Book your California DMV driving test online through the DMV website, by phone, or in person at your local office

You can schedule a behind-the-wheel driving test appointment through the California Department of Motor Vehicles in three ways: the DMV website (dmv.ca.gov), by calling 1-800-777-0133, or by visiting a DMV field office in person. The website is usually fastest — you can see available dates and times when ready and confirm your appointment without waiting on hold. Phone lines are busiest in the morning and early afternoon. If you go in person, bring your instruction permit or learner's permit and be ready to wait.

You must have a valid California instruction permit or learner's permit before you can book a test. Your permit must not be expired, and you must have held it for the minimum time your age group requires (typically six months for drivers under 18). The DMV will not let you schedule if your permit status does not meet these rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Schedule online at dmv.ca.gov, by phone at 1-800-777-0133, or in person at your local DMV office; online booking shows available dates when ready.
  • You must have a valid instruction permit or learner's permit and meet the minimum holding period for your age before the DMV will let you book.
  • Bring your permit, proof of identity, proof of residence, and the vehicle you will test in on your appointment day.
  • Test appointments fill up weeks or months in advance in busy areas, so book as soon as you are ready rather than waiting until the last minute.
  • If you miss your appointment without canceling, you may lose your fee and have to wait longer for the next available slot.

What you need before you can schedule

Your California instruction permit or learner's permit must be valid and not expired. The DMV checks this automatically when you try to book online or when you call. If your permit has expired, you will need to renew it before scheduling a test.

You must also have held your permit for the required time. For drivers under 18, California requires a minimum six-month holding period. Drivers 18 and older do not have a minimum holding period — you can test as soon as your permit is issued. The DMV system will not let you book if you have not met this requirement yet.

Have your permit number and date of birth ready when you schedule, whether you are booking online or by phone. If you are scheduling in person, bring the physical permit itself.

Scheduling online through dmv.ca.gov

Go to dmv.ca.gov and select "Schedule an Appointment" from the homepage. Choose "Behind-the-Wheel Test" as the service type. Enter your permit number, date of birth, and the county where you want to test. The system will show you available dates and times at DMV offices in that county.

Dates fill up quickly in urban areas — Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego often show openings weeks or months out. Rural counties typically have more availability. You can see the full calendar before you commit, so you can choose a date that works for your schedule. Once you select a time slot, the DMV will ask for your email address and send you a confirmation.

Save your confirmation number. You will need it if you have to cancel or reschedule. The DMV also sends reminders to your email a few days before your appointment.

Scheduling by phone or in person

Call 1-800-777-0133 to speak with a DMV representative. Have your permit number and date of birth ready. The representative will ask which county you prefer and show you available dates. Wait times are longest between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays. Calling early morning or late afternoon usually means a shorter hold.

If you visit a DMV field office in person, bring your permit and go to the appointment desk. Staff will check your permit status and show you available slots on their computer. You can often book same-day or next-day appointments at quieter offices, though this varies by location and how busy the office is that day.

What to bring on test day

Bring your valid instruction permit or learner's permit — the DMV will not let you test without it. Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, state ID, or another form the DMV accepts) and proof of residence such as a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your name and current address. These documents must be originals or certified copies, not photos or printouts.

Bring the vehicle you will use for the test. It must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The DMV inspector will check the brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and horn before the test begins. If any of these do not work, the test will be canceled and you will have to reschedule.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. If you are more than 10 minutes late, the DMV may cancel your appointment and you will lose your fee.

Rescheduling or canceling your appointment

Cancel or reschedule through the DMV website using your confirmation number, by calling 1-800-777-0133, or in person at a DMV office. If you cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment, you can reschedule without losing your fee. If you cancel less than 24 hours before or do not show up, you forfeit the fee and have to pay again when you book a new test.

If you need to reschedule, do it as soon as you know — available slots fill up quickly, and you may not find another opening for several weeks depending on your area.

How long the wait is for an appointment

Wait times vary widely by county and season. In rural areas, you may find an opening within days or a week or two. In Los Angeles, San Francisco, and other major cities, openings can be two to four months out, especially during spring and summer when more people test. Winter months are usually less crowded.

If the first available date does not work for you, check back frequently — cancellations happen and the DMV releases new slots regularly. Some people find openings by checking the website every few days or calling to ask about cancellations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reschedule my test if I am not ready?

Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before your appointment through the DMV website, by phone, or in person. You can reschedule without paying again. If you cancel less than 24 hours before or miss the appointment, you lose your fee and pay the full amount for a new test.

What happens if I fail the driving test?

You can reschedule when ready and take the test again. There is no waiting period between attempts in California. You will pay the test fee each time you take it. Most people pass on their second or third try.

Do I need to bring my own car or can I use the DMV's vehicle?

You must bring your own vehicle. The DMV does not provide cars for testing. The vehicle must be registered, insured, and in safe working condition with working brakes, lights, wipers, and horn.

What if there are no appointments available in my county?

Check a neighboring county — you can test in any California county, not just the one where you live. You can also check back frequently, as cancellations create new openings. Some people find slots by calling the DMV and asking about recent cancellations.

Can I schedule a test if my permit is about to expire?

Your permit must be valid on the day of your test. If it expires before your appointment date, renew it before testing. You can renew online, by mail, or in person at a DMV office.