L.A. DRVNGBook NowSome students have to start over. Gabriela completed her written test back in 2024, but couldn't get to the driving test before her Instruction Permit expired. That meant the whole process began again — new written test, new permit, new appointment.
This time, she didn't waste any time. We talked through the best DMV options near Irvine and landed on Costa Mesa. She scheduled her test for a Tuesday morning, and we met at her home an hour beforehand to go over the basics one more time.
From the first few minutes behind the wheel, it was clear she already had a strong foundation. Gabriela holds a Brazilian driver's license and learned on a manual transmission — experience that tends to produce sharper, more attentive drivers than automatic-only training ever does.
With a few targeted notes on California-specific rules, she went into the test confident and came out with just 5 errors. The examiner even wrote "Good job!" on her score sheet, with a smiley face.
Congratulations, Gabriela — you earned it.
