Experts Answer Common Teen Driver Questions

Experts Answer Common Teen Driver Questions

By Mike Marando, Communications Director

California Department of Motor Vehicles, Sacramento

Are you a teen with questions about how to get your provisional driver permit or California driver license? Do you have questions about general driving related requirements like registration or insurance? The California Department of Motor Vehicles has answers. For more information, visit the DMV Web site for teens at www.DMV.ca.gov/teenweb.

Q: I scheduled my appointment online to take the written driving test and now I need to practice. Does the DMV Web site offer any resources to help me pass?

A: Definitely. On the front page of www.dmv.ca.gov click on the “How do I…” tab and select “Practice My Written Test?” The California Driver Handbook and a number of simple practice tests are available but I recommend trying the Driving Knowledge Tutorial. The interactive test is available exclusively online and includes multiple choice questions accompanied by pictures depicting common traffic situations and the correct ways to respond. Here’s the direct link (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/interactive/tdrive/flash/flashtest.htm) if you want to try it out.

Q: I heard a newscaster talk about motorists “rubber-necking” in regards to a morning accident. What does the term “rubber-necking” mean?

A: Rubbernecking is a term used to describe when motorists slow down to look at accidents or virtually anything else out of the ordinary. Rubber-necking should be avoided at ALL TIMES not only because it increases traffic congestion, but because it also endangers your driving safety and that of the motorists around you. For more information on dealing with traffic congestions, please visit http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/hdbk/pgs60thru61.htm#trafficcongestion.

Q: Where do I go to take my driver license tests?

A: You may take the written, vision, and driving tests at any DMV office which provides driver license services. Written and vision tests are required when you apply for an original or upgrade to a different class of license. Written tests may be required for a license renewal and driving tests are usually waived for the class of license you currently have. However, the department may require a driving test for any type of application. Appointments are available for all DMV services and are usually required for the driving test. For more information, please visit www.dmv.ca.gov Source: Cal High PTSA Newsletter, April 2010