How and Where Exams are Scheduled

Note: DRE's Sacramento Headquarters Office is moving this summer. Effective July 8, the new address will be: 651 Bannon Street, Suite 500, Sacramento, CA 95811.
Visit DRE's Contact Us page for the latest visitor and mailing information. Visit the Exams page for Sacramento Exam Center closure details.


Examination scheduling is based on the volume of applications received by the DRE. Examination availability is subject to the seating capacity of the facility and the demand for that site.

Examinations are generally administered in the following areas:

  • Fresno - Examinations conducted in this location are offered in an electronic format.
  • San Diego - Examinations conducted in this location are offered in an electronic format.
  • Los Angeles Vicinity - Examinations conducted in this location are offered in an electronic format.
  • Oakland - Examinations conducted in this location are offered in an electronic format.
  • Sacramento - Examinations conducted in this location are offered in an electronic format.
    Due to DRE's Sacramento Office relocation, DRE's Sacramento Examination Center will be closed starting June 24, 2024 and expected to reopen at the new May Lee State Office Complex location on July 22. Examinees are welcome to explore DRE's other four exam center locations during this transition period. We appreciate your patience during our relocation!

Examinations are subject to cancellation. In the event that unforeseen circumstances force the closure of an exam center, your exam date will be rescheduled at no additional cost. The Department will not be held responsible for any expenses incurred beyond the cost of the exam, including but not limited to travel expenses and lost wages on the day of the exam.

NOTE: Examination locations within an area may vary. Requests for specific locations within the chosen area cannot be granted; however, you may use the eLicensing online system to select a specific exam date and site.

NEW FEATURE: Qualified examinees can now schedule themselves into an available exam via eLicensing as late as 6:00 a.m. on the day of the exam. Examinees will then be able to print themselves a barcoded schedule notice online to take to the exam. Additionally, examinees that use eLicensing for exam scheduling will no longer be mailed out exam schedule notices as those can now be printed online.

Examination Control Information

For security reasons, the following items are NOT permitted in the examination room: cell phones, purses, wallets, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, food, drink, study materials, tablets, portable computers, PDA's, calculators, cameras, video or digital recording equipment, watches, lapel pins, tie tacs, and other items deemed inappropriate by proctors.

Cell phone use and/or mere possession of a cell phone during an exam is strictly prohibited, including while out on break. All cell phones must be powered off and placed in an individual locker provided for your use. When individual lockers are unavailable, a Personal Belongings storage table will be set up for disallowed items. Failure to comply with examination administration rules will lead to your disqualification.

DRE will not be responsible for lost or stolen items.

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