The California DMV will resume administering behind-the-wheel driving tests on Friday.

In-vehicle testing – a requirement for first-time driver license holders and commercial license applicants – has been suspended since mid-March because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DMV will automatically reschedule all canceled drive test appointments.

Several Week Backlog

The DMV anticipates it will take several weeks to complete testing for previously canceled tests. Appointments for new behind-the-wheel tests will not be available until previously canceled tests are completed.

Behind-the-Wheel drive tests previously canceled due to #COVID19 will resume THIS Friday.

New appointments will be made available at a later time.

Read more details here: https://t.co/vGsTOx38iP. #CADMV #Coronavirus pic.twitter.com/enSdEclN5V

— CA DMV (@CA_DMV) June 22, 2020

New COVID-19 Protocols

All behind-the-wheel drive test applicants will be required to wear a face-covering and answer screening questions before starting the exam.

Temperature checks will be added to protocols statewide in the coming weeks. If the customer’s permit has expired, the customer will need to fill out a new online application before their office visit, and check in 30 minutes before their appointment time.

DMV examiners will wear protective equipment – face coverings and gloves – and place plastic covers on the test vehicle’s passenger seat and floorboard. At least two windows will be lowered during the test for increased ventilation.

Examiners will conduct more of the test outside of the vehicle, for instance when they provide applicants with pre-test instructions.

Shorter Test, More Examiners

The DMV is also making changes to expedite testing and increase the exams it administers each day, including shortening the test route in many locations.

The DMV is also expanding the hours when tests are conducted, including Saturday service for drive tests in some high-volume locations, and adding more examiners.