Learning to drive in Merced? Here’s where and what to practice
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Those under 18 must log 50 hours of practice and complete training to get licensed.
- Local instructors recommend empty lots and quiet roads for early practice.
- New drivers benefit from low-traffic hours like weekends and weekday mornings.
It’s the subject of nearly every high school movie and undeniably a major milestone, learning to drive can be a nerve-wracking experience for parents and teens. Here’s what driving instructors say you should know.
What are the steps to get a driver’s license?
Individuals over 18 must get an instruction permit and subsequently pass a behind-the-wheel test.
Individuals under 18 must hold an instruction permit for at least six months, complete driver education and training, and have 50 hours of driving practice, including 10 at night. To activate their learner’s permit, they must complete their first session of driver training.
Where can drivers practice?
Ken Correia, a driving instructor with ABCs of Driving School, recommended the Castle Air Force Base parking lot, as well as the UC Merced and Merced College parking lots when the schools are out of session.
“They need to have a little bit of experience on how to control a car. So they need to get out and do some sort of driving where there’s not any traffic,” Correia said. “That way, when they come to driver’s training, they’re making full use of driver’s training, learning how to actually drive and not how to control it.”
Joanne Brewer, owner of All American Driving School, said she begins teaching in neighborhoods with stop signs so new drivers are able to learn to turn, change lanes, deal with bike lanes and other skills.
Both agreed that those learning to drive should practice on the roads during less busy times like weekend mornings and weekdays other than lunch time.
What is the minimum age to get a driver’s license?
Individuals can get a license at 16, but cannot drive at night until they have either held the license for 12 months or they turn 18. Until they turn 18, they also cannot drive with passengers who are under the age of 20 in the vehicle.
Both these restrictions have exceptions when driving for school, work or family with a note from a school principal, employer, or parent or legal guardian.
What should drivers practice?
The DMV’s sample driving evaluation sheet scores on the ability to recognize car controls, turn, merge, stop, signal, check traffic and other skills.
Teens under 18 years old are required to have an hour of driver training before their permit is valid, but the rest of the training is not required to be done all at once. Brewer said she schedules the final session of driver training just before her students are eligible to take their tests so she can help them prepare.
“The test is totally based on perfection of what needs to happen,” Brewer said. “We all pick up bad habits as time goes on. These kids can’t do that. They got to remember to practice what I’ve showed them.”
How can people find driving schools?
Driving schools must be licensed and bonded by the DMV and the department maintains a searchable database. Instructors must also be licensed and individuals can check that by calling the DMV at (916) 229-3126.
When looking for driving schools, the DMV recommends:
- contacting the Better Business Bureau
- checking the condition of the training vehicle
- getting information about the school’s cancellation and rescheduling policy
- finding a school in an area familiar to you
Where can individuals take the driving test in Merced?
The DMV has offices at
- 1313 W 12th Street, Merced
- 814 West L Street, Los Banos