

They told all drivers to put their cars in park and turn off the engine while waiting. So I joined the line of cars waiting, and after 15 min, it was my turn to undergo the vehicle safety check. The staff member gave me yet another little piece of paper in return, and I was told that I could drive the car around into the testing lane. Inside the building, I showed my driver's permit, car registration, and proof of car insurance, and my licensed driver showed their California license.

They do require your licensed driver to accompany you in line.

I parked in one of the regular parking spots - not the ones reserved for those returning from a test - and went in the line for people with appointments. I drove to the DMV with my licensed driver and arrived 15 min before the test time (there's a sticker on my permit that says to do that). I thought I'd post a description of all the steps I went through for a behind-the-wheel-test at a California DMV recently (Santa Clara), for those who'd like to know exactly what to expect.
