Hey, driving enthusiasts 🚗✨
Today, I'm super excited to share my experience about how to nail that written test and get the Instruction Permit 🎉
So, California driver's licenses are like a two-part saga: first, you conquer the written test, and then you tackle the road test. If you're on the same boat as me, fresh to the U.S. driving scene, you'll need to hit up the DMV website and hit "Apply for a New DL/ID." Let's get this party started🎈
Once you're on the DMV website, you'll need to create an account. They'll shoot you a text on your U.S. phone number for that extra layer of security.
🔖 Pro tip: Keep that phone handy because they'll be texting you every time you log in!
After creating an account, follow the online application steps to sign up for the test. It's a breeze, trust me! But here's the kicker – at this point, you're only signing up for the written test, not the road test 📝
When it comes to choosing your test method, you've got two options: the classic "In-Person at a DMV Office" or the new-age "Online" way.
I started with the in-person vibe, but when the earliest slot was like a month away (major bummer), I ditched that plan and went all-in on the online test.
The switcheroo landed me an email with the golden link to the online test – easy peasy!
Now, why do I love the online test?
Well, for starters, you can take it Monday to Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM PST. No fixed date – just pick a time that suits you!
Install the proctoring software (you can uninstall it later), and voila – your living room becomes the exam hall.
If you're not feeling the whole software install vibe or can't wait a month, consider the walk-in option.
Just stroll into the DMV, queue up, and boom – same-day test🌟
Click here to learn more about the proctoring software
Post online-test victory, expect a DMV email in about five minutes – the verdict on your success or a battle plan for round two.
If you fail the test, no need to worry! Feel free to take a test again after 7 days!
If you pass, you'll receive the golden ticket email, unlocking the path to claiming your Instruction Permit.
The DL confirmation code is a 8-digit code combine with letter and numbers. Guard it with your life – the DMV staff will want it!
⚠️ Just a heads up: if your payment hasn't gone through yet, make a pit stop at the DMV at least a day after you've paid for the test.
Fast forward to DMV day – head to the DMV queue, whether you booked ahead or just for walk-in. 
Brace yourself for the line (it can get cray cray), and when your time comes, present that DL confirmation code (the 8-digit code) to the officer and he/she will give you the ticket.
Oh, and here's a sneak peek at a typical DMV queue on a regular day – madness😅
I arrived around 10am and there are 35 people waiting ahead of me lol
While waiting, I took a little DMV tour (why not, right?).
Picture this: a never-ending line of eager test-takers ready to take the written test.
From what I remember, each person will be assign to one computer to take the test!
Almost every counter is open so the wait time is shorter than expected!
The TV will show the current number and the window that the person need to go.
Once my number was called, the staff asked for my ID, i-94, proof of address, and that all-important DL application confirmation code we talked about earlier.
Then, the staffer directed me to a screen where I confirmed all the basic info I had filled in when booking my written test at home.
Once we crossed the info-check hurdle, it was fingerprint time.
A quick press of the right thumb, a receipt in hand, and a signature at the top 'X' sealed the deal.
Boom – DMV permit receipt secured!
Next up, I thought it would be hard, surprise, surprise – it was a breeze!
Each counter had three boards labeled "A", "B", "C", with rows of English letters. 
This was the vision test stage – I stand in front of the counter, read off the letters on the board, and done!
For example, the staffer might throw a curveball like, "What's the first row of C?" Easy-peasy, just recite the entire lineup!
First, both eyes join the party, then it's a one-eye cover-up show – right eye, left eye, you name it.
🔖 Pro tip: If you're a glasses or contacts kind of person, don't forget to bring them along on your DMV day!
After acing the vision test, a stack of paperwork landed in my hands, signaling the next stop – the photo shoot.
I strutted over to the photo area, where I handed over the stack of papers to the staff. First, a signature on an electronic board, then a press of the right thumb, and ta-da – time to strike a pose!
The diligent DMV crew would then pin a photo receipt onto the initial mountain of paperwork.
🔖Quick tip for my fellow ladies – put on your glam game before the photo session; after all, this photo will grace your driver's license!
Armed with the towering pile of papers, it was time to hit up the adjacent counter for the grand finale – the Instruction Permit.
This magical piece of paper unlocks the door to behind-the-wheel training, gearing up for the impending road test. 
Keep in mind, this permit is your golden ticket for a year, allowing you to conquer the roads with the caveat that a licensed adult, aged at least 18, accompanies you in the car.
And that's a wrap for today's DMV chronicles!
Time to gear up for the road test. Once I conquer that, I'll be back to spill all the details in our next post.
Until then, stay tuned and stay fabulous on the roads 🚗✨
#ohohsmile #calilife #California_Driver_License #Instruction_Permit
