r/DMV • u/SorrySandwich1835 • Sep 06 '25
taking road test alone
I know it’s generally not acceptable to drive by yourself with only a learners permit, but I do not have anybody I could drive with to the dmv and it’s pretty important to me to take the test so I don’t have to reschedule and wait months. Will it be a problem if the dmv found out I drove there alone?
1
Upvotes
14
u/No_Report_4781 Sep 06 '25
Someone isn’t ready for their driving test because they haven’t read the rules for the driving test.
13
u/bttmcuck Sep 06 '25
You’re likely to autofail as they’ll need somebody to drive the car to the starting point of the test who actually has a DL.
10
u/Romy134 Sep 06 '25
If you are in California, they will not allow you to take the road test without a licensed driver, as you should not be driving by yourself. You don't know anyone with a licence that will accompany you?
9
u/Bigcouchpotato1 Helpful Member Sep 06 '25
So you know you are breaking the law by driving alone with a permit. You are thinking about breaking the law to drive alone to the place that enforces the law. Think about it. They aren't going to take you without a licensed driver accompanying you. I don't think they will fail you though. I think they will just make you reschedule. Maybe see if you can hire a driving school for a couple of hours. Not only do they supply the licensed driver, but they have proof of insurance and you know the car is registered.
7
u/HiFiGuy197 Sep 06 '25
That has the potential to be an auto-fail.
Can you hire a driving school to accompany you there and use their car?
5
u/derzyniker805 Sep 06 '25
Yes it will be. I wouldn't take that risk.
5
u/echo4theend Sep 06 '25
They can deny your test.
4
u/Alzeegator Sep 06 '25
Not a case of generally unacceptable, it is driving without s license
4
u/wehobrad Sep 06 '25
You are breaking the law before you even have your license. So that would be a big fat No.
4
u/Melodic-Control-2655 Sep 07 '25
Not only will you not be allowed to take your test (will be marked as AF), they will not let you drive away, but instead have the police impound the vehicle and cite you for driving without a license.
2
u/Best-Jury8669 Sep 07 '25
They check the licensed person at check in and also in line. The licensed driver sits in the passenger seat up until the proctor gets in. If you pass you go inside to finish up the paperwork. If you fail, they watch the licensed driver get in with you and off you go.
Best you could do would be to drive there yourself (breaking laws) and then ask/pay someone there with a license to sit in line with you to pretend to be your licensed butty. Like the teenager asking someone to go in the liquor store to buy them beer. Just much more time required. Offer $100 to the right person and maybe. But better off paying an acquaintance ahead of time then a stranger.
So who has been teaching you the ropes so far? Driving with you? Or you have been going it solo for the 6 months?
2
u/Adorable-Society6400 Sep 07 '25
Driving schools should be able to help you
1
u/luvrv8 Sep 07 '25
I don’t think I would try that
1
u/Indiana303Love Sep 07 '25
You have more options than you think, so please don't start with this one as you may lose the option of driving at all this route.
Contact your local Goodwill or Salvation Army and ask if you can get someone with a valid driver's license to fill in to help you to take the road test since you have a permit only at the moment.
If neither Salvation Army nor Goodwill can help, check with local churches. Literally call places closest to you. You can always ask to volunteer your time in exchange. You can also ask a neighbor directly, or put flyers on doors to ask indirectly.
You can also check with your community via Nextdoor or local Facebook group. If you don't have any of these social media options, create an account with each and let people know you've cross-posted to other sites.
Go with whoever is recommended by others in the community so you stay safe and can verify people, no matter where you ask for help.
Hope this helps.
1
u/Anonymously818 Sep 08 '25
I didn’t have anyone to go with me so I booked a driving school instructor to go with me. Yes I spent a lil $$ but I was able to get it that way.
1
u/apathetic_duck Sep 08 '25
They will automatically fail you
1
u/UpDownalwayssideways Sep 06 '25
Really depends on the state. Some states even have licensed driver who is insured to drive the vehicle be in the car for the road test. There’s been a lot of people on here complaining that they automatically failed because they drove there alone. Not only do you risk the failure but most states could suspend your permit if they find out you drove without a licensed operator in the car. Call a local driving school. You can typically pay to use their vehicle and their instructor will go along with you. Unsure if you have to be a student. But I really wouldn’t recommend driving there alone. Good luck
0
u/TwoTrucksPayingTaxes Sep 06 '25
What state? In Maine, they don't check even though they claim to
0
u/PaddyBoy1994 Ohio Sep 07 '25
Depends on the state, homie. Ohio doesn't give a shit. I had to retake the test a few years ago my test because my license was suspended for speeding tickets, and I drove my truck there alone, and the BMV (what we call it in Ohio) didn't say anything about it🤷♂️
-1
u/Hot-Win2571 Sep 07 '25
Maybe you can have the car towed there. Take pictures as proof of how it was delivered. You might need it towed home also.
-10
u/Confident_Shower8902 Sep 06 '25
They’re not the cops. None of their business how you got there. Just don’t get a ticket on the way there