CALIFORNIA PEOPLE ONLY: is it ok to take my driving test barefoot?

Question

i've heard you can't, but a friend of mine just went in flip flops and slipped her right one off and said the instructor didn't notice it. however my other friend says i can't and i need to take it in my sneakers.

what should i do?

Answer 1

its illegal to drive barefoot and instructors are ***** so i wouldnt chance it wear sneakers.

Answer 2

It's perfectly legal to drive barefoot.  But can't you just wear shoes for one day?  It isn't going to kill you to put shoes on for a few hours, is it?

Answer 3

It will depend on the instructor. It is NOT illegal to drive barefoot in California, so there wouldn't be a problem with the law. (It's not illegal to drive barefoot in any US state, see source). Quotes for California:

"California:

Barefoot Driving: Operation of a motor vehicle by a driver with bare feet is not prohibited."

And:

"I posed you question to the California Highway Patrol, Technical Services Section and was informed California has no specified requirements relating to operation of a motor vehicle and foot wear. A review of the California Vehicle Code failed to disclose a statute or law which prohibits the operation of a motor vehicle while barefoot.

I hope this information has answered your question. If you have any further questions, please contact me at [phone].

Sincerely,

ELAINE MILLER

Public Inquiry Unit

A Public Service Agency "

Unfortunately, even though it is not against the law to drive barefoot, the myth that it is is very common and even some cops, instructors etc believe it. Also, quite a few people, businesses, schools etc do have dress codes and don't allow bare feet. You'd have to either ask or show up barefoot but take footwear along in case the person taking the exam doesn't allow it.

As for safety, also unfortunately quite a few people are convinced driving barefoot is unsafe, however I will include two sources countering that argument. And also you should also think of what you are used to; personally I haven't worn footwear for eleven years. Driving with any kind of shoe would feel like handling the steering wheel with boxing gloves and a pebble won't faze me, and on the other extreme end I have a friend who can't walk comfortably barefoot on indoor tile, he'd probably pull back if there was even the smallest pebble, caked mud or other irregularity on the brake pedal. Use a bit of common sense in addition to what the laws and the experts say, anything that's totally opposite from everything you're used to is likely to be a distraction and make you clumsy with your feet.

Last, as for your friend, I'm sorry but I don't think I believe the instructor *didn't notice*. It is his job to pay attention to how his students are driving, not only when it concerns the traffic rules but also how you're handling the controls, including the pedals. Any instructor who *doesn't notice* you slip off a flipflop would be really bad at his job! Now it is possible he didn't MIND because he knew better than the previous answerers about the driving laws, but if you want to go barefoot I'd suggest taking the flipflops off beforehand and putting them away. If you slip off one flipflop, your instructor may think you lost it by accident, not an impression you want to make. On the other hand, if you print out and carry the sources below in support of bare feet over flipflops and then take them off, you'll show you've done some homework and that will make a much better impression!

Answer 4

NOOOOOO THIS MAY CAUSE YOUR FOOT TO SLIP  LEADING TO CRASH OR TEST FAILURE ALWAYS WERE SHOES WITH SOME GRIP ATLEAST TRUST ME THERES ALOT DIFFERANCE FROM MY SOCKS/BAREFOOT AND MY BOOTS

Answer 5

I am a full time barefooter for two years and I have never had an issue while driving barefoot. I did get pulled over once and the officer never made an issue of it. I suggest you download a copy of the letter for Calif. from the link provided from the previous answerer and keep it with you so you can show due diligence if the instructor is un-sure.

Answer 6

I think so it is so much more comfortable for me to drive in my bare feet and when I took the test I was wearing shoes that was the last time I drove with shoes on now I am always in my bare feet when driving

Answer 7

Don't do it...It shows a nonchalant and casual attitude about a task that can kill you or otherwise ruin your life...We want all the advantages we can get when we drive...Think about it - if I drive barefoot, my right foot is right behind the engine firewall...And on warm days (when I am most likely to be without shoes), it gets plenty warm on that pedal...This presents a serious threat of burns (1st degree anyway) and general discomfort...If I am stuck in bump and grind traffic, the heat factor is amplified...Too many negatives against the practice...Don't do it.

No, I would not allow you to test without proper footwear.

Answer 8

dude what the h**l is wrong with you.

no it is not ok. are you brain dead.