Form CSMA 19 at a glance
What it is: CSMA 19 (11/25/2017), IN-CAR MANEUVERS OBSERVATION RECORD: use this form to verify the observation and completion of safe driving maneuvers.
Who signs: Each maneuver must be checked and signed by the licensed driver who observes the learning driver while practicing the maneuvers. The observing driver checks the box and signs the name when the maneuver is completed. If the same observing driver observes all the maneuvers, only the Driver/Observer Certifications section is signed, and it has a LEARNING DRIVER SIGNATURE line and an OBSERVING DRIVER SIGNATURE line.
Learning drivers age 18 and older who hold a learner's permit but have not completed a Virginia approved driver training course and qualifying home-schooled students use this form before applying to take the road skills test at DMV.
A filled-in Form CSMA 19 example: one observing driver signs for all fifteen maneuvers
How to fill out Form CSMA 19, box by box
Driver information
Under DRIVER INFORMATION, enter the LEARNING DRIVER NAME (print), the LEARNER'S PERMIT NUMBER and the EXPIRATION DATE (mm/dd/yyyy).
Safe driving maneuvers
Under SAFE DRIVING MANEUVERS, check the box and sign the name when the maneuver is completed. If the same observing driver observes all the maneuvers, sign only the Driver/Observer Certifications section.
Under LICENSED OBSERVING DRIVER CERTIFICATION, signing certifies that the signer has observed the learning driver identified in DRIVER INFORMATION performing the safe driving maneuver checked and is authorized to accompany the learning driver in accordance with Va. Code § 46.2-335.
Signing also certifies and affirms that all information presented in this form is true and correct, that any documents presented to DMV are genuine, and that the information included in all supporting documentation is true and accurate.
The certification and affirmation are under penalty of perjury, and knowingly making a false statement or representation on this form is a criminal violation.
1. Basic Skills - Is attentive, alert, aware of surroundings and traffic conditions, follows instructions well, observes conditions in time to compete a maneuver safely. 2. Starting - Demonstrates ability to start engine, engages and uses proper gear, demonstrates proper use of brake. 3. Backing - (DO NOT PRACTICE ON STREET WITH TRAFFIC) Looks at mirrors, looks over both shoulders, uses brake and accelerator well, controls vehicle while driving in reverse, backs vehicle smoothly in a straight line without weaving. 4. Posture - Sits upright, arms and legs are in easy reach of controls, adjusts mirrors and seat to best position for vision and driving. 5. Gears - Shifts gears or uses automatic transmission smoothly, accelerates smoothly, changes gears smoothly, keeps eyes on the road while shifting, shifts gears at correct speed. 6. Following - Maintains proper distance and speed in traffic.
7. Right of Way - Yields without hesitating when necessary, shows consideration of pedestrians, attention to signals, makes proper use of right-of-way in traffic, stops behind crosswalks. 8. Lanes - Stays in proper lane, checks traffic before changing lanes, changes lanes easily, does not change lanes excessively, does not straddle lanes.
9. Overtaking/Passing - Controls vehicle in proper lane while passing on multi-lane street, judges distance, signals intention, accelerates properly, uses horn if necessary 10. Intersection - Is able to negotiate and drive through controlled and uncontrolled intersections, reduces speed when approaching, checks intersection traffic, controls vehicle, looks both ways.
11. Signs & Signals - Observes and obeys stop signs and other signals, stops at indicated place, proceeds to gain clear vision but stops again if necessary.
12. Traffic Lights - Observes the red, yellow, green traffic lights, interprets and obeys the meaning of the light's color and the location on the traffic light, comes to smooth stop in ample time, observes crosswalks, starts promptly when light turns green. 13. Turns - Makes proper signal of intention to turn, gets into proper lane, reduces speed as required and completes turn satisfactorily.
14. Turn-about or U-turns - Shows ability to perform U-turns, controls steering and operates vehicle in close quarters, watches traffic, signals correctly, changes gears and reduces speed and accelerates properly, stops for traffic.
15. Parking - Drives into a parking lot and parks vehicle, checks for any traffic, signals when necessary, maintains proper speed, parks within lines.
Driver/Observer Certifications
Under DRIVER/OBSERVER CERTIFICATIONS, the learning driver certifies that at all times while holding a learner's permit and operating a motor vehicle, the learning driver has been accompanied by a licensed driver, and that the licensed driver was authorized under Va. Code § 46.2-325 to accompany the learning driver.
Signing certifies that the signer was the only person who observed the learning driver identified in DRIVER INFORMATION performing the safe driving maneuvers.
Sign under LEARNING DRIVER SIGNATURE with the LEARNER'S PERMIT NUMBER, and under OBSERVING DRIVER SIGNATURE with the DRIVER LICENSE NUMBER.
Common questions about Form CSMA 19
Where do I file it?
Submit the completed form to any DMV customer service center to take the road skills test.
Sources
[1] CSMA 19 (11/25/2017), In-Car Maneuvers Observation Record, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (the Official source link on this page).