Behind the Wheel Driving Test in a Tesla Y

[SoniaKaur 0]

I have finally been approved for a CR-1 Visa to settle as a permanent resident in CA, USA (current UK citizen). I will be looking to enter the USA next month and file an application to get a driving license. Has anyone had success with testing in a TESLA model Y?

 

I have copied the requirements below taken from the California Drivers’ Handbook:

Behind-the-Wheel Test Vehicle The vehicle you use for your behind-the-wheel test needs to be safe to drive, have valid registration, and be properly insured. You must bring proof of insurance.

The vehicle must have:

• Working driver’s side window, brake lights, horn, parking brake, and turn signals.

• Safe tires. The tires must have at least 1/32-inch of uniformed tread depth.

 • Windshield that allows a full, clear, unblocked view for you and the person giving the test.

• At least two rearview mirrors. One of them must be on the left side of your vehicle.

• Working driver’s side and front passenger seat belts. You need to show that you know how to work the vehicle’s headlights, windshield wipers, defroster, emergency flashers, and parking brake.

[arken 4,197]

In general, if the car doesn't have the parking brake on the right side of driver's seat that the cop can easily pull it in case he senses danger ahead, it won't be allowed for the test.

[Mike E 11,723]

14 minutes ago, arken said:

In general, if the car doesn't have the parking brake on the right side of driver's seat that the cop can easily pull it in case he senses danger ahead, it won't be allowed for the test.

This isn’t correct  for California IME given the car my wife sued for her road test has the emergency brake to the left of the other pedals on the floor. 
 

Still a Tesla doesn’t have a parking brake so it will be interesting if the examiner enforces that rule. 

 

I’ve read experiences that taking the test with regenerative braking enabled will cause some California DMV examiners to issue a fail. 
 

BTW it can take months to get a road test in California. Perhaps OP booked one ahead of time. 

Edited July 25, 2022 by Mike E

[arken 4,197]

13 minutes ago, Mike E said:

This isn’t correct  for California IME given the car my wife sued for her road test has the emergency brake to the left of the other pedals on the floor. 
 

Still a Tesla doesn’t have a parking brake so it will be interesting if the examiner enforces that rule. 

 

I’ve read experiences that taking the test with regenerative braking enabled will cause some California DMV examiners to issue a fail. 
 

BTW it can take months to get a road test in California. Perhaps OP booked one ahead of time. 

I'm talking in general. It's at the discretion of the cop/evaluator on site. Of course one may be able to use that vehicle after successful monthslong sue or complain.
 

In one dmv (not CA) that i know of got rejected even before driving after the cop said "i don't know how u drive, if i can't pull the emergency brake when something goes south, i ain't testing your drive". 

 

[top_secret 2,062]

My wife had some kind of weird newfangled push button electronic parking brake on the rental car she took her California drive test in.  When the time came, she demonstrated her proficiency in the pushing of the "park" button.

[Neonred 3,446]

3 hours ago, arken said:

I'm talking in general. It's at the discretion of the cop/evaluator on site. Of course one may be able to use that vehicle after successful monthslong sue or complain.
 

In one dmv (not CA) that i know of got rejected even before driving after the cop said "i don't know how u drive, if i can't pull the emergency brake when something goes south, i ain't testing your drive". 

 

That's got to be BS.  

 

I haven't had a car with a right side pull emergency brake in at least 20 years.

 

Heck, even my '64 Corvair has a left side, below the dash, pull brake.

Edited July 25, 2022 by Neonred