California DMV Driving Test Car Requirements (2025 Checklist)
California DMV Driving Test Car Requirements (2025 Checklist)
Updated for 2025 — Before you head to your behind-the-wheel exam, the California DMV will inspect your vehicle. If your car fails the Pre-Drive Checklist, your test will be rescheduled. Don’t let a small issue delay your license!
What You Must Bring to the DMV
- Instruction permit (or driver license)
- Another California-licensed driver
- Age 18+ if you’re an adult
- Age 25+ if you are a minor with a provisional permit
- A safe vehicle that passes DMV inspection
- Valid registration for the test vehicle
- Proof of insurance (must be current and in force)
Reminder: Only the DMV examiner rides with you during the test. Your accompanying driver is for arrival/departure and compliance.
DMV Pre-Drive Safety Checklist
The examiner will check that your car has:
- Driver window rolls down
- Windshield clear, no large cracks
- At least two mirrors (one must be outside on the left)
- Working brake lights
- Tires with 1/32” tread or better (no space-saver “donut” spares)
- Foot brake and parking brake
- Working horn
- Front turn signals & rear brake/turn signals
- Windshield wipers & defroster
- Seat belts for all seats
If any of these items fail, your test will be rescheduled.
Can You Use a Rental Car?
The DMV allows rentals only if:
- Your name is on the rental contract
- The contract does not exclude drive tests
In practice, this doesn’t work for most learners — rental companies won’t rent to permit holders. That’s why platforms like Zipcar or Turo also fail: they require a valid license to join.
Best Solution if You Don’t Have a Car
Instead of risking a failed inspection or struggling with rental rules, you can use a DMV-approved test car.
Book a DMV-ready car + licensed driver
Every vehicle comes pre-checked to pass DMV inspection, with a licensed driver to accompany you, and you can add a 1-hour warm-up lesson before your test.
Bay Area DMV Locations We Serve
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San Francisco DMV Test Car Rentals
Coverage includes Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, and nearby DMVs - San Jose DMV Test Car Rentals
- East Bay DMV Test Car Rentals
FAQs About DMV Car Requirements
Can I use a rental car for the DMV test?
Yes, if your name is on the rental contract and the contract does not forbid drive tests. But most companies won’t rent to permit holders.
What documents do I need?
Bring your permit/license, proof of insurance, and valid registration for the vehicle you’re testing in.
What happens if my car fails the inspection?
Your test is rescheduled. This can delay you weeks. Using a DMV-approved rental car avoids this risk.
Can I use my parent’s or friend’s car?
Yes — as long as it has valid registration, insurance, and passes the DMV inspection.
Ready to Test With Confidence?
Don’t risk delays.
