In addition to wearing glasses to correct my vision to 20/20, I have an additional condition in one of my eyes that has been there since birth. Renewing my license in person this
year, the California DMV apparently had
no record of my eye anomaly which surprised me.
To bring my file up-to-date, one of the things I had to do
is take a behind-the-wheel "Vision Driving Test". I could find virtually no information online
about what a California DMV Vision Driving Test covers, so I decided to create this post to assist
others.
First,
from the little I could find online it appeared that a Vision Driving Test
would be limited to ensuring I could see properly. Fair enough, makes sense. After taking the test, I can tell you that it appears to cover
everything that a normal driving test covers - so be prepared! For those of you that find yourself in my
shoes - suddenly taking a behind-the-wheel test after decades of driving - this
post is a crash course in preparing for that test.
Step 1. Watch the DMV videos on taking the behind-the-wheel driving test
here.
Step 2. Memorize the automatic failure areas, shown to the left. I know some of these are fairly vague, but this is what the categories are. I know not coming to a complete stop is an automatic failure, so it must fall under disobeying traffic sign.
Also, "speed" is very vague. It means going 10 MPH over the speed limit -OR- 10 MPH under the speed limit is an automatic failure. If not marked, the default speed limit is 25 MPH.
Step 3. If possible, drive the test route a day or two in advance. Ask around to find out what it is if necessary.
Here is a list of what specifically is on the Vision Driving Test. When I first took the test, I had no idea what would be on it and thought they would be looking for my visual abilities only. Not true. It is full blown driving test as near as I can tell.
First, they'll check your car to ensure it passes their checklist. Then the evaluator will get in your car and ask if you have any questions. Then the actual driving begins. They'll evaluate how you drive in the parking lot, in a residential area, in a business district, and on a freeway. You can opt out of freeway driving, but I would imagine that will result in a restriction on your license.
Carefully watch the speed limit each time you turn onto a new street, come to complete stops BEHIND the limit line, signal/check mirrors/look over the shoulder (in that order) for each lane change, and you should be just fine.
So what are some things to look out for? For starters, backing in a straight line without hitting the curb. Signal to pull over to the curb, and back in a straight line while checking your mirrors and looking over your shoulder.
On this residential street, the speed limit was clearly marked as 35 MPH. OK so far.
But when we turned onto this street, the speed limit became 25 MPH because it is not marked, even though this felt even more worthy of 35 MPH than the prior street! There appears to be some confusion over what the default speed limit is in commercial zones also. The DMV video clearly says 25 MPH, but at least one person I talked with at the DMV office thought it was higher. Maybe a good question for your evaluator, to ensure you're both on the same page?
Another area to look out for: when to look over your shoulder. The videos are pretty clear as to the situations where it is necessary, but to be doubly sure I checked over my shoulder for every lane change and turn.
Finally, in preparing for this test, some driving rules I had either forgotten or never knew:
- When turning right, you must pull over as close to the curb as possible before making the turn. I lost points for not doing this. This is true even if there is a bike lane.
- If there is a right turn red arrow, you CANNOT turn right on red, even if there is no "No Right Turn On Red" sign. I was not aware of this.
- When turning left, it is legal to pull into the intersection and wait for oncoming traffic to clear, even this means you will be eventually turning left on a yellow. I had thought that the car must remain behind the limit line until traffic was clear, but this is not the case.
- Changing lanes in the middle of an intersection or across railroad tracks is legal. Imaginary lines connect the lane marking lines from one side of the intersection (or tracks) to the other.
So there you have it. A bit of insight into what to expect should a California DMV Vision Driving Test be required. Best wishes and I hope this has been helpful.
132 comments:
Thank you sooo much for taking the time to post this. I'm pretty much in the same position right now with getting my license renewed in CA. I suspect you have the same eye condition I do: amblyopia.
Question. Does the vision driving test make you parallel park? I'm from the country, and I've never had to parallel park. This will be my first CA driving test, and I'm worried they'll make parallel park.
Hi There,
No, they didn't make me parallel park. I did, however, have to back up parallel to a curb (no other cars nearby).
Thanks so much! Hope I can pass tomorrow!
I have no vision in my right eye.I had to back up 3 car lengths along a curb on right side of street. I used all my mirrors and my back up camera. I can't turn my head and look over my shoulder with no vision in right eye.The monitor failed me..even after knowing my situation.
If you can't turn your head to look over your shoulder, I'm not sure I think you should have a license either.
One possible solution: I have an uncle who has a bad back and must wear a back brace, therefore he can't turn his head either. He has extra mirrors mounted in his car that allow him to see all locations around the vehicle. I assume this is why he has a license, the extra mirrors make up for his not being able to turn his head. He lives in a different state, but you may want to check with your state to see if this is a viable alternative for you.
Good luck.
Hi there
I have a valid out of state license. If I fail in this exam, can I continue to drive in california with that out of state license?
I have a perfect driving record, no tickets ever,1 accident (I was hit),& now I have early-onset cataracts awaiting surgery and can't pass the DMV vision test? I'm trying not to feel like I failed a test and I hope this vision driving test is no different from normal driving, I don't have a car right now, the last who scheduled the test appt said they'll have a car I can drive but that'll mean no way to practice. I love driving, it's freedom and Independence for me. My test is July 20, but I've been with a temp license since May. I'll just say, to be cont.
Thank you for posting this. I have an upcoming test and am nervous. I have had detachments.
Is there a separate option to make a vision driving test instead of the regular driving test?
Hi J,
Could you please guide someone who hasn't drive and currently learning and has been asked to take the CA vision driving test? Compare to Normal Driving Test what is the additional thing that they look for in Vision Driving Test?
My condition: I suffer from strabismus in the left eye and have a poor vision(20/300) in it, but my right eye is perfectly good with 20/20 acuity.
Any guidance here will be highly appreciated.
Great and very accurate info. Thank you. I read this and looked at all links and it helped me pass the test. I did almost have a critical fail due to a slow driver on the road. Short version is that the instructor told me to listen to her instructions nad drive safely. We went on the freeway and the car in front of me started to waiver in their speed. At one point they almost dropped to 10 under the speed limit (critical fail on the test). Luckinly, because of this page, I knew it would be an issues and asked the instructor. She said that it could have been a critical fail and the proper thing to do would have been to pass them and return to my lane , even though I was not instructed to change lanes.
Overall,I recommend following all the links, and watching all the videos. I ran into several situations that I remembered from the video and was much more prepared.
To April 3, 2019 anonymous:
I actually am not sure the difference between an normal driving test and a Vision Driving Test. I would expect them to be paying a little closer attention to how we observe situations around us, particularly with respect to traffic, lane changes, parallel backing, etc. I would also make very sure you check over your should for ALL lane changes, turns, pulling up to or away from curbs, etc.
Also, if you're a new driver, I would take an on-the-road course with a driving school. They can help you learn the basics much better than a friend or relative.
Good luck to you, though I'm sure you'll do fine since you are doing your homework in advance.
To April 13, 2019 anonymous:
Very glad to help - getting comments like yours makes me very happy I took the time to post!
One point that you kind of hit that I would like to clarify for others: I don't believe your are allowed to ask the DMV evaluator that rides with you any questions during the test. You can ask them questions BEFORE you start to drive, or AFTER, but not during. Therefore, if there are any areas that you are not clear about, make sure and ask them before you start the engine.
We came across a situation during my most recent drive that I had questions about once we returned to the DMV, and the evaluator cleared them up for me. Basically, I encountered a situation where I had to switch lanes while crossing railroad tracks. I wasn't sure if that was legal, but did it anyway since I was kind of forced into it. When we returned, I asked if that was legal and the instructor said yes. He said it is also legal to switch lanes in an intersection, since the lanes continue to be marked by imaginary connecting lines. I was surprised this is legal, as I always thought it wasn't.
In any case, thanks again for taking the time to leave a comment. And glad I could assist!
Just curious, how many chances do you have if you failed the driving test?
Thanks for the post, was good to read beforehand.
To answer the above question - you get three attempts before you have to re-apply for the license. Each test will need to be rescheduled though. VDTs can't be modified online so you must call if you want to try and get an earlier appt.
Did my VDT yesterday at Redwood City, CA. Passed on the first attempt. As mentioned, the only difference with the regular test is that there's a freeway component to it. In my case, I didn't even merge onto the freeway as the joining lane turned into an exit lane that we wanted.
If you happen to be going to Redwood City, you can see my route below. They do have multiple, and change them pretty regularly it looks like, but gives you an idea of what's involved.
Where I got my faults was around lane discipline - cancelling blinker before all 4 wheels had crossed the line, riding the inside line (track habits) etc. The curb maneuver is very straight forward (/backwards), and you can't really go wrong - see a lot of people are worried about this. Just take your time if you're unsure and keep turning your head like a desk fan.
https://goo.gl/maps/h5MmA6ZMJ4JZTwTX7
How long do you need renew the DL again ? Mine was 1 year in CA.
Renew DL in 1 year maybe because your vision specialist wrote 1 year on your DL 62 form.
My question is do you need to take the driving test again when you renew your DL?
Any one knows if we need to take the driving test again?
As long as your condition is stable, you don't need to test again in your next renew.
My question is: Once you passed the Vision Driving Test, is it noted on your license anywhere that you required a Vision Driving Test to get your license? In other words, does your license itself note that you are in any way vision impaired?
Oh my gosh! Bless you for this blog. I have been almost totally blind in one eye sine early child hood. I have a condition called Nuerofibromatosis, and it affects my right eye to the point where my eye is nearly closed and barely functional. I have been driving without a problem since age 16. I was surprised at this requirement for a test. I just took my test and passed, with 8 points taken off. I mostly lost points for stopping too close to the vehicle in front of me. I drive a stick shift, and down shift and then coast to a stop. Somehow not the way the examiner wanted me to move. Then stopped too close to the care in front? Didn't seem that way to me, but hey I passed so I'm good. And I will take the examiner's advise and stop further back in the future. I also lost a couple of points for "traffic check". This means "the constant scanning for vehicle traffic, pedestrian traffic, and road hazards and the safe reaction to these items." I was surprised at this, since I think I look around all the time. One dumb error on my part was failure to signal when merging. I was merging on an on-ramp, and by the time I saw the dotted lines on the side, I was through it. Even had my hands in the left signal, and just didn't do it. My bad. So word of advise ALWAYS use the turn signal. The form the DMV used is the "Supplemental/Area Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet". As far as I can tell, there is no other thing called a "Vision Drive Test". I should be good for ever now now that I have a record of driving with site in just one eye.
This post has been beneficial.
Yep, the points mentioned above in comments are all correct. The VDT is evaluated on a "Supplemental/ Area Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet" its almost similar to a normal one, Instead of 15 you can have a max. of 20 errors as the VDTs are usually for 30 mins. The examiner will ask you whether you want to include the freeway or not. If you say no to freeway you get a restriction on your DL stating you cannot drive on freeway. I would say no one shall opt for this option as its the easiest part of the test. Lastly, all I would say is, VDTs outcome is not straight forward like a normal one wherein you get 2 more attempts and then restart the application. In VDTs if you fail and you performed really bad (doing critical errors) then the examiner might not give you a second attempt and can plan over an order of revocation for your driving privilege. Check this official document from CA dmv website that indicates all the vision conditions and how they judge that (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/dl/driversafety/vision_cond) It looks scary but that's how they evaluate case by case. I have no intention to scare someone who is preparing, but just need to inform you of the severity as they don't take it lightly. Practice for a good time and pass the test in the first attempt. In case, you fail with a critical error and they issue an order of revocation they still give you a chance wherein, you can appeal their order at the hearing office by yourself or by a defense advocate (recommended) and can fight to retain your driving privilege. However, you just earn an additional VDT attempt and still need to demonstrate the DMV examiner that you can drive safely and need to clear that VDT. Once done and your condition is stable you are good for a lifetime.
I recently gave my test and passed it. I was very much tensed after knowing about the fact that they can revoke my driving privilege. However, I just focused on my learning so well and made sure that I know how to react in toughest of the driving condition and aced it.
I did a lot of research while I was in my learning phase and I started with J's blog post, As he mentions, it's true that there is not a lot of info available online. However, I read all the docs provided by DMV related to vision and find out all the possibilities.
So all the best and practice and get your license if you know you can drive safely with your eye condition.
Unknown,
As far as I can tell, there is no notation on the Driver's License that you carry with you denoting you took a vision driving test.
Others can correct me if I'm wrong.
Excellent blog, I was told yesterday that I am required to take the VDT in spite having DL for last 40 yrs and I recently moved to CA from TX due to work hence I need CA DL. I am ok with the rule, but the problem I am facing is that in Bay area there is no open slot for VDT for next 45 days!!! And it seems that unlike normal driving test I cannot scheduled it online! I have to keep calling them every day to see if any slots open up. This did not sound right, any suggestions?
Abdel,
Thanks so much for your great post, it helps me a lot, it's the only thing I found about VDT online,
you did a great job.
Excellent information. I've got the VDT on Monday, and have spent hours, trying to memorize all the street name in a 2 mile radius of the San Diego DMV Do they require you be able to read every street sign? Karen
They do not ask you to read any street name signs...you can skip studying that
They do not ask you to read any street name signs...you can skip studying that
Thank you so much for answering that question. And thanks to all for information.
Thank you SO MUCH for this post!!! I had my VDT this morning and passed! Your post and all the comments really helped set me up for success. I took the test at the Redwood City DMV. The route was very similar to what commenter Matt posted above. My license was renewed for 2 years, then I’ll have to take the VDT again. I have astigmatism in my right eye correctable to 20/60. My six faults were all versions of pulling up too close to the car in front of me at stops. The tester told me that I should always be able to see the tires of the car in front of me when pulled behind them. Thanks again, and to all those still waiting to take the VDT, it is totally passable!!
I need to schedule a California DMV Vision Driving test, but there's no option for that on the DMV website. And when I called it's only a computer talking and I can't tell them what I need. Does anyone know how to schedule an appointment for the vision driving test?
Thanks for this post, I passed VDT yesterday....once the test starts the fear fades and confidence sets in! My licence will expire in for five years !!
Thanks to all of you posting your successes and other stories. That's what makes this post great - the collective knowledge of all of us in this position, helping each other out. Keep'em coming!
Thanks so much for this I information. I wish I had it before taking and failing my first VDT. The DMV gave absolutely no info when scheduling the test. I'm now trying to schedule a retest before my license expires and it is impossible to reach them or schedule online. Hope I can figure something out. Any ideas???
Thank you for your quick response to my scheduling problem.
I am a senior driver. Lost most vision in one eye a few years ago. I had no idea I would have to take a VDT when I went to apply for a Real ID and get my license replaced. I was told nothing about test, given no materials and had no idea what it entailed. I just found someone who is a public advocate for senior drivers, after searching web for days. I think there is one for various counties in California. I wish all this info was easier to obtain. It's very frustrating.
This blog is amazing and I want to thank you again for getting this info out there and thank everyone who has contributed.
Thank you for your blog. I have teenager who has vision issues so need to take vision drive test. wanted to know how long is the test. how long is freeway part. do they ask to change lane on freeway. her test scheduled for Fremont DMV. Any info for Fremont dmv test route is greatly appriciated.
Thank you so much for this information, I too recently was told I had to take a Vision Driving Test pre-Covid here in CA which got cancelled but now is in a few weeks.
I was born premature and ended up with Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), common for premature babies, one of my eyes took a big hit and I have light and peripheral vision in it but no reading, but I have 20/20 in the other. Like you after driving for decades with no issues, this year my license came up for renewal, I had hit the limit on automatic renewals, the DMV didn't seem to not have my previous medical record on file so had to have my doctor fill in a new form which now is 3 pages long as opposed to the one I had decades ago which was one page.
I can read the DMV eye chart fine in my good eye, but they said you have to have a Vision Driving Test. I could not find anything online to see if it was any different from a regular driving test, so was so delighted in my search when your information came up. Bless your heart for sharing this, it gave me great comfort!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This site helped me SO much! I found it yesterday, took the test this morning, and passed! Full license, no restrictions, renewal in 5 years. The examiner told me that when I return, in 5 years for the renewal, that I may be told that I need to take the vision-driving test again and that I need to say "no, because my condition is stable, therefore not progressive". I had a brain tumor that pressured my right eye's optic nerve and made me permanent blind from that eye at the age of 12.
This morning, when the examiner sat next to me, he showed me the scoring sheet, had me sign it, and told me that he would checking for safety driving skills and looking out for dangerous driving maneuvers. I must admit that I was a bit nervous right before he sat down, but he seemed very calm and the fact that I saw the Supplemental/ Area Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet (thanks to this website's comments) I felt much more calm and confident.
I'm so happy and relieved that I passed the test!
I want to say, to anyone who is about to take it, don't overthink it, trust your good driving skills, and feel confident during the test ;)
Thank you so much for this information! I've lived in CA for 10 years. Opted to go to the DMV for the Real ID rather than renew by mail in January. I got the form filled out by an optometrist ahead of time. DMV told me I had to take a vision driving test. Original appointment for April got rescheduled to yesterday due to Covid. The form from the optometrist had expired in the meantime as it's only good for 6 months. I'm kind of galled at how little information there is from the DMV on the Vision Driving Test. I posted an appeal to my friends on Facebook and a friend of mine directed me to this blog post. Good thing I've already read the manual and watched some videos. Time to get some additional driving in based on your tips.
I did not pass the vision test at DMV. My eye dr filled up the form mentioning I have 20/30 vision in one eye and I hoped this will help me renew my DL. But still DMV told me to take VDT. Its is coming up in next 3 weeks and I am very nervous. Thanks to this blog and comments, I am noting down all the important points to remember. My question is: If I fail this test, Can i retake the test? how many times? Are there any other possibilities/options that I can keep my DL or it will be revoked?. I am giving test at Santa Clara DMV. Does anyone knows the route for VDT? Thanks
Thank you for this website, it helps a lot. I have glaucoma and my eye doctor sign the form with 20/250 on my left eye so I need to take the Vision Drive test.
The test is easy, driving around, exit to freeway and come back in the next exit. No back up test. Passed the test today with 8 mistakes mostly with traffic check and 1 full stop.
Not as difficult as expected.
Now I can have my driver license for 2 years, will need to take another Vision Drive test in 2 years, then again in 1 year.
Thank you for sharing. I couldn't find anything about this on the DMV site. How were able to make an appointment (I live in California). There was only a selection to make an appointment for 'behind-the-wheel' but I got the message "Sorry you are not eligible to make a Behind-the-Wheel driving test appointment online"
Thank you thank you for this information. I hate driving tests make me nervous, thought I'd be good for awhile but nope. The DMV now in 2020 is getting stricter. Not looking forward to it but your advice has helped a lot. Get to do it in Sacramento. Thanks again.
I've moved from the UK to California, and I have amblyopia in my left eye. and 20/20 vision in my right eye. I have been driving without issues in the UK. and 9+ years no claims (that's the maximum you can get btw) and have also my motorcycle licence in the UK and another 9+ years no claims. I am jumping through many hoops to get my first licence here, got the Report of Vision Examination, and hoped to get my 'written' test, but the clerk deemed it necessary for me to have a behind the wheel vision test, and started the procedure of booking me in - (failing because well, I haven't got a permit I would imagine). Looks like they are following the procedure, but there is no procedure for new licences. or the DMV officers haven't been trained, or haven't got the right info. They called their supervisor and he said the same thing.. What?!?!?
Found the procedure online they are following (low and behold), If DMV are aware of the amblyopia then what they should do is nothing.., but if I fail an eye test, then there is this test as to whether additional training is required - you know the behind the wheel 'vision' test - mentioned above. But hold on.. I haven't got a permit yet! which would be when you inform them you have amblyopia for the first time (unless it developed after you have had a license, which is totally understandable) Gonna go to a different DMV office and I hope they have had dealings with Amblyopia.. Think people!!
There is a definite disconnect - (CA DMV demands 20/40 with both eyes, and 20/40 with one eye, and 20/70 with the other eye) Yet there is a caveat that no-one is looking at which is no less that 20/200 with one eye... Think they are blinder than I am...
I have put in a complaint about this hole in their procedures. we'll 'see' how far that gets us.
(re-read my comment - Think they are blinder than I am - should be Think DMV are blinder than I am.. noticed that It could be very much misconstrued, and for that I apologise.)
Thank you. I probably did not pass my VDT without your blog. My original renewal was last April but I had my VDT in September due to the Covid. I had retinal detachment and part of vision missing on one eye so failed vision test. I studied your blog and passed with 4 errors, got a 2 year license. It was very stressful during the test preparation, so if possible I want to avoid the VDT next time. I read someone’s comment "As long as condition is stable, you don't need to test again in your next renew.“ Do I just submit a new DL62 from my doctor says stable? Does anyone have done that?
Thank you. I am glad I find your blog a day before VDT. I may not pass the VDT today if I did not read your blog yesterday. I am going to receive my Real ID probably in two weeks but I was asked to do VDT every two years.
How long is this test? I am given 40 minutes time slot. Will I have to drive this long? Are there any additional testing criteria which are not there in regular drive tests?
I took the visual driving test last week and passed it. The DMV instructor mainly wants to see if you are watching over your shoulder and respecting the rules of the road. Overall, easy test. Don't over think it and have fun. Is all about good driving habits and nothing to do with your actual vision.
I wish someone can tell me the test route to DMV Fremont branch at Central Ave. What are the names of the streets they take us. So I will drive there a couple of days before the test. I will also have visual driving test.
Responding to "I read someone’s comment "As long as condition is stable, you don't need to test again in your next renew.“ Do I just submit a new DL62 from my doctor says stable? Does anyone have done that?," unfortunately, this is not always the case. Even if your ophthalmologist says your condition is stable and denotes this on your form, the DMV can make the executive decision to override this and make you retest. This happened to me despite begging the DMV to listen to my ophthalmologist. I hate the system and I'm currently driving on a temp license because they wouldn't let me renew unless I waited 3 months for an appointment for a VDT at a far away DMV.
I came across this and am so grateful for the original post and all the comments! I, like many others here, wasn't able to find anything online about the process, so this was extremely helpful. I have Stargardt disease, an advanced cataract in my right eye (which I can't have taken care of yet because I'm pregnant so need to wait a few months), and have had retinal detachment in my right eye too. My vision is 20/80 and 20/250.
I was very nervous about having to take the VDT! But, it was much easier and than I had anticipated. My doctor filled out the form (you can find it here. I printed it out, filled out the top, and then dropped it off for my eye doctor to fill out the rest). https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/uploads/2020/04/dl62-1.pdf Make sure to bring the original to the DMV. A tip on this.... I went to the San Francisco DMV where they looked at the form and then scheduled a driving test for me 2 days later at a different DMV (Daly City). They SF DMV kept the original form, so I luckily had a copy of it for the Daly City DMV. This was almost a deal breaker because they requested the original, but it didn't occur to me to ask the SF DMV for the original back. I assumed they would scan it and it would connect to tmey record for all DMVs to see. Not so! A supervisor came over and said my copy of the original form was fine to use, but don't know how kind other DMVs will be.
Once the driving examiner got in the car with me, I asked if I could take my mask off because it fogs up my glasses when I drive. (We had windows already open.) He was wearing his and said he was OK with it, but if I failed and had to retake the test, another examiner would definitely require me to wear it. I don't think I'd get very far trying to drive with foggy glasses, so guess I got lucky again.
My driving test lasted about 15-20 minutes. I did go on the highway briefly because the examiner asked me if I wanted to as part of the test. Usually, I don't drive on the highway, but I said yes. And it was just as others have described, where I stayed in the right lane, which became an exit-only lane quickly. So I increased my speed only to decrease after a few seconds in preparation for exiting the highway. The examiner told me that if I opted out of the highway portion, I would never be able to drive on the highway again. I don't know if he was being a little over-dramatic or if it's true, but it was pretty easy in my opinion.
Just wanted to add to this awesome blog about people's experiences. Thank you all for recording your experiences here and good luck to future VDT-takers!
I just reviewed this again - I had to take the VDT two years ago at age 58 after driving without problems since I was 16. I have a stable condition - blind in right eye. I passed the test with just 8 points taken off, and was so glad to think I would be fine from then on. Well, I received a limited term license for two years, and am going back Monday for a new vision test, written test, and they say I need to take the driving test again. When I first received the two year limited term license, I tried in vain to find out why - but couldn't get through the DMV system. When I go Monday, I will try to argue out of the driving test - We will see. (no pun intended!)
Hi friend,
Hope your girl must passed the exam,my test for Fremont DMV is scheduled in 2 weeks, may I know if you still remember the test and how long was the test? Is the route same as the regular one? I APPRECIATE if you can provide some information. Thank you!
Hi , I am going to do the test in the same location as you did. how was your test? I am kind of nervous
I have had a license in CA for past 16 years. I submitted DL 62 orginally and was never asked again. But due to Real ID I was asked to re-do DL 62. I brought it back but now they want to do VDT. I was very unhappy.
I am scheduled to test in 8 weeks from now. I would appreciate if anyone who took the test in Fremont can guide on their experience and which routes they took.
Thank you all !!
Extremely helpful blog- I have had no issues and its never come up in the past but with the Real ID I am now required to do the VDT. As others have remarked there is no info on this topic on the web- my appointment was scheduled directly at the San Francisco DMV, the person I was interacting with me told me I could do it by calling the CA DMV but that it was "much easier to do it via me as this is not super common."
Im fine doing a driver test - annoying as it is- but I wonder do we also do full parking (ie parallel park, 90 degree point park etc.) as part of the test?
I think I wrote this! Good news, I went to renew my license and told them I didn't know why I was only approved for two years since I passed the test. They agreed! No more driving tests.
No parallel parking was required in VDT. Just had to back up on the curb in straight line without touching the curb. VDT is regular driving test but need to go the highway and immediately get off at the next exit. The examiner is observing if you can turn your shoulder. You have to follow all rules thoroughout the test - Signals, speed limit, stop sign, lane change, etc. Criteria on rules is pretty relaxed - allowed up to 20 mistakes. Test is not hard at all. We are all experienced drivers so should be no issue for VDT. I don't mind taking VDT but I did not like the way DMV employees communicate with us. They are very cold. I agree I have a medical issue but some empathy should be shown. We cannot say anything to them because our future lies with them with respect to driving license.
Many thanks for this blog. I just moved from MA to CA and got roped into VDT (due to one eye being congenitally bad). My test is in two months (that's the earliest the clerk was able to find) at Los Gatos. Any way to find out what route they use for the tests ? Thanks in advance.
I just wanted to come back to this blog to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread. I am a 21 year old who has had numerous visual impairments since a young age. I go to college in NYC and thus do not drive often. I came back to California for my summer break and had to renew my license, but had no idea that I would have to take a Vision Driving Test. I looked online and this was the only forum that offered any help or advice. I took my test a couple of days ago and passed! It was a pretty routine driving test that followed the original course for the DMV office that I went to, the only addition to the normally driving test was the freeway. Good luck to everyone and thank you again!
5 years ago I was in our front yard watching out neighbors across the street out off fire works. One tipped over and blew up towards us. Rocketing back into their garage and setting three separate fires. A giant spark landed in my left eye- permanently taking my cornea. I have no vision in my left eye after 6+ surgeries. Three years later I finally was driving back and forth to work. Two years ago my DL expired. I went to renew- got hit with the vision test (normal for everyone). They had my cover my right eye and it was over. I couldn’t even see the chart. Had to take a packet to my specialist- get exams, they had to fill it out and mail it to me. Now I must take this BACK in when I complete my vision drivers test on august 18th. I’ve been battling this for years. I’m scared sick. I’m so tired and so done. Thank you so much for this thread. It was a great help. My heart goes out to every one of you. I’m so sorry.
I am renewing my DL. Did not pass my vision test. I am driving with one eye. Need to take vision driving test in a week. Anybody took one at Pleasanton, CA? I am very nervous. Sometimes it me longer to read the traffic lights due shadow from the sunlight. Will the examiner deduct points for reacting to slow?
I just wrapped up the VDT test - it is exactly as stated in this blog (which was a huge help as there is little info on the internet or through the CA DMV). The VDT is testing EXACTLY what a normal CA DMV Drive test would test with the addition that you are asked to jump on the highway for one exit and then get off right away. The test lasts roughly 15 min and you can miss up to 20 points ((effectively 20 small mistakes). For long time drivers who have no issues driving this test should not be too hard though I would recommend you brush up as everyone has some habits that are not "by the book." Note that the examiner will be grading by said "book." There is no parallel park or 90 degree back, rather you will be asked to pull over to a curb and go backwards for 3-4 ft without hitting anything. Good luck all
I had my VDT at Los Gatos DMV. The examiner was quite friendly and basically said it will not be a full driving test. The whole thing was about 15 mins. Local roads first. Asked to pull over to the curb once and back up for a few feet (made sure I was looking back with my right hand holding the headrest of passenger seat). I made sure to stop at stop signs and count to three before starting. We briefly got onto the highway 17 and drove for one exit all the while staying on the right lane. Along the way, the examiner was chitchatting a bit but I made sure I did not lose my focus. I passed with 5 mistakes out of 20 (all of them had to do with not scanning enough when reaching intersections). Huge relief. Thanks to this page, I had the confidence when going into the test.
Can you tell me if your license for 5 years? Or 2 years? Do you have take VTD again?
Thanks to this page and all information. Anyone know the VDT route in Hayward-CA?
I am facing the same issue. You can make an appointment by phone. I called the 800-777-0133 number and went thru the entire process until it asked if I wanted to talk to an agent. I was called back in 5 minutes and was able to get an appointment. Today is 11/3. My appointment is in January.
This is how I finally got an appointment, too!
Just wait until the end of the phone-tree and if you get the recording leave your call back number and a real person will return your call!
The lady from DMV who called back right away was very nice and made my Vision Drive Test appointment for the DMV office of my choice for the date and time of my choosing, as I wanted to be sure that my new glasses would be ready and the bad headlight repair completed before the test day!
Soooo much gratitude to all who have contributed to this post; it is so helpful and calming that I'm feeling confident for my test now scheduled for a couple of weeks from now.
Here is the link that is so hard to find on the California DMV site which includes several important links:
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/preparing-for-your-driving-test-ffdl-22/
Review the links, then practice driving with the included information in thought and you'll pass!
On the DMV page linked above notice that under "Who takes a driving test?" the second answer is a driver who has
A vision-related problem
When studying this DMV page
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-education-and-safety/educational-materials/fast-facts/preparing-for-your-driving-test-ffdl-22/
be sure to scroll down to the link for "SAFE DRIVER CHECKLIST"
For those who were able to get a full license after passing the test, which CA DMV did you all go to? My optometrist believes that I should have an unrestricted license. I have amblyopia in my right eye which ends up being 20/200, but with both eyes open, she compares my vision to someone without a condition (my other eye is 20/20). In addition, my condition is stable and won't be affecting the other eye. Are there other DMVs I should avoid that might make me keep coming back for another VDT every 2 years? My test is in a week, so I hope things go well!
I took the test today at the Palm Springs DMV. The freeway portion was not on I-10 but on hwy 111 past the tramway. I had a great examiner. He took off 1 pt. for speed ( too slow) and that's all. My visual issue is congenital and not progressive. I will get a 5 year license.
Either in person or calling the DMV
I just took and passed my Vision Driving Test today, and I owe it to this blog and all the great comments. Thank you all. Watching the Cal DMV video's helped, too, which led to some other helpful YouTUbe Vides as well. But it was the very helpful explanations of what to expect, and the tips on how to preparer, that came from this blog and comments, that made me feel prepared, calmer, and perform better. I also found helpful simply driving around the area where I was going to be tested, noting speed limits, lane changes, intersection details, while practicing driving like the examiner would expect: coming to full stop, using my blinker properly, and staying within posted speed limits (all things after 63 years of driving that I'm pretty casual about).
I got retina problem with my right eye. After second trial to get the doctor to fill out the form, I went today to try to renew my DL. I took the written test and passed, but I was told to get an appointment for Vision Driving test. I came home and tried to get one from the dmv.ca.gov, but I was told that I was currently not eligible to take a driving test. I do not know what it meant. Please help, anybody?
Margaret
Margaret, I think to setup appointment for VDT, you have to call dmv. Don't think you can make it online. For me, they set it up at the dmv counter. But I can see the appointment online.
If you call the 800 number - 800-777-0133, and work your way through the menus, eventually you will be asked if you want to talk to a team member. If you respond "yes", and answer a couple of more questions, you will be given a call-back time, and the DMV will call you, and you can set up a VDT appointment at any DMV office in the state. Your local office may be booked up for months. If so, try an office in an outlying area and get there a couple of hours early to familiarize yourself with the roads. Also, if you've been driving for a long time, there are a lot of new rules regarding bike lanes that you will need to know.
Anyone took the VDT at Daly city DMV? If so, do you remember the route? :)
Thanks
Hi All,
Anyone took the VDT in Fremont location? Can anyone please share there experience and the route which they used to take during the test. And also if possible can anyone let me know the highway number also where they enter and take the exit immediately.
Just drive around the area , whichever the closest freeway should be the one u hopping on and going off
Same thing happened to me today. Had to call and speak to a real person.
Do they make you switching lanes into the faster lanes, or just jump on and then off?
Thank you for this blog, all of your comments are very helpful. Does anyone know the VDT route for the Paso Robles office? Any details you can share regarding the VDT in that office?
I took VDT today @ Santa teresa DMV San Jose and passed with one mistake.I am getting renewal for two years now(amblyopia in right eye-stable for 30yrs).This blog is very helpful thank you for all information
Thanks for the post. As a stick shift driver, I can tell I will have to force myself to NOT do some of my casual bad habits, such as coasting in neutral, or relying solely on my back up camera.
Hi - does anyone know if it's the norm now to only get a limited term 2 year license even after passing the VDT and getting approval from the optometrist?
Hi - do you know why you only had a 2 year license instead of 5?
I just took mine to and passed, same thing 2 years, you don’t have retake it as long as you’re eyes stay the same only if your eye sight changes then you have re take
Thank you so much for this blog , just passed my VDT easy had 6 mistakes and didn’t make me park only once and free way, super easy and simple just look over shoulder and making sure you Confident and it easy Peezy
Hi - do you know why you only got a 2 year renewal as opposed to 5 years?
Thank you so much for this blog, it has really helped me prep for my vision drive test. To pay it forward, I'm detailing my experience below.
For context, I've been a driver for 10 years w/o citations so it came as a surprise when I applied for a REAL ID that I'd need to take a VDT. DMV staffers can sometimes come off a little humiliating too so it was extra stressful.
For prep, I read this blog, watched all the DMV videos, practiced w/ my partner at the DMV neighborhood, took a driving lesson ($$$). The driving lesson was probably an overkill but it reminded me that I need to scan at intersections, look over my shoulders even when I'm simply making a left or right turn (in addition to lane changes), reverse along the curb, and that I do not need to signal when entering roundabouts.
On test day, I did my exam at the Los Gatos DMV. It's a Tuesday morning and traffic was quite busy with a lot of impatient commuters but the course is very easy. My examiner was nice and immediately assured me that I won't lose my license, it's only for the record. We drove on city streets (never in residential neighborhoods), went on Hwy 17 North (unlikely you'll ever go on Hwy 17 South due to distance), pulled over to the right on Winchester blvd and did a reverse along the curb (I made sure to look over my left shoulder that there were no cars coming before I began reversing). That's it, then we drove back to the DMV. The entire drive was about 15 min. I had 3 points deducted for not scanning at intersections.
I got a 5 years full term license and was told I won't have to repeat the VDT unless my good eye deteriorates. I am slightly nearsighted on my good eye so not sure if that progresses, whether I'd have to repeat my VDT. All in all not a terrible experience. Good luck to all those who have to take the VDT. It is a very frustrating and drawn out process.
Thanks for the post. Anyone took the VDT at Pleasanton Stoneridge location, do you have the route? Do they take you on the freeway?
Thanks for all this info! I’m taking mine in Hawthorne, CA next week and will update. I don’t see any LA area commenters, so hope it’ll help those who live in the area.
Hello VDT community -
I have a question. Are we allowed to use back up cameras? Are we allowed to use blind spot mirrors, or the LED signals on the mirror? I do look over my shoulder when changing lanes. My main concerns is on the back up test. if we are allowed to use them as an aid. I have a crossover and a minivan; which both have back up cameras.
Also are you allowed to adjust the mirrors to look at the curb as you back up and adjust them back when moving forward?
Also anyone take a test with an EV, and are there any issues or feedback of using ICE vs EV.?
Thank you so much for posting this information on the California Vision Driving Test. I am blind in one eye but was able to score 93 out of 100 points!!! What a relief!
Hello All,
Thank you so much for your support and comments. I was worried about my Vision Driving Test here at the Long Beach DMV. I do have pretty good eye sight in only my left eye. I did take a 2 hour Drivers Ed Driving lesson the make sure I was up to date on current driving issues. I am 79 years old - so a driving test is common for my age group, on top of my vision issues. My MD did write a letter saying I was 'okay to drive" and it was accepted without my having to attempt the Vision Test.
I was worried about the backup part of the test, but practiced with my head turned as they want, and really actually my side mirror for accurate info. No, they do not want us to use cameras I am told.
I took my test yesterday, was told it was a longer test due to the "Vision" part, included freeway onramp, and many left hand turns. No backup portion! I passed! The tester said "You did good" I had 6 errors - mainly signaling errors (which I do not understand because I alwauys use my signals, but ohh well) PS, Yes, my car is EV. The testor was cranky. Again, oh well. Passing is all I care about. However, he did only give me 2 more years before I have to do this all over again.
How what did you do to schedule the freaking test. I can't get to a live agent on the phone, and trying their web site isn't working either
So glad to find this post! Was freaking out as I never heard of this test despite 20/200 in my right eye since childhood - and I've been driving in CA for 40+ yrs. This site is truly awesome and knowing the blog is helping people with low vision pass the VDT gives me hope.
Seems like since DMV is sending so many people to take VDT, the test is backed up for months. For people needing to schedule a test, call DMV at the 800 number posted earlier, follow the voice prompts and request for a call back to look for an appt. It's the only way you can talk to them on the phone (or you can go into the DMV office and see what they can come up with).
Just got one scheduled at Capitola for early July, 3+ months out. Lots of horrible reviews about 2 of their testers (at least up to 2022). Lets hope they are gone or aren't doing DSP testing as they seem to flunk regular driver test candidates left and right.
Can the previous poster or anyone with recent experience with Capitola VDT please share experience, and if possible route into? Thanks!
So there is a requirement that if you have mono vision from Lasik surgery you are now required to take a driving test. I was not aware, had the Lasik 5 years ago, no accidents or citations. I am 73 years old. So I'm told to have my optometrist fill out DL 62 form and return it.. the optometrist makes me take a full exam showing I have 20)20 in one eye and with both eyes 20/40 for distance. I bring a completed form back and they still insist I take a driving test. Three employees including a supervisor look at the form and I'm scheduled for the test. At the driving test date the clerk signs me in to take the test. I get in line and wait for the tester. He asks for the form and consults with another tester, returns and tells me the form has not been filled out correctly. The best corrected visual acuity must be wrong because it is listed as 20/20 when my right eye with mono vision is 20/ 200. I state the optometrist interprets that as the eye with a corrective lens can be improved to 20/20 but of course I would not do that as it would remove the mono vision. The tester says no, I have to get the form fixed and can't take the driving test . At this stage what do l do. If I argue anymore and insist on Management intervening he is in a position to fail me on the driving test. I take the form back to the optometrist office and she has to fill out a new form. Yes, I did go back into the DMV office and spoke to the manager and all she did was tell me to get the form fixed . I pointed out the obvious. How do I get to the finish line and a tester can override a professional optometrist on an ambiguous form as well as the employees in the DMV who have given ok on the form. .I am still not over the finish line. I will do a follow. This is an example of beaurocracy run amuck with me caught in the trap
One more important item I forgot to note. The staff at optometrist office told me they have had numerous issues with the DMV on this Dl form and that they need someone with professional expertise meaning an eye specialist they can refer at the DMV. Otherwise it's non experts evaluating forms they are not qualified to do.
What about going to another DMV? Might not be a lot different but all things being equal, you don't have the issue of dealing with the same unhelpful DMV staff.
Follow up. Optometrist did a third version and I spent another two hours at DMV to make sure I could take driver's test. I thought I aced the test and instructor gave me 18 corrections and 20 would have meant a do over. Unbelievably picky. Id say pay attention to the advice of initial blog. I have had no accidents or citations in 54 years. Only comment instructor made was experienced driver's get into bad habits. To sum up, the entire experience sucked and I will do what I can to get the prescription glasses that will pass the right eye so I can avoid the craziness. I got a two year provisional license due to myopia of right eye
Here's the advice if you have similar situation. Drive like a novice a 16 year old. Or course once you deviate from your standard fine driving skills you can get hyper alert and mess up the basics. It's some Catch that Catch 22, courtesy DMV.
Hello fellow VDT'ers -
This blog was helpful to me at every level, and I want to pay it forward.
I was nerve racked about taking the VDT, and put it off for months and months.
The blog prepared me.
I got my DL62 filled out. made an appointment. I got Hayward, ca and read a stat that 48% pass rate.
So, what I did was the following before the VDT, and I promise you it will help.
First. THe DL 62 is nerve racking because you are at the mercy of the doctor and what DMV will interpret.
Go with the flow and let that process take place. Find a friendly DMV would be my suggestion even if you trek it. I think DMV staff is overworked and deal with some characters, and so I understand the grumpiness.
THen read the blog above over and over again. memorize it.
Then if you are in the SF Area, look for Michael Wong who is a driving Instructor; He is phenomenal. All of his testomonials about him are not wrong. https://michaelwongdriving.com/. this is website.
Since he only covers SF area and not hayward. We went to Daly City and we went over those routes.
The instructor helps because like most of us, We're long time drivers and pick up driving techniques that won't help pass the test. So better to get a re-hash of what to look out for.
Then practice that.
I then found a Driving School in Hayward area. And coincidentally found the instructor that does train on VDT.
She went over the routes mainly and just gave reminders on what to look for. In particular like look over the right shoulder when makiing the right turn for Bicyclist.
Then again practice.
I practiced on the day of the VDT. I practiced the backup piece like 8 times. I've got monovision and blind in the right eye. So I just had to really turn my back and make sure I had my hands steady so I'm not flailing going backwards. I avoided looking at my backup camera.
Make sure to scan the streets at intersection for pedestrians, and bicyclists.
Left Turns are key; practice those well.
Testing:
I was a nervous wreck. However, as I had prayed; God sent an Angel in the form of the examiner. He sat in the car and just started talking about the car, and then his car. we sat in the car for a bit, He was just making sure I was calm and ready to go.
He was very gentle in demeanor. He would chat a bit with me while driving and give the exam instructions like turn left and right. and then to pull over and back up.
There was a moment where I was driving and then I hit a yellow. I was in that spot where I could have stopped or keep going with a bit of speed. I sped up but I was under the speed limit. THe key is that you don't want to do any unsafe manuveurs. If I had just stopped hard that would be deemed unsafe.
Also mind your speed limit. I practiced very hard to keep my speed 3-4 mph lower than the stated speed limit. My car has a digital spedometer, so very little wiggle room.
I also had headsup display, which I think helped me a lot, becauase I can keep my eye on the road and the speed. I think people with Monovision should get vehicles like that or get aftermarket if possible.
I did ask the examiner if that is okay. He was okay with it.
I came back and Passed the test, and with flying colors. I did ask what I needed to work on he was like nothing you did good.
So to summize, Get Instructors to help you iron out some forgotten habits.
Go with an instructor that can help with the routes so you know what to expect. I feel if you are familiar with the area; that will ease some of the stress of taking the test. Practice the routes, and practice elsewhere.
Good Luck.
I agree with you. Some are rude and don’t help us
How did your test go? I'm also in the LA area.
I am legally blind in my left eye and had wet myopic degeneration in my right eye since 2016. My vision has been 20/15 and stable as I have yearly visits with my eye doctor. As I could not pass the test to renew my 5 year license with my left eye I had to take the driving test. I found the experience very stressful. I studied all the videos and felt well prepared but still had 8 mistakes which was ok to pass the test. Some of the pitfalls are not putting your turn signals on in time. Not looking over your shoulder when you turn.Backing up four car lengths on the curb. It can be a critical error if you are not able to do this. I am good at parallel parking but found this task difficult as I have a large van and if you hit the curb that is an automatic failure. Since I knew this was being extremely careful and she said I could only do this four times. Three times I did not meet her requirements as she said I was not close enough to the curb and I explained that knowing it was a critical error and you immediately flunked the test I was overly cautious but she said that I had four tries and that was it. I was only given a two year license even though my doctor said my diagnosis was stable and would like to know if anyone has any advice on how I could petition to get a five year license and not have to endure this stressful situation.
Great blog - very useful! Thank you.
FYI, a couple of years ago the VDT person said that part of the test is to drive through areas where the light and shadow change, like dapples trees.
First off I'd like to thank the original poster for this great blog. I'm new to California and have been almost totally blind in my right eye since birth. My left eye thank God is 20/30 and 20/25 with my glasses.i'm 45 years old and have hsd a drivers license since I was 17. My most recent is from Florida,but I've held licenses in a few states and have never encountered this till now.
I too was given a DL-62 form as the DMV examiner told me that I passed with both eyes together and my left eye but not my right eye.
My questions about this are after finding an eye doctor to fill out this form and taking this drive test will I be issued a 5 year drivers license? My condition is stable and won't effect my left eye. Also will I have to take the VDT test every time I renew a California driver's license?
Thank you to everyone for My help.
For those who had to wait for a couple of months for their VDT, did the DMV extend your driver's license if it was getting close to expiring?
Yes, DMV extened my DL extension. I took my expired license to the DMV together with my unexpired extention and had it extended again until a date shrtly after my scheduled Vision Driving Test.
Since the test was scheduled about 90 days after I requested it, extensions are maximun 60 days, and my license expired in the interim, I had to get two extensions.
The second extention is merely a rubber-stamped text note with the handwritten intials of the DMV employee. Hardly a secure method!
Thank you for answering my driver's license extension question. Much relief now. Dealing with the DMV makes me nervous.
The DMV person told me to make sure to schedule a Vision Drive Test and not the regular drive test. I cannot find how to this and have spent hours searching online and even trying to call the DMV where I just get "Myles the virtual assistant" who doesn't answer my question.
Yes. If you cannot pass the standard chart vision test at the DMV, you get flagged for a Visual Driving Test, which cannot be scheduled online. You have to go into a DMV, where they keep the schedule. There are few appts. available in most areas, so they will EXTEND YOUR LICENSE to enable you to drive legally until the time of the appt. they give you.
The DMV seems to believe that if you cannot see well looking over your right shoulder, you should not drive. They have a good point. My peripheral vision is reduced, so I have to turn farther, and return quickly. It gets harder to do as we get older, but this inability causes accidents. All of us have to accept that if our driving abilities, especially our vision, gets bad enough, they are not going to let us drive. That could mean drastic lifestyle changes. My opthalmologist reminds me that self-driving cars may be perfected by the time I need one.
Be sure to read and follow the advice in this very valuable blog. You can drive as long as you can see well enough to do what is required. The idea is that if you can't pass the standard eye chart test, DMV wants to see how well you drive. Lucky you, because loss of vision in the right eye is a problem for looking over your shoulder, which is constantly required in the Vision Driving Test.
No, but any restrictions will be noted, such as glasses required, no night driving, no freeway, etc.
You have to go into the DMV to schedule it. It is not available online. The good news is that if your license is expiring before that date, let them know and they will provide a temporary extension to your license.
Here is some advice about the VDT:
1. To schedule a VDT, call DMV at 8 A M
sharp on a weekday at 18007770133. When Miles (chatbot from Hell) answers, immediately say "I'd like to speak to a team member". You will be called back immediately by a DMV employee. Make your VDT appointment over the phone.
2. DMV will not give out the VDT driving route for any field office location.
3.Due to high demand and a limited number of examiners, your appointment may be scheduled for several months in the future. Be sure your DMV form 962 will still be good on the VDT test date (within 6 months of vision exam date)
Here’s my contribution to this invaluable blog:
Getting a VDT appointment – As mentioned by many, what worked for me was to call the CA DMV 800-777-0133 number early in the morning (8am Pacific), then ask for a team member at the prompts and ask for a callback. During the callback, request a VDT appointment and indicate your preferred DMV office and an alternate location just in case. Take what is offered that is convenient for you as slots are few and dates can be weeks out. My VDT date was past my license expiration date so I had to go to the DMV to get an externsion. The extension was good to the day after my VDT date.
Day of VDT – My VDT was at the San Mateo DMV. I got there an hour before my 10:30am appointment. They have a separate section and line for those taking a drive test. The DMV person will ask for your driver license, vehicle registration, proof of insurance, and the completed DMV Vision exam form 62 and package them up to put on your dashboard when you line up for the drive test. It was a busy day with up to ten cars lined up. So had to wait for an available examiner and my drive test started around 11:45am.
VDT route – The area around the San Mateo DMV has a lot of residential streets so spent a majority of the time on those plus a bit on Peninsula Ave and Poplar Ave. Draw a box around Hwy 101, Peninsula Ave, 3rd Ave, and San Mateo Drive to get an idea of where I was asked to drive. The freeway portion was a short hop from the Poplar Ave on ramp to southbound 101 and exit on 3rd Ave.
VDT results – No matter your level of driving experience, the link to the DMV videos at the top of this blog helps greatly to refresh your knowledge. For any lane change or turn, always perform the SMOG steps (S-Signal, M-Mirror Check, O-Over the shoulder check, G-Go perform the manuever) in that order. My head was swiveling non-stop so I guess that helped as the examiner said I did good. Good enough for a five year extension that I was hoping for.
VDT misses – I did ask the examiner what I did not do right. Two things. One, when he asked me to pull over and stop to perform a back up, I did a signal and mirror check, but not an over the shoulder check. He said to treat that manuever as a lane change. Two, there are a lot of residential streets around the San Mateo DMV. After turning from a main road (35mph) into a residential street (25mph), I was tending to go over 25mph at times. Be mindful of the speed limit change.
Thank you for this blog. Hope this information is available on DMV Site so people have better understanding on what to expect.
This blog is so informative with real life example. I really thank you all for sharing personal experiences.
Has anyone fail the VDT test and felt the examiner has a biased opinion with people with low vision issues and give you hard time passing the test?
I have monovision.
I have failed my test on my first try but will be retaking in 3 months. I felt my examiner was treating me as I am regular person with perfect vision. He just seems be picking me on everything and mark me critical error on speed. He totally make feel miserable, uncomfortable and humiliated. He kept nagging me while I am driving the whole time. His instruction were last minutes. My experience in taking the vdt two years ago with another examiner was completely different. The examiner was reasonable and understanding.
Love
I can still drive but I can't read traffic light at long distance. I need to be closer to be able to react to the traffic light. So when I drive I don't drive at street limit. For example if the street is 45 mph, I will be at 35 - 38 mphs. But sometimes, I enter area with tree shadow, I might slowdown even a little bit more. I have gaulcoma. So my depth perception is not normal as others. I see better during cloudy days vs sunny days.
Can I tell the examiner before the test about my condition? Do the examiner even care? I just need my driver license to do everyday errands and picking up and drop my kids. Love to hear for everyone advice and help to pass next round. Taking the test every two years is very stressful 🙃! Thank you in advance everyone!
Thank you for this blog. I passed my VDT recently and it was a straightforward exam. Went on the highway and took the next exit. Backed up straight for 30 feet. No parallel parking. I recommend watching the DMV videos and some driving tests on Youtube.
I got a two year license but talked to my examiner and he explained why. Although, I had a amblyopia (static) and my vision was 20/20 with both eyes, the optmetrist also checked off myopia (nearsightness) on my amblyopic eye. Myopia is a progressive according to the DMV vision chart and that is why I got a two year license. It did not matter my good eye did not have myopia. He recommended next time to ask the optmetrist to not check that condition or check off monocular vision on the form and I should get the full 5 year license. You can find if your condition is progressive or static on the DMV website. Hope this helps some people.
Thank you for this helpful blog and to everyone for adding their comments. Does anyone know why the appointments for the Vision Driving Test (VDT) are a bit hard to get? Appointments for the regular behind-the-wheel test are readily available (within two weeks), but it's harder to schedule one for the VDT (months away). Forgive my ignorance: why don't they just allocate a longer appointment time within the two weeks? Is it a special type of examiner that gives the VDT?
On Nov 8, I took the VDT but failed it. The VDT driving route #1 for the San Bernardino DMV office on Waterman Ave occurs entirely within the area bordered by:
Baseline St on the South
215 freeway on the West (used for freeway portion of the test)
210 freeway on the North
Waterman ave on the East
Hope this helps .
Took the VDT on 11/20/2024 at El Monte mid morning on a Wed and passed with the help of this blog. I have to say most of the folks I've dealt with in this location were very professional. However, I would recommend finding a different location to do the VDT. As I have experienced, El Monte is extremely busy which added to the difficulty of this process. The test itself lasted about 25 minutes and included driving thru busy streets such as Valley Blvd. and Santa Ana blvd. Echoing the blog poster, make sure to practice the SMOG technique...signal, mirror, over shoulder and go. Apply SMOG to EVERYTHING you do change lanes, while making turn and even going from a stop. Also, make sure constantly be scanning.
SDPE UPDATE
I previously gave the driving area for the SDPE test at the San Bernardino DMV field office (see above). I paid the $9 DMV retest fee and took the test for the second time. This time, the driving area was the same as given above, but we took a different route. For the freeway portion of the test we headed West on the 210 freeway, then South on the 215 before getting off at Highland Ave and heading back to the DMV office. Passed the test easily this time with 7 errors. I was told to expect only a 2- year license because I am blind in my R eye (due to a CRVO) and like all seniors over 70, have a mild cataract in the L eye ( but still see 20/20 in the good eye).
At the SB DMV field office, the same person gives the regular driving test or the VDT. When I took the VDT in Dec 2024, THERE WAS NO DESTINATION TRIP OR PARKING LOT DRIVING. This was true both times I took this test.
Hi, anyone still here? I have a vision behind the wheel test coming up and am nervous. Lost my right eye and had a retinal detachment in the other. I see people commenting that they were on the highway for one exit. All I've been told is that it's up to the discretion of the tester. I wonder if the route contains crowded overstimulating traffic intersections...things like that. Thanks for any help.
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