What is Preparing for the DMV Written Test Like?

By: Sabrina Hirani

Earning your drivers’ license is a significant rite of passage in high school. It represents the transition from being a underclassman to becoming an upperclassman. It also marks an important milestone in becoming an independent person.

In order to start this process, taking the Drivers Ed class is the first thing you need to complete. The learners’ permit is the first step to getting your drivers’ license and many of us that want to drive know that this is a big deal. To get your learners’ permit, you have to pass the written test.

Depending on who you ask, the written test is either the easiest or hardest test ever. Many say that it is better if you study, while others say that not studying would still be enough to pass the test.

For me, the written test is pretty easy if you study because there will be questions on the test that you will not be expecting to get. The questions have straight forward answers, but they change the wording just enough to make it different.

In order to actually take the written test, you have to go to the DMV with a social security card, birth certificate, two copies of residency, your pink slip, your 35 dollar application fee, and your completed drivers’ license application. If you didn’t fill out the drivers’ license application, you can fill it out at the DMV, but it will delay your time to take the written test.

Once you are done, they will give you a slip and you have to wait for the number to appear on the screen. Once your number comes up you will go to the desk and they will ask for you birth certificate, passport, 35 dollars, and proof of residency. While they are processing, they will do your vision test. After they do your vision test, you will go to another line to take your picture. Once your picture is taken they will show you your picture and ask if you would like to retake it. For me, since the line was too long they said, “you can come and retake it once you’re done with the road test.”

Finally, you are ready to take your written test. If you practiced at home on the practice DMV written test 2020, then you are in good hands. As for me, I practice at home for about a month and a half and I was good because the questions on the written test are the exact same questions that come on the practice test. If you didn’t practice and you just go, mark my words you will fail. On the test you can only miss at least 8 questions to pass. On the written test that I took, I missed 4 questions which is not bad at all.

Once you passed, they will print out your permit and give you two brochures. One is about your permit restrictions and requirements and the other is about the driving test and how to prepare for it. It is really important that you read these brochures because they have a lot of information on what can you do with your permit and where can you drive with your permit. The preparing for your drivers test brochure is really important because it shows you how to prepare for your drivers test and what to except when doing your test.

I would say that if you want to pass your written test, PRACTICE a lot, be prepared, and do not stress out. I had a really hard time in the car when I was going to take the written test and I always was thinking that I was going to fail. If you are having the same thing that happened to me, calm down and practice for the test. The more practice that you get, the more prepared and better you will feel. If you fail the written test, you still have two more chances to retake it. The worst thing that will happen is that you will fail, but to be honest you’ll be fine.

Sabrina Hirani

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Sabrina Hirani '22 is a senior and currently a 3rd year member of the Redwood Gigantea. She is currently an opinion editor for the Redwood Gigantea. Outside of the Gigantea, Sabrina is on the Redwood Swim team. During her free time, Sabrina loves to binge-watch shows and loves to spend time with her friends and family.