Passing the driving test is typically right up there as one of the proudest achievements anyone can possibly get. It’s a feeling like no other, though that’s only helped by the sheer anxiety and stress that you feel during the test, and in the follow-up to the DMV’s driving test. However, in case you’re forgetting something, for those of you over 18, what do you have to bring to your local DMV office for the behind-the-wheel test?
Well, there are a few things that you need to bring with you to the DMV office for the behind-the-wheel test for those over 18. This includes a valid learner’s permit, some proof of identity, not to mention of your car’s registration and proof of insurance, as well as a copy of your test appointment confirmation, payment for the fees, and a few other pieces of documentation. You won’t have to stress too much though, because we’ve prepped this list for you:
1) Valid Learner’s Permit
The learner’s permit is proof that you’ve already passed the written knowledge test and that you’re legally allowed to drive on the road… But only for practice, and under supervision from someone who has a valid driver’s license. Of course, you have to bring your learner’s permit to the DMV for the behind-the-wheel test, as it shows that you’ve already completed all the steps necessary to take the behind-the-wheel test, as the final exam.
This is an essential document, so make sure that your learner’s permit hasn’t expired, and that it was issued by the DMV in the state where you’re planning to take the behind-the-wheel test. Also, some states require that you hold the learner’s permit for a certain period of time before you’re able to take the behind-the-wheel test, so call up your local DMV office to confirm that you’ve met this requirement.
Remember, forgetting to bring a valid learner’s permit or bringing an expired one to the DMV during the behind-the-wheel test will force you to reschedule the test. Without the learner’s permit, the DMV can’t legally allow you to take the test, so this is priority number 1! If you’re ever unsure about what you need to bring to the DMV though, the best thing you can do is to call your DMV and ask.
2) Proof Of Identity
Okay, this is simple enough, but you’ll have to bring some valid ID with you during the behind-the-wheel test at the DMV for over 18-year-olds. This confirms with the DMV that you are the person who scheduled the test, which helps to prevent fraud and guarantee that your file on record with the DMV is in good order. There are many different types of ID that you could bring with you, but typically, a government-issued ID will be required.
The simplest ones are your state ID card, passport, or even a military ID. Just make sure that your ID is current, hasn’t expired, and has a clear photo of you. Also, while you’re there, be sure to double-check that the name on your ID matches the name on your learner’s permit. If you’ve had a name change – due to marriage, for example – you might have to bring with you some supplementary documentation to further confirm your identity.
3) Vehicle Registration And Insurance
Since the behind-the-wheel test at the DMV requires that you bring the car for the exam, you have to prove that it’s been registered and insured. This shows to the DMV that the car could be legally permitted to drive on the road, which includes being recognized by the state and it has been covered by insurance in the event of an accident. So, all you need to do is bring that car’s registration and insurance papers with you during the behind-the-wheel test.
Also, the insurance car needs to contain specific details about the car, such as the car’s make, model, and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), as well as the policyholder’s name. On top of this, it’s important that you make sure both the registration and insurance papers are valid and haven’t expired. And, if you’re using a rental car or one that you borrowed from someone else, you also have to make sure that you are listed as a driver on the insurance policy.
4) Test Appointment Confirmation
While this will vary from one state to another, most state DMVs require that taking a behind-the-wheel test is done only by appointment, not on a walk-in basis. When you’ve booked and scheduled an appointment with the DMV to take the behind-the-wheel test, you’ll usually be given a confirmation that you’ve scheduled an appointment for the test. This is another thing you absolutely have to bring with you to the DMV during the behind-the-wheel test.
A simple printed or digital copy of the appointment confirmation is sufficient, which will show details about the test like the date, time, and location. I’d also suggest that in addition to the appointment confirmation, you should ideally arrive at least 15 minutes earlier (or more!) to give you extra time to check-in. I’d also recommend saving the confirmation on your phone or printing an extra copy, just in case.
5) Driver’s Education Completion Certificate
This isn’t applicable to everyone and it’s not required for those over 18 taking the behind-the-wheel test, though a driver’s education completion certificate can be beneficial to bring with you to the DMV. For those unfamiliar with what this is, this certificate is proof that you have gone through formal training and education in driving. It’s not guaranteed, but it might give your DMV examiner some added confidence in your driving skills and abilities.
It’s also great to have this with you if your state offers incentives like lower insurance rates when you’re done with the course. You’ll usually get this certificate from the driving school once you’ve completed their driver’s education course. Again, this isn’t something you’d “need” to bring, but if you have one, might as well have it with you.
6) Glasses Or Contact Lenses
This is another thing that isn’t applicable to everyone, but if your learner’s permit shows that you have any vision restrictions – for example, it would say something like “Corrective Lenses Required” – then you must bring your glasses or contact lenses to the DMV for the behind-the-wheel test. For starters, this helps to make sure that you can see clearly what’s ahead of you and to be able to drive safely.
In some states, if you didn’t bring any glasses or contact lenses with you during the day of the behind-the-wheel test, the DMV has a right to not allow you to proceed with the test. You can reschedule if you need to or if you forgot them. Also, I’d advise bringing a backup pair of your glasses or some extra contact lenses, just in case something happens.