To obtain an original noncommercial Class A license –

Adults must:

• Complete an application for a driver license (DL 44).
• Pay the application fee.
• Submit a Health Questionnaire (DL 546) dated not more than two years prior to the date of your application.
• Pass the basic Class C law test, unless you renewed your Class C license within the past 12 months.
• Pass the Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test.
• Pass a vision test.
• Pass a pre-trip inspection test.
• Pass the skills test.
• Pass a driving test while towing the type of vehicle you wish to be licensed for.

Minors must:

• Complete the items listed above.
• Meet the additional requirements listed in the California Driver Handbook in the Provisional License section.

Examinations:

• Recreational Vehicles and Noncommercial Class A Trailers law test. You must pass the law test based on the information contained in this booklet. The test may be taken at any DMV field office. You may make an appointment online at www.dmv.ca.gov or by calling DMV at 1-800-777-0133.
• Vehicle Safety Check. Before the pre-trip inspection test, you must demonstrate that the turn signals, brake lights, horn, and emergency flashers are working. This is not part of your pre-trip test. However, if any of these items are not working properly or are missing your driving test will be postponed.
• Pre-trip Inspection Test. The pre-trip inspection test is a knowledge test. You must identify and explain the features and equipment on the vehicle which should be inspected before operating the vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with air brakes, you must demonstrate and explain how the air brake system works. Inoperable, missing, or unsafe equipment will postpone the driving test.
• Skills Tests. Skills tests are designed to demonstrate your skill in stopping, backing in a straight line, completing a right turn around a cone or marker, and backing into a camping space. These tests are done at low speed and test how well you can maneuver the vehicle.
• Driving Test. The driving test includes entering and exiting a freeway, freeway driving with lane changes, right and left turns into one-way and two-way traffic, railroad crossings, and driving on a grade or steep hill, etc. You may make an appointment by calling 1-800-777-0133. Online appointments are not available for this type of driving test.
• Health Questionnaire. A Health Questionnaire (DL 546) form is required and must be given to DMV for review and approval before your license is issued and then every two years after that. The Health Questionnaire expires two years from your signature date. Failure to maintain a valid Health Questionnaire form with DMV will mean that your license is valid only for Class C and, if endorsed, for Class M1 or M2 vehicles. Health Questionnaire forms are available online at www.dmv.ca.gov.