The Official Jonny Driving School Blog

Do I need to purchase insurance for school driving lessons or are driving school cars fully insured?

Sue from Anaheim High School in California asks: I am thinking about signing up for driving lessons with a school. Do I need to purchase insurance or are driving school cars fully insured?

Hello Sue, good for you to care about the safety and well being of your child; there's never a better time to make sure your covered by insurance than when learning to drive!

I can't speak for all driving schools, but if a school is licensed by the DMV, then they have to be insured.

When you talk to a driving school, ask what their DMV license # is and then you should be able to double check them on the CA DMV website at :https://mv.dmv.ca.gov/olinq2/welcome.do

For example, Drivers Ed Direct (a leading California driving institution) is licensed by the DADMV and you will see that their DMV license # is 4141.

Hope that helps,

Until next time Sue, keep up the good work as a concerned parent...I know I don't have to be concerned about you!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

Texas Defensive Driving

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For the CA drivers exam, what controls on the vehicle does the examiner want me to know?

Tania from Beverly Hills High: I'm taking my California drivers exam and i wanted to know before the test, what on the vehicle does the examiner want me to know?

Hello Tania, so young and nervous about passing your test. Someday when you're old and gray you'll look back and laugh (or cry if you still haven't earned your license).

Anyhow, if you are taking your in-car DMV drive test (in California), here are the pre-drive questions they will ask you:

Hand signals (right-turn, left-turn, slow/stop)

Locate windshield wiper controls

Locate/explain headlight control (they will probably just ask you the low-beams)

Locate Hazard light control

Locate front window defroster control

Set and Release emergency parking brake

Identify all the gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive)

Also, make sure all of your car's turn signals, headlights, and braking lights work. Make sure all of your tires are properly inflated.

Hope that helps!

Until next time Tania, know your pre drive test questions, but more importantly, know how to drive safely - it's the harder part of the test!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

New York Defensive Driving Course

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What does the code "N84" indicate on a state of New Mexico driving record?

Vic from New Mexico asks: What does the code "N84" indicate on a state of New Mexico driving record? Next to my violation is says "N84" and someone told me that stands for careless or reckless driving but the offense was a logbook offense?

Hi Vic - I'm assuming by logbook, you must be talking about a driver with a CDL (commercial drivers license)?

I thoroughly searched the NM MVD website and could not find the code "N84", so I emailed the MVD and they sent me back a document with all possible violation codes listed, but I still didn't see an "N84" code. Please take a look for yourself, I have posted what they send me as a Word doc here: New Mexico Traffic Violation Codes

If that doesn't help, I would suggest calling them at :

NM Motor Vehicle Division

Michael Sandoval, Director | 827-2852 (SF)

Paul Montoya, Director Field Operations | 827-2771(SF)

Alicia Ortiz, Deputy Director Administration | 827-2269 (SF)

Hope that helps, best of luck to you Vic!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

Arizona Traffic Ticket Classes

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What will the DMV Test Examiner ask you before leaving the parking lot?

Edward from Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles asks: Well im taking the driving test today, in THREE HOURS!!! I was wondering if you can tell me what the DMV instructors ask you before leaving to do the test (about the car)? Kind of nervous, can't wtrite!

Hey Edward

Luckily they're not grading you on your spelling! I kid, I kid. Take a deep breath Ed, you'll be just fine (if you know how to drive of course).

Here's what you need to know for what we like to call the pre-drive test administered at the CA DMV for nervous drivers everywhere trying to earn a license:

Know your hand signals (left, right, stop)

Know where to find: headlight controls, windshield wiper controls, emergency hazard light button, window defroster

Know how to set and release the emergency parking brake

Be able to identify the major gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive)

That should help you with the pre-drive test questions, now you just need to ace the driving part, Good luck Edward! Let us know how you do!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

New York Defensive Driving Questions

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My learner permit expired! What do I have to do to get a new one?

Samantha from Eisenhower High School in CA asks: Irresponsibly, I let my permit expire long ago and I know I'm required to retake the permit test to obtain a new one so I may then actually apply for a CA license; however, am I also required to retake the professional training/education courses? I've gotten the certifications stating I've completed them, and I really do not want to pay for it all again or wait any longer. Please bring me good news :/

Hi Samantha, FINALLY, someone who accepts responsibility for their irresponsibility. If only all people could follow your, this would would be much more tolerable!

The good news is you DON'T have to retake the drivers education or driving lessons again. Some DMV clerks might let you reapply for your permit by just providing your expired permit. Other DMV's will require you to provide new certificates again. Just in case, I recommend getting duplicate certificates for both your drivers ed and drivers training. Most driving schools will charge a 'duplicate certificate fee' of $25-$75.

Finally, you will be required to retake the permit test at the DMV.

Hope that helps!

Until next time Samantha, do your best to keep all things perishable from expiring, including your eggs, milk, and driving permit!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

Florida Traffic School

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Can I sell a vehicle to a minor who doesn't have a driver's license?

Jimmy from San Fernando, CA asks: Can I (a private owner) sell a vehicle to someone that does not have a drivers license?

Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy,

I admit that is a tough question and I had to do some digging to find you an answer. After making several phone calls, performing 3 DNA tests, and playing a little good cop/bad cop at the CADMV, I still couldn't get a clear answer.

I looked on the California DMV website and could not find anywhere that said you could not sell a vehicle to someone without a driver's license, unless that person is a MINOR:

15500. It is unlawful for any minor who does not possess a valid driver's license issued under this code to order, purchase or lease, attempt to purchase or lease, contract to purchase or lease, accept, or otherwise obtain, any vehicle of a type subject to registration.

As always, I recommend calling the CA DMV at 1-800-777-0133 for the definitive answer in this matter. Just tell 'em Jonny Driving School sent you. On second thought, don't!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

Arizona MVD Information

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How can I schedule a license test at the DMV!?

Jay from La Costa Canyon, CA: I've been trying to contact the DMV for two months now. Their site keeps telling me 'You are ineligible to make a behind-the-wheel appointment online', and the phone number they list is always 'currently unavailable'. My parents aren't available to take me to the office...

How can I schedule a license test!?

Hello Jay, welcome to the joys of the California DMV. I once waited in line at the DMV once for 3 hours, and I loved every excruciating minute of it.

The number to call to schedule a driving test is: 1-800-777-0133. I feel your pain, this is a hard to reach number sometimes, especially during the holiday or back to school rush (when many kids try to get their license) and with all the budget cuts the state is going through. Your best bet is to get up early during the week and try to call them right when they open. Most California DMV office open at 8am, but check your local DMV for their hours of operation.

Also, just to double check, do you already have your learners permit? You need that first before getting your license. Also, if you are a minor, you will need to show them proof that you completed 6-hours of driving lessons.

Until next time Jay, get a good book, bring your iPod and headphones, and get ready for a nice peaceful wait at the DMV!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

Take a Pledge Against Drunk Driving

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Is it an instant fail if you hit the curb on your Oregon driving test at the DMV?

Alex from West Linn HS in Oregon asks: Hi i live in oregon, my friend just took the driving test and said if you hit the curb that is NOT an instant fail? is this true? can you please email me back

Hey Alex

It is my understanding that in Oregon, hitting the curb on your drive test is a potential auto fail. It really depends on two factors:

- how hard you hit the curb (did you barely touch it, scrape it, or did you run into it hard?)
- the examiner's point of view (some examiners are more laid back, some are more strict, or you might just catch an examiner in a bad mood). Each examiner will grade a little differently based on how they interpret the situation.

So my answer to you would be this: Don't touch the curb whatsoever because you are not supposed to. Give yourself at least 6 inches or more of cushion for peace of mind. That way, you don't have to worry about whether or not you will fail.

Hope that helps!

Until next time, stay away from that curb and off the sidewalk Alex!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

Traffic School

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I already have a driver license from another country. What will I have to do to get my driver license in the US?

Kisha from California and/or Florida asks: I already have a drivers license from another country. im married here now. i was authorised from the immigration society that i can go get my drivers license. my question is what do i need to do. do i have to do the dmv test, behind the wheel test, or just the vision and hearing test? i need to know that i can be prepared please help.

It will depend on what state you are talking about. In California, the quick answer is YES, you will be required to take the written test, the behind the wheel test, and the vision test. Here's a list of what the CA DMV requires (as listed on their website) for your driver's license:

IN CALIFORNIA, to apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:

Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.)

Give a thumb print

Have your picture taken

Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office.

Verify your birth date and legal presence If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.

Provide your true full name

Pay the application fee

Pass a vision exam

Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.

If you have a license from another country, you will be required to take a driving test. If you have a license from another state, the driving test can be waived.

Make a driving test Appointment(s) . (Driving tests are not given without an appointment.) You may also call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment.

Provide proof of financial responsibility

IN FLORIDA, it looks like if you have a valid license from your home country, you need to bring:

Age 18 or Older

Non-United States Citizen proof of identity.

Proof of Social Security number, if issued Chapter 322, Florida Statutes, requires the Department to collect social security numbers for the issuance of driver license and identification cards.

Proof of residential address

Proof of completion of a Traffic Law & Substance Abuse Education Course OR license from another state, country, or jurisdiction.

I also found:

Note: A new resident exchanging a valid out-of-state license for a Florida license will be required to pass the vision and hearing tests only.

I would recommend visiting http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/geninfo.html#d for full details, as there is a lot of information to consider. But from what I understand, if you are a new resident, you should only have to pass the vision and hearing test if you already have a valid, non-expired license from another state or country.

At the end of the day, it looks like you have a very complicated situation. Everything I see on the FL website says you need a SSN to get a license in Florida. I would strongly advise you contact the FL DMV to get a definitive answer to your question - they have an online contact form at: http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/contact.html

Good luck, sorry I couldn't get you the exact answer you were seeking.

Hope that helps, thanks!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

Get Florida Traffic School for Tickets

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Can you tell me what the DMV instructor will ask me before we start the actual drive test?

Edward from Downtown Magnets High School in Los Angeles asks: Well im taking the driving test today,in THREE HOURS!!! I was wondering if you can tell me what the instructors ask you before leaving to do the test (about car) kind of nervous cant wtrite.. ?

Mr. Edward - so young and so nervous, just as I was when I went to get my license. Well never fear Edward, I'm here to help and guide you into your driving future.

Here are the questions the DMV examiner will ask you before you depart for the driving portion on your in car test. These questions make up the pre-drive portion of your test, each incorrect answer counts as 1 point against you, if you miss 3 questions it is considered an automatic fail. The questions are:

- Know your hand signals (left turn, right turn, and slow/stop)

- Know where to find and how to activate:
1) headlight controls
2) windshield wiper controls
3) emergency hazard lights
4) window defroster

- Know how to set and release the emergency parking brake

- Be able to identify the major gears (Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive)

That should help you with the pre-drive test questions at the DMV, but that's just the beginning - I'd be more worried about the actual drive test - AHHHHHHHHH!

Good luck Edward, hopefully you don't need it!

Until next time, take a deep breath, eat a good breakfast, and ace that drive test!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

California Traffic School

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How to Schedule a Drive Test at the California DMV (Making a Drive Test Appointment at the DMV)

Beth Asks: How do you get a license test at the DMV? Can I just show up at the DMV if I'm 16?

Beth - unless you want to punish yourself unnecessarily, I recommend that you NEVER show up at the DMV without an appointment. If you do, expect long lines and the probability that you will have to come back another day for your road test. So to answer your question more directly, MAKE AN APPOINTMENT!

There are a couple of ways to make an appointment at the California DMV. As of today, March 10th, 2009, you can call 1-800-777-0133 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, to make a driving test appointment. Or, as I always recommend, try making a driving test appointment online so you don't have to sit on hold for hours upon hours. You can schedule appointments for your DMV driving test at the official Ca DMV website. Here is that link for your convenience: Schedule a DMV Appointment

On a side note, make sure you have completed all of your drivers education requirements before scheduling your driver test. Not sure what those requirements are? Find them at the official California Drivers Training website.

Hope that helps.

Until next time Beth, schedule an appointment online, schedule an appointment over the phone, but whatever you do, NEVER go to the DMV without an appointment!

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

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What's the easiest DMV in Los angeles for getting your license?

Peter's Question: Jonny Driving School - what's the easiest DMV in LA for getting my driver lisense?

Peter, Peter, Peter - so young and so confused. Please learn how to spell license before getting yours. Not that I didn't get a D average in grammar when I was your age...anyway, I digress.

That's a question I get asked almost daily. And the answer is... wait for it... THERE IS NO EASIEST DMV!

Now let's get to the bottom of what you're really asking - At what DMV do you have the highest chance of passing your drive test the first time? Consider this:

1) First of all, if you are a good driver you should be able to pass your road test at ANY DMV.

2) You live in Los Angeles, correct? Then you know and I know and even uncle Charlie knows that there is major traffic anywhere you go in Los Angeles. Whether you go to the Winnetka DMV, Van Nuys DMV, Arleta, Thousand Oaks, or the Glendale DMV - there is going to be traffic. So they should all be about equally difficult, traffic-wise.

3) And the test examiners, contrary to public opinion, are not out to get you. It's not like one DMV has evil employees and another DMV only has nice people working. The California DMVs are like any other place of business - you're gonna have some cool people, some okay people, and some grumpy people. No matter where you go, it's all up to chance which type of test instructor you get. And PLEASE remember, the DMV people actually do want you to pass.

So, with all that said, I, Jonny Driving School, king dork of the driving road, recommend you go to a DMV closest to your neighborhood. Why? Because those are the streets you should be most familiar with. You have been practicing driving like crazy, right? And I'm guessing you practice around your own neighborhood. So why not take the test in your own neighborhood where you know the street names, the speed limits, and any tricky intersections or school zones.

And if you don’t live near a DMV, then go practice by the DMV you will test at. Still don't know which DMV to go to? I always go with the ones with the shortest lines. In my experience the shorter lines are at the Arleta DMV and the T.O. DMV. Longer lines usually at the Van Nuys DMV and sometimes at the Winnetka DMV. The Santa Monica DMV is hit or miss, and the Glendale DMV is usually pretty easy going.

And Peter, above anything, be prepared. If you are truly ready for your license, you should be able to get it anywhere.

Hope that helps.

Until next time, be smart, be safe, and keep all four tires on the road,

Jonny Driving School
DrivingSchoolProgram.com

Got a driving school question for Jonny? Ask him here!

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