night’s sleep will also help you think clearly and help you remember all the things you’ve reviewed. The morning of the exam, eat a heavy meal and indulge in your favorite morning drink. It is important to have a relaxed and calm mind before answering so you can think clearly and logically.

Be Confident

What gets to some exam takers is not the lack of knowledge or reviewing but nerves. The pressure of passing would sometimes interfere with your mind as you go through the questions. Some would even tend to have a mental block whenever they are pressured or stressed. Before entering the exam room, trust in your preparation. If you’ve reviewed hard, there’s no way for you to get a failing mark. Believe in yourself and confidently take on each question. Rely on your hard work and everything would turn out fine.

Do Not Be Afraid (or ashamed!) to Try Again

Failure to pass any test is disappointing and discouraging, especially since it would mean going back to the drawing board and starting all over. The DMV exam can be taken at a maximum of three times so those who do not make it the first time are lucky to be given 2 chances for retake. If you do not pass the first try, pick yourself up and do it over again. Study the material again and practice, practice, practice! It is embarrassing to fail but what’s more embarrassing if you fail three times so make the retake count. Focus on areas you know you did not fare well. Before the retake, ensure that you are ready so that you do not have to do it the third time.

Top 5 Traffic Violations in CA and How to Avoid Them

Traffic laws are set to ensure that individuals and families are always safe out there on the road. There are times when traffic rules and regulations are not followed, making it the reason for accidents and road mishaps. It is crucial that all who operate a vehicle has mastered road safety and traffic rules. For first time drivers, knowing these rules by heart is equally important as the driving itself.

If this will be your first time to drive, do not be intimidated on learning all these traffic rules as it is your responsibility as a driver. There are so many things to know but no matter how overwhelming they are, remember that each law is essential and you would need to know them even if you will not always encounter it daily. If in case that you will commit a traffic violation in the future, keep in mind that this will be a lesson learned along the way. A violation will remind you not to commit the same mistake again.

The state of California requires a mastery of road safety and regulations before you can be issued a license. It would be great to know the most common traffic violations committed in the state not only because it is vital to know them, but also so you will see how you can avoid committing them. Each state has a list of their common road violations, and they also might be similar to California’s list so read on to know about them. Cruising through California traffic will not be so bad if you know that you are not violating any laws on the road.

Speeding

One of the most common violations, if not the most common in California and for the rest of the country is speeding. The speed limit is often violated because there are so many limits set across different types of roads and neighborhoods. For instance, there is a set maximum speed limit in freeways or main roads, but of course, the moment you enter into a village, the speed limit changes. There is also a different allowable driving speed near schools, churches, construction zones or populated communities. Of course, when you know all speed limits across different areas, you will find it easier to avoid a traffic violation.

California is such a vast state, and it would be so much fun to drive around especially if it’s your first time to get a license. You must note that whenever you go on a road trip, speed limits change in major highways or for instance, inroads that become winding and steep. Make sure you check all the speed limit signs that are seen on the roads. Of course, it helps that before going somewhere unfamiliar, read up on allowable speed limit so you can avoid the dreaded ticket.

Aside from staying alert on the road signs, memorize the speed limit in areas you will be driving to every day. This is the best way you can avoid the speeding ticket. Remember, California traffic violation tickets do not come cheap. You are to pay a hefty fine each time, especially if you have several tickets already. But the penalty should not be the leading cause of concern of course. It is essential to avoid speeding as it will help your life, your passenger’s, and everyone else with you on the road.   

Beating the Red Light

One of the most critical but most common traffic violations in California is beating the red light. It is extremely dangerous as beating the red light always happens in intersections and almost always results in car collisions. Some drivers also tend to speed up upon seeing the yellow traffic light in hopes of still getting across and the end up crossing the moment the light turns red, resulting in beating the red light.

It is effortless to avoid beating the red light. One of the ways to prevent this is to familiarize yourself with the traffic lights you encounter when you take the same roads every day. If you know that a particular traffic light immediately turns red after 20 seconds, slow down when you know the green light will soon turn yellow. If you are in unfamiliar territory, better slow down on intersections or ease off your accelerator even if the sun is still green, so you would not end up being caught in between the yellow and red traffic light.

In the split second that you are cruising and the light suddenly turns yellow, and you have a decision to speed up or stop, always be on the safe side and choose to stay. Being delayed for a few minutes to your destination is better than getting into an accident or getting a traffic ticket.

Tailgating

Would you believe that tailgating is one of the more common traffic violations in California? If you think that there is no such thing as driving too close, then think again. It is illegal to drive too close to a car in front of you for so many obvious reasons. The most apparent is that a sudden brake from the car in front of you would result in one or multiple collisions. California traffic encourages all drivers to practice the principles of defensive driving, one of which is to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. The recommended distance is around 5 seconds, enough time for you to react or brake safely just in case the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops.  

Unsafe Lane Change

Getting caught changing from one lane to the other inroads where this is not allowed warrants a traffic violation in California. This is one of the most common violations in the state which can easily be avoided. If not in an emergency, remember to stay on your lane and do not keep changing lanes because you are in a hurry. If the car in front of you is too slow, you can change lanes safely if the road permits you to.

Railroad Crossing Violations

Another common traffic violation is not doing a proper stop at a railroad crossing. You need to be a certain number of feet away and make a full stop to ensure safe passage. You would be amazed at how many violations there are because of the failure to know what must be done when there is a railroad sign. To avoid it, remember the basic – stop, look and listen before going across.

What to Expect in a Driver’s Training Program?

There are so many reasons why one enrolls in a driver training school. The most common reason for enrolling is to know the basics, especially for first-time drivers. Aside from the basics, first-time drivers will get in-depth knowledge about everything concerning road and vehicle handling. More importantly, driver training would also include behind the wheels training and tutorial.

Another reason for enrolling in a driver’s training program is to reorient yourself with driving. This is important for those who have not driven for a long time and want to refresh their memory and skills on driving. Even if you knew how to drive before, enrolling in a driver training program will make sure you can still handle a vehicle is highly recommended. If you are also new in the country or just transferred from one state to another, you would want to enroll in a driver training school to orient yourself with rules and regulations of your new location.

Lastly, there are some students who undergo driver training to satisfy the requirements of a driving ticket. Some violations would require the driver to enroll in a training school to be able to hit the road again.  

Regardless of the reason to enroll in a driver training school, the goal is to finish the courses and the training backed with all the information when you are out there. The aim at the end of the day is to get that license and become a confident and safe driver. If you have absolutely no clue on what happens in a driver training school, this article is for your so read on.

You Will Master the Rules and Regulations

Driver training schools ensure that all their students are able to understand and follow all traffic rules and regulations, for their own safety and for all the people around them. It is guaranteed that you will know all the latest driving laws not only by the state but also throughout the whole country. Accidents can be avoided if all drivers know the roadway rules which include right-of-way. Lack of knowledge in this is attributed to a lot of major and minor collisions daily. Knowing the regulations on pedestrian safety and crosswalk traffic is also critical especially when driving around your local neighborhood. Lastly, when it comes to major thoroughfares, it is crucial to master the laws when it comes to intersection and roundabouts. You will be an expert when it comes to knowledge on allowable speed limits, railway track laws, and road safety across different road terrains and weather conditions.

You Will Conquer your Fears

Driving is intimidating especially for first-timers. A driver training school will help you just shake off these nerves and learn how to confidently take on any road, anytime. Driver’s education will ease you into driving and would allow you to conquer your fears one session at a time. Are you afraid to drive at night? Scared to pass through a major road or an expressway? It is normal to have those fears but driver training will make sure that you are skilled to go on out there on your own. Just wear a positive attitude each day as you learn your way slowly but surely.

You Will Ask Many Questions

In going to any type of school, the goal at the end of the day is to learn. If you are eager to learn, you will need to ask questions and in driver training, you are free to ask as many as you can. Do not be afraid to ask your trainer if there are things you do not clearly understand or there are rules that you want him to expound. When inside the vehicle, ask different scenarios and find out how to go about them just in case you will encounter that scenario in the future. The instructors will give you lots of encouragement and you will never be alone in this training. This is the perfect time to learn everything before you go on your own.

How to Choose the Right Driving School

There are a couple of skills that one can learn just by reading and researching thoroughly, but unfortunately, this does not apply to driving skill. Although there are road rules and concepts to master, the practical test is an entirely different scenario. Even if you’ve memorized the road handbooks from cover to cover, the practical driving test is something to master altogether. Thankfully, there are driving schools that will enable you to become an efficient driver in the shortest period of time.

Driving is exciting, especially if this is your first time and you want to reach so many places without needing someone to drive you around. There are quite a number of driving schools who are willing to help but the big question is, how to pick the right driving school. Driving schools offer basically the same services and similar rates but there are some other qualitative factors that can help you pick the best one.

There are a couple of questions to ask before choosing the right driving school. Remember to pick the one that is the most qualified and give the best value for money. Here are some of the important qualifications to keep in mind.

Are They a Certified Driving School to Teach?

This is a very important requirement because you do not want to spend time and money with a school that is not recognized by the state or government. Check if the driving school has all the needed documents to certify that they passed the basic qualifications of operations mandated by the state. Each state has different requirements to ensure that schools enable qualified drivers so that the roads are safe for everyone. Licenses are issued to driving schools that are also affiliated with other well-known institutions, to guarantee that they are able to provide the most up to date modules and curriculums. Before you choose, know if the school has certifications that are up to date. You may check the list of driving schools accredited by the state which can be found in your local DMV.

Is the Driving School Known for Its High Passing Rate?

For law or medical schools, one of the ways to know if they are good is if their graduates are able to pass their licensure exams. Same goes with a driving school – you want to know if the school produces students who pass the actual driving tests and get their licenses in one try. You can find out by asking the help of your friends, family or anyone from your neighborhood. Ask around, read Google reviews, and listen to the referrals of friends who have tried a particular driving school and get their feedback. You can also try to find out if there are also other schools they’ve tried that can be one of your options or prospects. It also helps to read up or research about driving schools that you have shortlisted. Ask in online forums for feedback from people who are actual graduates of the school. Did they find it easy to pass the driving test? What did they like about the driving school and would they recommend it to you? Do not decide in a jiffy, take the time to find out the pros and cons of your options.

Do I Need to Do a School Visit?

A school visit may sound over the top but the reality is, a visit to the driving school is recommended prior to enrollment to help you in your decision. At times, you would just feel that the school is the one for you when all you have are good vibes the moment you step in the facility.  Find out how they teach and train the students by observing. Check their learning materials and see their methods of teaching the enrollees once you’re there. You can also try to approach some students from driving school and ask how it is like to take classes there. If you see a parent with a child enrolled there, ask the parent what and how they teach the new drivers. Are the learning methods modern and up to date? Are the facilities good? Do not hesitate to ask around especially if you are determined to pick the best driving school for you.

Check several schools and do notes and comparisons. Ask each school you visit why you should pick their school over the others.

How Is the Instructor and the Class Size?

It is crucial that you also pick a school with good instructors. Of course, you cannot always pick the instructor assigned to you but if the school is good and reputable, all their instructors should be qualified. If you have hesitations on the instructor assigned to you, do not be afraid to ask for a replacement. You want to have someone who you are comfortable with at all times, especially when you are out there driving.

Do the Classes Fit to your Schedule?

Pick a driving school that can adjust to your schedule requirements, not the other way around. If you have a day job, have kids, or are enrolled in a university, getting a good schedule may post a challenge. Schedule may be one of the most important considerations in picking a driving school. Do they offer classes at your preferred date and time? Always pick the school that has the most available timeslots so you have plenty of options. APDriving.com offers free online driver’s ed that can be taken anytime and anywhere.

How are their Vehicles?  

The most important teaching tool in a driving school is the vehicle. Make sure you pick a driving school that has well-maintained vehicles. They should not necessarily be brand new but they should be in good condition. Find out if their cars have insurance and check if they have the right license plates. If possible, request for the same car model you have at home to make the transition easier.

Step by Step Guide on How to Get a Driver’s License in California

What makes knowing how to drive so enticing? The fact is, driving on your own can be equated to freedom. Think of all the places you can go and all the endless road trips you can take when you know how to drive. It would be awesome when you would never have to depend on others to go from one place to another. When you know how to drive, you can forever say goodbye to cab fares, you can go out any time of the day to do errands, and you can impress everyone with your independence. Plain and simple – driving is just fun and enjoyable!  

Getting a license is something you want to earn because it is important for road drivers to be responsible and capable. Securing a California driver’s license may be a bit overwhelming because of the many things you need to do and accomplish. However, this is the process to be done in order to gain that much-awaited freedom so applying for a license is pretty exciting. If you are already set in driving but are not sure how and where to start, all you need to do is read on. Here is a perfect guide for you if you want to find out how to get a California driver’s license.

Step 1: It All Starts with a Drivers Educational Course

In the state of California, people as young as 15 years and 6 months old can already enroll in a drivers education course. This education course is highly recommended for all beginners because they will give information on road and driving – from traffic rules, road signals, and driving laws. The DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) require around 30 hours of instruction in a licensed educational driving school. If you are 17 and half years and older, the course is not required but it is still recommended especially if you have absolutely zero knowledge about cars or the road.  After the educational course, you will be receiving a certificate which you will present on your visit to the DMV.

Step 2: Review the Driver’s Bible – the California Driver’s Handbook

Before you schedule your appointment to the DMV, make sure you are prepared to ace that written exam. Thankfully, the internet provides a copy of the driver’s handbook which you can read and reread until you know it by heart. There are also numerous websites offering practice tests, classified from easy to hard questions. What’s great about these online courses is you get to practice at your own pace, at your own convenience. Don’t be afraid if you get low scores in the practice exams online as you will get learnings from these errors. AP Driving offers free driver’s ed course complete with videos and diagrams.

Step 3: Go for a Visit to the DMV

Once you feel confident enough to take that test at the DMV, schedule an appointment. Fill out and print a DL 44 form also prior to visiting. This would need this to be signed by your parents or guardians for those under 18. Do not forget to bring your birth certificate, your certificate of educational course completion, your proof of social security number and proof of residency in California. You have your thumbprint and photo taken during your visit. Pay $33 as application fee before you proceed with the tests.

Step 4: Pass the Vision and Written Test

You need good eyesight to operate a vehicle, most especially at night. If you pass the vision test, then you are one step closer to getting a learner’s permit. Now comes the written test. This should come easily if you’ve had a lot of practice and you know the handbook by heart. Once you ace both these tests, congratulations because you can get a learner’s permit.

Step 5: You Have the Learners Permit, Now What?

If you’ve noticed, everything you know about driving is all about concepts and theories. It is one thing to know every rule on the road and another to actually be out there and operating a vehicle. This is now the perfect time to practice and hone your skills to make you confident out there. Before taking a road exam, you need to be able to get at least 50 hours of training with a qualified licensed driver with you at all times.

You have 50 hours to practice in the next 6 months, 10 of these 50 hours must be driving during nighttime. The law also requires that you also finish 6 hours of training with a professional instructor. This is where you can sign up for AP Driving School is state approved a professional driving school that can patiently teach you as you go on your first adventures on the road. Do not be afraid to seek out the help of professionals, especially with something as important as driving.

Step 6: The Actual Driving Test

Practice makes perfect so make sure to take your time before going for an actual road test.  The road test is by far the most important hurdle that you need to pass in order to get your California driver’s license. Once you set a schedule with DMV, you would need to present the following on the day of your test – your learner’s permit, proof of registration and insurance for the vehicle you will be using, and signed approval from your parents or guardian if you are taking the test and under 18. If you had enough practice, the test would just be easy for you. Of course, they will check your basic driving skills, your ability to maneuver on the road, and road rules and safety. It is important that you mastered the handling of the steering wheel, changing lanes, and checking rearview and side mirrors. It is also vital that you showcase good driving behavior, confidence, and courtesy on the road.

Step 7: Finally, Your Much-Awaited Drivers License

You will pretty much know right after the driving test if you’ve passed or not. It is just the best feeling when the DMV guy would congratulate. Once you pass, you will have your license mailed to you. You will have 12 months of the provisional period, wherein you cannot drive without a licensed driver who is over 25 in the car. Plus, you cannot have anyone in your car under the age of 20 unless the licensed driver is with you as well. Lastly, you cannot drive from 11 pm to 5 am during the period. Remember that having a California driver’s license means you need to be responsible and careful on the road at all times.