Driving Test Criteria

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Section 6 of 8

Additional Testing Elements for the SDPE

The following additional test element criteria is designed to evaluate your cognitive function (memory, awareness, perception, etc.) and ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. 

Multiple directions scoring criteria 

The examiner evaluates the following 2 items: 

  • Cues needed
    • You understand directions given without the need for additional explanation. 
    • You may ask 1 confirming question (a question that can be answered with either a yes or no), but the examiner should not have to repeat the directions. 
  • Follows directions
    • You can properly follow directions and complete the action safely or acknowledge an error in following directions. 

Destination trip scoring criteria

The examiner evaluates if you can complete the destination trip without any directional assistance from the examiner. 

Additional lane changes

The lane change scoring criteria is used, but you will be asked to make more lane changes on the SDPE test than you did on the regular driving test. 

Concentration

The examiner will talk with you at certain times during the driving test to ensure that you are able to respond briefly without making any driving errors. 

What is an ADPE?

An ADPE is a driving test with a route that has been specifically predetermined by you and the driving test examiner. If you are given an ADPE, the route is determined by the streets and roads you would take to get from your home to a specific location, such as to a grocery or department store, your doctor’s office, bank, church, golf course, etc., and back home again. When you pass the ADPE and meet all other requirements for licensing, you will be issued a restricted DL. This restriction limits your driving to specified destinations and does not allow any freeway driving.