Hardest DMV Questions California – Most People Fail (2025 Guide)

Hardest DMV Questions California – Most People Fail (2025 Guide). When it comes to passing the California DMV written test, knowledge alone isn’t enough. Many first-time test takers are caught off guard by specific tricky questions that don’t seem hard at first glance but consistently trip up applicants at DMV offices statewide.

In fact, failure rates on the California learner’s permit test remain over 40%, and the same types of questions account for a large portion of those failures. If you’re preparing for your California driver’s license or permit, understanding which topics give people the most trouble can make a huge difference.

California’s written exam doesn’t just test basic traffic laws or obvious signs. Instead, it demands that you memorize very specific details:

Hardest DMV Questions California – Most People Fail

Many people fail because they assume common sense will help them through—but these questions often require memorization, not just intuition.

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California Hardest DMV Questions
Total Items: 70 Questions
Passing Percentage: 83%
Time Limit: 60 Minutes

1 / 70

1) If a vehicle’s brakes get wet, a driver must _________.

A) pump the brakes rapidly to restore traction

B) apply the emergency brake to dry the system

C) increase speed to air-dry the brakes

D) lightly press the accelerator and brake pedals together until dry

2 / 70

2) If a driver on DUI probation is found with a BAC of 0.02%, what is the immediate administrative consequence under California’s Administrative Per Se law?

A) A 30-day suspension of their driving privilege.

B) A warning with no suspension if it’s a first offense.

C) A six-month probation period with restricted driving.

D) A one-year suspension or revocation of their driving privilege.

3 / 70

3) On a wet road, a driver must reduce speed by _________.

A) 15 to 20 mph

B) 10 to 15 mph

C) 5 to 10 mph

D) half the posted limit

4 / 70

4) At an uncontrolled intersection, a large truck approaching simultaneously with another vehicle must _________.

A) yield only if the other vehicle is emergency-related

B) stop completely until the other vehicle clears

C) yield to the vehicle on the right

D) proceed first due to its size and weight

5 / 70

5) In a heavy rainstorm with visibility limited to 100 feet, a driver must not exceed _________.

A) 40 mph

B) 30 mph

C) 50 mph

D) 20 mph

6 / 70

6) Under what exact condition may a driver under 18 with a provisional license drive between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the first 12 months without a licensed adult aged 25 or older?

A) When driving to a school activity with a note from the school principal.

B) When commuting to work with an employer’s note verifying employment hours.

C) When transporting an immediate family member with a parent’s verbal permission.

D) When carrying a note from a physician stating a medical necessity and expected recovery date.

7 / 70

7) If tailgated, a driver must _________.

A) maintain course and speed, merging right when safe to let the tailgater pass

B) change lanes immediately to avoid conflict

C) brake lightly to signal backing off

D) increase speed to match the tailgater

8 / 70

8) What is the maximum distance a driver may travel in a center left turn lane before completing a left turn or U-turn?

A) 400 feet

B) 200 feet

C) 300 feet

D) 100 feet

9 / 70

9) When parking on a downhill slope with no curb, how should a driver position the vehicle’s wheels?

A) Turned slightly left to engage the parking brake more effectively.

B) Turned away from the center of the road to roll toward the shoulder.

C) Turned toward the center of the road to prevent rolling backward.

D) Kept straight to maintain alignment with the road.

10 / 70

10) A pregnant driver must position the lap belt _________.

A) behind the back to avoid pressure

B) low across the hips, under the abdomen

C) loosely over the abdomen for comfort

D) snug across the upper abdomen

11 / 70

11) At a yield line, a driver must _________.

A) maintain speed but signal to proceed

B) slow down and be ready to stop if necessary

C) accelerate to merge ahead of traffic

D) stop completely until the intersection clears

12 / 70

12) A bus making a left turn from a one-way street onto a two-way street must _________.

A) swing wide to the right before turning left

B) complete the turn in the rightmost lane to avoid traffic

C) signal for 150 feet before starting the turn

D) end the turn in the left lane closest to the middle of the street

13 / 70

13) At a “T” intersection where a large truck is turning left from a terminating road, traffic on the through road _________.

A) yields only if the truck signals for 100 feet

B) has the right-of-way over the turning truck

C) must yield to the truck due to its size

D) stops until the truck completes the turn

14 / 70

14) On a sloping driveway, a driver must turn the wheels _________.

A) so the vehicle will not roll into the street

B) away from the center of the road

C) straight to align with the driveway

D) toward the curb to engage brakes

15 / 70

15) When making a right turn across a public transit bus lane, a driver must _________.

A) yield to any bus in the lane

B) merge into the bus lane to turn

C) proceed without yielding if the bus is stopped

D) stop until the bus lane is clear

16 / 70

16) On a two-lane road with five or more following vehicles and unsafe passing, a slow driver must _________.

A) signal for others to pass immediately

B) increase speed to clear the vehicles

C) use a turnout area to let others pass

D) stop completely until traffic clears

17 / 70

17) A driver of a large truck with a gross vehicle weight rating over 26,001 pounds must _________.

A) hold a commercial driver’s license to operate legally

B) obtain a learner’s permit for non-commercial use

C) complete a behind-the-wheel test annually

D) register the vehicle as a low-emission model

18 / 70

18) A left turn from a one-way street onto a two-way street must end _________.

A) in any open lane with three or more lanes

B) in the center lane if marked for turns

C) in the left lane closest to the middle of the street

D) in the right lane closest to the curb

19 / 70

19) A bus driver crossing a public transit bus lane to make a turn must _________.

A) merge into the bus lane for at least 200 feet

B) yield to any bus already in the lane

C) proceed without yielding if the lane is clear for 100 feet

D) stop until the bus lane is fully unoccupied

20 / 70

20) Two sets of solid double yellow lines spaced two or more feet apart indicate that drivers must _________.

A) pass slower vehicles if the road is clear for 200 feet

B) avoid crossing for left turns or U-turns except at designated openings

C) merge into the lane for emergency maneuvers

D) stop completely if oncoming traffic is approaching

21 / 70

21) A “No Turn on Red” sign at an intersection with a red arrow light means that drivers must _________.

A) wait until the light turns green before turning right

B) turn left from a one-way street if clear

C) yield to pedestrians before turning right

D) stop completely and then turn right if safe

22 / 70

22) A large truck towing a trailer on a two-lane road with five or more following vehicles must _________.

A) increase speed to clear the following traffic

B) pull into a turnout area to let others pass

C) stop at the next intersection to yield

D) signal for others to pass within 100 feet

23 / 70

23) Double solid white lines near a freeway on-ramp mean that drivers must _________.

A) merge into traffic after checking blind spots

B) cross only when the lines become broken

C) exit the freeway if traffic is clear

D) never change lanes across them

24 / 70

24) At night with bright oncoming headlights, a driver must _________.

A) keep high-beams on to counter glare

B) look toward the right edge of the lane and watch peripherally

C) dim high-beams and focus on the centerline

D) slow down and look at the lights

25 / 70

25) In a center left turn lane, a driver must _________.

A) straddle the lane markings for visibility

B) stop partially in the lane until clear

C) signal for 100 feet before entering

D) merge completely into the lane to avoid blocking traffic

26 / 70

26) A driver must not park within _________ of a fire hydrant.

A) 15 feet

B) 5 feet

C) 10 feet

D) 20 feet

27 / 70

27) A left turn against a red light is permitted _________.

A) only with law enforcement direction

B) from a two-way street onto a one-way street if clear

C) from a one-way street onto another one-way street with no prohibiting sign

D) at any intersection with 200 feet of visibility

28 / 70

28) A driver preparing for a right turn may drive in a bicycle lane _________.

A) at any distance if the lane is marked with a broken line

B) only when directed by a traffic signal

C) within 100 feet of the intersection if no traffic is present

D) within 200 feet of the intersection after checking for bicyclists

29 / 70

29) The ideal maximum speed limit on a two-lane undivided highway, unless posted, is _________.

A) 45 mph

B) 65 mph

C) 55 mph

D) 70 mph

30 / 70

30) A diamond symbol painted on the road with the words “Carpool Lane” means that the lane is reserved for _________.

A) vehicles with multiple occupants, buses, or low-emission vehicles

B) emergency vehicles during peak traffic hours

C) passing slower traffic on narrow roads

D) commercial trucks with special permits

31 / 70

31) What is the precise distance a driver must maintain visibility in both directions to legally make a U-turn in a residential district?

A) 250 feet

B) 200 feet

C) 300 feet

D) 150 feet

32 / 70

32) When turning left, a driver must not assume an oncoming vehicle with its right turn signal on _________.

A) is traveling below the speed limit

B) will turn before reaching the driver’s position

C) is yielding to the left-turning driver

D) will stop at the intersection

33 / 70

33) A yellow painted curb means drivers may stop only to _________.

A) park with a disabled person placard

B) park for a limited time as posted

C) drop off passengers without freight

D) load or unload passengers and freight, staying with the vehicle

34 / 70

34) A driver can be ticketed if a passenger under 16 years old _________.

A) sits in the front seat without a booster

B) is not wearing a seat belt properly

C) adjusts the shoulder belt for comfort

D) uses only a lap belt in the rear seat

35 / 70

35) On a two-lane road passing a bicyclist with an oncoming vehicle, a driver must _________.

A) expect the oncoming vehicle to yield

B) yield to the bicyclist over all traffic

C) stop until the bicyclist clears

D) yield to the oncoming vehicle first

36 / 70

36) A driver must not park _________ of a sidewalk ramp for disabled persons.

A) directly on the ramp only

B) within 10 feet

C) within 5 feet

D) within 3 feet

37 / 70

37) A minor under 18 must not drive vehicles requiring _________.

A) a learner’s permit for heavy vehicles

B) a school bus endorsement

C) a commercial Class A, B, or C license

D) a low-emission vehicle certification

38 / 70

38) Before starting a left turn, a driver’s wheels must be _________.

A) turned fully right to align with traffic

B) aligned with the center divider

C) turned slightly left to prepare for the turn

D) pointed straight ahead to avoid being pushed into traffic

39 / 70

39) A driver may use one-hand steering only when _________.

A) operating vehicle controls requiring a hand off the wheel

B) driving on freeways for relaxed posture

C) making sharp turns at low speeds

D) signaling a lane change for 100 feet

40 / 70

40) Before making a right turn at an intersection, a driver must signal for at least _________.

A) 100 feet

B) 150 feet

C) 200 feet

D) 50 feet

41 / 70

41) Which of the following is a legal exception allowing a child under 2 years old, weighing under 40 pounds, to ride in a front seat without a rear-facing child passenger restraint system?

A) If the vehicle has no rear seat and the front airbag is deactivated.

B) If the vehicle is a taxi with a licensed driver over 25 years old.

C) If the child is accompanied by a parent with a medical exemption note.

D) If the front seat restraint system is federally approved for forward-facing use.

42 / 70

42) Which of the following is NOT a legal requirement for a vehicle’s brake pedal during a behind-the-wheel drive test?

A) Proper functioning to ensure safe operation during the test.

B) The ability to stop the vehicle within 25 feet from a speed of 20 mph.

C) A firm response with no sinking to the floor under pressure.

D) At least one inch of clearance between the pedal and the floorboard when depressed.

43 / 70

43) Within how many days must a driver report a collision to the DMV if it results in property damage exceeding $1,000, regardless of fault?

A) 5 days

B) 7 days

C) 10 days

D) 15 days

44 / 70

44) In a tire blowout, a driver must first _________.

A) gradually brake to reduce speed

B) hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands

C) release the accelerator completely

D) steer toward the shoulder immediately

45 / 70

45) A flashing yellow arrow at an intersection indicates that drivers turning left must _________.

A) stop completely until the arrow turns green

B) merge into the right lane to avoid conflict

C) proceed without yielding if no traffic is present

D) yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning

46 / 70

46) A large truck making a right turn at an intersection must _________.

A) stop completely if the turn exceeds 100 feet in radius

B) swing wide to the left before turning to avoid cutting the corner

C) signal for 200 feet before initiating the turn

D) stay within the rightmost lane without swinging wide

47 / 70

47) A solid white line of triangles across a roadway indicates that approaching vehicles must _________.

A) yield or stop for other traffic or pedestrians

B) maintain speed to clear the intersection

C) merge immediately into the adjacent lane

D) signal for a left turn to proceed

48 / 70

48) When merging onto a highway, what is the minimum space required in city streets to safely enter traffic from a full stop?

A) A full block, about 300 feet

B) A quarter of a block, about 75 feet

C) Half a block, about 150 feet

D) Three-quarters of a block, about 225 feet

49 / 70

49) If a vehicle begins to hydroplane, a driver must _________.

A) slow down gradually without braking

B) steer sharply right to exit the water

C) accelerate slightly to maintain tire contact

D) apply firm brake pressure to regain traction

50 / 70

50) A right turn onto a road with a dedicated turn lane requires drivers to obey _________.

A) a pedestrian signal if crosswalks are present

B) a yield sign for oncoming traffic only

C) a traffic light or sign on the right curb of the lane

D) the main intersection’s signal only

51 / 70

51) If a driver’s vehicle stalls on railroad tracks with no train approaching and warning lights off, what is the first action they should take after exiting the vehicle?

A) Call 911 to report the vehicle’s location.

B) Dial the number on the railroad crossing posts or control box to report the issue.

C) Attempt to push the vehicle off the tracks.

D) Activate emergency flashers to warn other drivers.

52 / 70

52) At a four-way stop, a large truck arriving simultaneously with a pedestrian must _________.

A) yield to the pedestrian regardless of direction

B) proceed first if no other vehicles are present

C) yield only if the pedestrian is on a crosswalk

D) wait until the pedestrian signals intent to cross

53 / 70

53) When checking blind spots before changing lanes, a driver must avoid _________.

A) turning their whole body or steering wheel

B) glancing over the opposite shoulder first

C) signaling until the lane is clear

D) using the rearview mirror simultaneously

54 / 70

54) A provisional driver under 18 must not _________.

A) drive for pay without an employer’s note

B) drive for pay under any circumstances

C) drive for pay outside daylight hours

D) drive for pay unless with a licensed adult

55 / 70

55) During a behind-the-wheel test, advanced driver assistance systems like automated parallel parking _________.

A) are allowed with examiner approval

B) are allowed for commercial vehicles only

C) are not permitted for any vehicle

D) are permitted if the vehicle is registered

56 / 70

56) At a “T” intersection from a one-way street onto a two-way street, traffic going straight _________.

A) has the right-of-way over turning vehicles

B) must stop for pedestrians on the one-way street

C) must yield to left-turning vehicles

D) yields to bicyclists in a bike lane

57 / 70

57) A broken yellow line next to a driver’s lane means that passing is _________.

A) permitted only during daylight hours

B) prohibited unless a traffic sign permits it

C) allowed if safe and the broken line is on the driver’s side

D) allowed only for vehicles below the speed limit

58 / 70

58) When leaving a brightly lit area at night, a driver must _________.

A) drive slowly until eyes adjust to darkness

B) use high-beam headlights immediately

C) turn on fog lights for visibility

D) accelerate to clear the area quickly

59 / 70

59) A driver with a corrective lenses restriction who does not wear them during a test _________.

A) will have the test postponed until lenses are worn

B) proceeds with a temporary license

C) receives a warning with no consequence

D) is allowed one attempt without lenses

60 / 70

60) Under the Basic Speed Law, a driver’s speed must always account for _________.

A) the vehicle’s tire tread depth

B) the presence of bicyclists or pedestrians

C) the type of vehicle being driven

D) the time of day

61 / 70

61) A driver approaching a stopped bus with its amber lights flashing must _________.

A) pass cautiously at a reduced speed of 15 mph

B) proceed normally unless children are visible

C) stop completely until the amber lights turn off

D) prepare to stop as the bus may activate red lights

62 / 70

62) In a minor collision with no injuries, all vehicle occupants must _________.

A) keep belts on only if the vehicle is in traffic

B) remove belts if the airbags deploy

C) remain belted until law enforcement instructs otherwise

D) unbuckle to exit the vehicle after stopping

63 / 70

63) After parallel parking, a vehicle must be within _________ of the curb.

A) 12 inches

B) 18 inches

C) 24 inches

D) 6 inches

64 / 70

64) The shoulder harness of a seat belt must be positioned _________.

A) over the collarbone with a one-inch gap

B) across the shoulder and chest with minimal slack

C) behind the back for long-distance comfort

D) under the arm to reduce chest pressure

65 / 70

65) During a skid recovery using hand-over-hand steering, a driver’s initial hand position must be _________.

A) at 10 and 2 o’clock on the steering wheel

B) at 12 and 6 o’clock on the steering wheel

C) at 8 and 4 o’clock on the steering wheel

D) at 9 and 3 o’clock on the steering wheel

66 / 70

66) A driver must scan the road ahead for at least _________.

A) 15 seconds

B) 5 seconds

C) 10 seconds

D) 3 seconds

67 / 70

67) A school bus stopped with its red lights flashing requires drivers to _________.

A) stop at least 15 feet away until the lights are off

B) slow to 10 mph and pass cautiously

C) proceed if the road has a physical divider

D) stop only if children are visibly boarding

68 / 70

68) A child aged 8 and 4 feet 8 inches tall violates seat belt laws if they _________.

A) adjust the shoulder belt under the arm

B) use a lap belt without a shoulder harness

C) ride in the front seat with a safety belt

D) sit in a federally-approved booster seat

69 / 70

69) A supervising driver for a minor with an instruction permit must be at least _________.

A) 30 years old

B) 25 years old

C) 18 years old

D) 21 years old

70 / 70

70) On packed snow, a driver must reduce speed by _________.

A) half compared to dry conditions

B) 10 mph regardless of conditions

C) to 25 mph at all times

D) one-third compared to dry conditions

Your score is

If you want to pass the California DMV written test on your first try, pay special attention to the areas where most people fail: speed limits, distances, right-of-way scenarios, alcohol laws, and teen driving restrictions. These are the hardest DMV questions in California—but they’re also the most predictable.

By studying smart, practicing regularly, and memorizing key details, you’ll avoid common mistakes and walk into your test fully ready.