A masked figure shouts instructions from six feet away as a car works its way around a closed course. Is this the new normal for getting a driver’s license in the US?

There are over 227 million licensed drivers in the US and the final step for these 227 million licensed drivers has been taking their driving test (aka road test or behind-the-wheel test) and passing. Over 10 million driving tests are conducted for new drivers every year in the US.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way the DMV operates, with most states still not offering road tests. While most people will likely still have to wait weeks, if not months, more before they have a chance to take their test, some brave states have reopened — and have new approaches to conducted safe road tests in the age of coronavirus.

Since we have helped hundreds of thousands of people take their road tests with our car and driver service, we have insight into what states are doing. Here we go — here is some of the "new normal" measures for road tests. If you've had a different new normal road test experience, email us!

For Teens, There Might be No Test at All

Some states have waived road test requirements completely. Wisconsin is issuing probationary licenses for teens without a test. Drivers must be under 18 and have completed all other requirements, including behind the wheel training with an instructor and practice hours with a parent or guardian. Parents can sign a waiver if their child has completed all other requirements.

The new licensed drivers will still be privy to the Graduated Driver License Law in Wisconsin, which places strict requirements and limits on drivers under 18.

Georgia was also issuing Drivers’ Licenses without a test until recently, but has now reopened DMVs for road tests and is requiring them for licenses.

No More Street Driving, Closed Courses Only

The biggest change for those states that are conducting road tests is that now, in order to allow for social distancing, many DMVS are no longer requiring driving on open streets. Test-takers are driving on closed courses and around the DMV premises, while examiners remain outside the vehicle.

This is the case in Georgia as well as Florida, our road test concierges report. One of our road test concierges, Rashid, reported that in Georgia tests have been 10 minutes or less, depending on ability, and nearly all clients have passed the test on their first try.

No Examiners in the Car

Examiners are staying outside the vehicle for tests in both Georgia and Florida, and we expect this might be the case in other states as they reopen for road tests as well. Licensed drivers are asked to remain in the car in lieu of the examiner.

In Georgia, Rashid reports that “the examiner just stands outside the car and gives instructions of what to do next.” Our road test concierge Suzanne also reported that she and the test taker were asked to remove their masks so that the instructor could see their mouths and be sure that they were not speaking to each other (the licensed driver is not permitted to help the test taker).

In Florida, examiners are using an even stranger tactic: speaker phone. Our road test concierge Shymron reports that examiners remain outside of the car and speak to the test taker over a phone, which is left on speaker.

In both states, the licensed driver who accompanies the test taker is asked to sit in the passenger seat and remain silent.

If Examiners Are Inside the Vehicle, They Mask Up

Nevada has announced that they are now reopened for road test appointments. Examiners will be wearing protective gear like masks and face shields, but will be inside the car with the test taker and their licensed driver, who are also required to wear a mask.

In Arizona, our road test concierge Andrea reports that examiners do enter the vehicle for drive tests in a mask and also encourage masks for test takers and their licensed drivers.

In Tennessee, our concierge Donagrant reports that masks are required for everyone entering the DMV building or taking a test, and that examiners wear full protective gear when conducting tests.

New Road Tests Come With New Challenges

In many ways, it might be easier than ever before to get a driver license — with no street driving and the examiner outside the vehicle, the test may be much less stressful. However, there is the added stress of inherent risk of being near other people during the pandemic that might make you question "is it worth it?"

For more people who have been waiting months to get licensed, the answer is "yes", but just be sure you wear your mask and follow the social distancing requirements set forth by your DMV. And if you're not feeling well, please reschedule, for everyone's sake.

You can look up whether the DMV is open for road tests near you here and if you need to a car and driver for your road test we can always help.