How to Make an Appointment at the DMV

Before visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or other state motor vehicle agency to take a drivers license test, inquire if an appointment is needed. Otherwise, unless walk-ins are accepted, DMV officials will turn you away.

NOTE: Only a few states require or offer appointments for other services besides road test appointments. Vermont, for example, encourages written test appointments. California offers appointment options for ID cards, instruction permits, plates and stickers, moving permits and titling and registration. Because this is rare and most, if not all, DMV offices require road test appointments, this article will focus on road testing.

DMV Appointment Options

Depending on your state, you may be able to make a road test appointment within days or weeks. Either way, plan accordingly. Given the time and money involved to take a drivers license road test, be sure you’re capable of passing and, of course, eligible.

Appointment rules vary by state, but in most instances you will need to meet all or some of the following qualifications:

• Own a valid permit. This applies to when making the appointment and on the day of your road test.
• Have met your state’s driver license requirements. These vary by state, but may include: holding a permit for a certain amount of time (the length depends on your state and your age); completing a state driver education class; completing a specified number of hours of supervised driving while behind the wheel.

Depending on your state, you will have some or all of the following appointment options:

• Phone
• Online
• In person

Before making an appointment, regardless of option, be prepared with at least three possible available test dates. Don’t forget to coordinate these dates with the licensed driver who will be accompanying you to the testing area.

Phone

Either visit your state’s DMV website or call your local DMV office for the appointment number.

Some branch offices offer a central appointment number, while other states offer appointment numbers by DMV location. Either way, when calling, have your learner’s permit number at the ready.

Online

Many states now offer an online appointment system, giving you 24/7 access. You can find this, if offered, on your DMV’s website.

Have your learner’s permit number as well as a valid credit or debit card (some online appointment sites require paying for the road test online).

In Person

Bring proper identification and your permit. Identification requirements vary by state. Call your local DMV before visiting for acceptable forms of ID.

Have you ever had to make an appointment at your local DMV? Do you think it helped cut down on the time you spent there?