Behind-the-wheel driving tests at DMV to resume Friday

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KION) Starting Friday, the California Department of Motor Vehicles will start administering behind-the-wheel driving tests again.

The testing, which is required for first-time driver license holders and commercial license applicants, has not been held since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DMV will begin by completing testing for canceled tests, which could take several weeks, and new appointments cannot be made until canceled tests are finished.

There will be some differences. Behind-the-wheel driving test applicants will need to wear a face covering and answer screening questions before the test. In some counties outside the Central Coast, applicants will have their temperatures checked. That is expected to become statewide in the next few weeks.

If the applicant's permit has expired, they will need to fill out a new online application before the DMV visit and check in 30 minutes before the appointment.

Examiners will be required to wear face coverings and gloves, but they will also place plastic covers on the vehicle's passenger seat and floorboard. Two windows will need to be rolled down during the test, and more of the test will be conducted outside the vehicle.

To increase the number of tests each day, the DMV may shorten the testing route, expand hours or add more examiners.