In our happy sunnyside state of California, the earliest you can start driving on the road is at the age of 15 ½. With the new school year approaching, high school students are figuring out ways on how to pass the California written test to get their learner’s permit.
But as exciting as it may seem to be able to drive at such a young age, there comes great responsibility and certain requirements that need to be met. In order to start driving, the individual must take the driver’s educational program and pass the final exam. Once the exam is passed and the individual is at least 15 ½ years old, they can schedule an appointment with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to take the written test. The written test is multiple choice and it will test you on your knowledge of the basic concepts of driving. Being able to pass the DMV permit test is more than trying to memorize the rules, laws, and regulations; it’s about understanding them so you can be a good, safe driver. Any test can be stressful, but it’s the way you prepare to have a better chance of passing. Here are some tips on how to approach this test.
Practice tests
Make practice tests your best friend. There are several unlimited online practice tests that you can take over and over again until you feel comfortable with the material. The best thing about using these practice tests is that they are helpful and free! Who doesn’t love things that are free? Especially if you benefit from them! These practice tests are also the closest study material that is almost identical to the actual DMV written test, so take advantage of them! “It took me a few months cause I kind of put it off, but I think it’s better that you study more over time because it’s a lot of information and it’s easier to pick up over time rather than just cramming it all in,” said Aaron De Anda, 12.
Flashcards
Sometimes people underestimate the power and benefits that flashcards hold only because they can be time-consuming, but they make your patience worth it in the end. Nowadays, you can even search the internet to find free flashcard websites that already come with the information, making it convenient for the individual. Senior Karelly Iniguez used flashcards as one of her study methods to pass the written test. “I used Flashcards and the DMV handbook.”
Study the DMV handbook
Yes, we all know the California DMV handbook can have lots of information, but you really only need to understand the concepts that are important. It’s more efficient if you scroll through the pages and jot down ideas that are specific. Also, jotting down the main ideas from each section and writing a short summary/ reflection of that section, will help you understand what you’re reading. That way, later on, you can just go back to the page and quickly read the summary to understand the general message from that section. Remember, all questions that are on the written test are pulled exactly from the DMV handbook!
Motivation
Motivation is a key factor for passing your permit test or anything you want to accomplish. Motivation is a mindset where an individual has a purpose to chase after something that they want. Finding the motivation to get your learner’s permit is easy. Start by identifying issues you currently have and then find solutions to those issues that relate to earning your learner’s permit. Find that desire, that motive that makes you really ambitious to get your learner’s permit to start driving. For example, Jade Gonzalez, 11, had to start learning how to drive because she wanted to help out her mother. “Sometimes it is hard for my mom to pick me and my little sister up because we go to different schools, so I wanted to help my mom out, so I can get my license and drive, so she doesn’t have to worry about me or my sister about having a ride home.”
Don’t overthink the questions on the test
After you successfully studied well and the day comes to finally take the test, do not overthink the questions. Read them carefully. There are 46 questions in the California written test and a minimum passing score is 38 out of the 46 questions. There is one correct answer for each question and the rest of the answer choices will either be extremely wrong or not appropriate for the question asked. The questions are not meant to be tricky, remember that the DMV wants you to pass!
In today’s world, driving is essential to get anywhere. When driving, you must follow proper driving skills that allow you to get to your destination safely. In order to reach your destination safely, you must learn and understand driver education. Using practice tests, flashcards, having motivation, and studying the DMV handbook can help you pass the written test and more importantly become a safe, educated driver. Remember, learning and passing the written test is nothing without understanding the concepts of driving, so take the time to study for this test. As it can be a start as one of your driving milestones!
