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 complicated at first glance but consistently trip up applicants at DMV offices statewide.

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

A) within 3 feet

B) within 5 feet

C) directly on the ramp only

D) within 10 feet

2 / 70

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

A) away from the center of the road

B) straight to align with the driveway

C) so the vehicle will not roll into the street

D) toward the curb to engage brakes

3 / 70

3) A provisional driver under 18 must not _________.

A) drive for pay under any circumstances

B) drive for pay without an employer’s note

C) drive for pay unless with a licensed adult

D) drive for pay outside daylight hours

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) proceed first due to its size and weight

C) stop completely until the other vehicle clears

D) yield to the vehicle on the right

5 / 70

5) 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

6 / 70

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

A) 5 feet

B) 10 feet

C) 15 feet

D) 20 feet

7 / 70

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

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

B) drop off passengers without freight

C) park with a disabled person placard

D) park for a limited time as posted

8 / 70

8) If tailgated, a driver must _________.

A) brake lightly to signal backing off

B) increase speed to match the tailgater

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

D) change lanes immediately to avoid conflict

9 / 70

9) 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) 100 feet

D) 300 feet

10 / 70

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

A) 5 to 10 mph

B) 15 to 20 mph

C) half the posted limit

D) 10 to 15 mph

11 / 70

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

A) proceeds with a temporary license

B) will have the test postponed until lenses are worn

C) receives a warning with no consequence

D) is allowed one attempt without lenses

12 / 70

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

A) wait until the pedestrian signals intent to cross

B) proceed first if no other vehicles are present

C) yield only if the pedestrian is on a crosswalk

D) yield to the pedestrian regardless of direction

13 / 70

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

A) stop only if children are visibly boarding

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

C) slow to 10 mph and pass cautiously

D) proceed if the road has a physical divider

14 / 70

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

A) stay within the rightmost lane without swinging wide

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

C) signal for 200 feet before initiating the turn

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

15 / 70

15) 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

16 / 70

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

A) prohibited unless a traffic sign permits it

B) allowed only for vehicles below the speed limit

C) permitted only during daylight hours

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

17 / 70

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

A) turn on fog lights for visibility

B) accelerate to clear the area quickly

C) drive slowly until eyes adjust to darkness

D) use high-beam headlights immediately

18 / 70

18) 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) yields to bicyclists in a bike lane

D) must yield to left-turning vehicles

19 / 70

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

A) signal for 100 feet before entering

B) merge completely into the lane to avoid blocking traffic

C) straddle the lane markings for visibility

D) stop partially in the lane until clear

20 / 70

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

A) signal for a left turn to proceed

B) maintain speed to clear the intersection

C) merge immediately into the adjacent lane

D) yield or stop for other traffic or pedestrians

21 / 70

21) 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 stop at the intersection

C) will turn before reaching the driver’s position

D) is yielding to the left-turning driver

22 / 70

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

A) slow down and be ready to stop if necessary

B) stop completely until the intersection clears

C) accelerate to merge ahead of traffic

D) maintain speed but signal to proceed

23 / 70

23) 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) yield to pedestrians before turning right

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

D) stop completely and then turn right if safe

24 / 70

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

A) steer sharply right to exit the water

B) accelerate slightly to maintain tire contact

C) apply firm brake pressure to regain traction

D) slow down gradually without braking

25 / 70

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

A) the main intersection’s signal only

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

C) a pedestrian signal if crosswalks are present

D) a yield sign for oncoming traffic only

26 / 70

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

A) 50 mph

B) 30 mph

C) 40 mph

D) 20 mph

27 / 70

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

A) keep high-beams on to counter glare

B) slow down and look at the lights

C) dim high-beams and focus on the centerline

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

28 / 70

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

A) using the rearview mirror simultaneously

B) signaling until the lane is clear

C) glancing over the opposite shoulder first

D) turning their whole body or steering wheel

29 / 70

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

A) stop until the bus lane is fully unoccupied

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

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

D) yield to any bus already in the lane

30 / 70

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

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

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

31 / 70

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

A) half compared to dry conditions

B) to 25 mph at all times

C) 10 mph regardless of conditions

D) one-third compared to dry conditions

32 / 70

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

A) snug across the upper abdomen

B) low across the hips, under the abdomen

C) behind the back to avoid pressure

D) loosely over the abdomen for comfort

33 / 70

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

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

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

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

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

34 / 70

34) 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 right lane closest to the curb

C) in the center lane if marked for turns

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

35 / 70

35) 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) 10 days

B) 5 days

C) 7 days

D) 15 days

36 / 70

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

A) stop completely until the amber lights turn off

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

C) proceed normally unless children are visible

D) pass cautiously at a reduced speed of 15 mph

37 / 70

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

A) A quarter of a block, about 75 feet

B) A full block, about 300 feet

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

D) Half a block, about 150 feet

38 / 70

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

A) 3 seconds

B) 5 seconds

C) 10 seconds

D) 15 seconds

39 / 70

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

A) 70 mph

B) 45 mph

C) 65 mph

D) 55 mph

40 / 70

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

A) a learner’s permit for heavy vehicles

B) a low-emission vehicle certification

C) a school bus endorsement

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

41 / 70

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

A) making sharp turns at low speeds

B) driving on freeways for relaxed posture

C) operating vehicle controls requiring a hand off the wheel

D) signaling a lane change for 100 feet

42 / 70

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

A) signal for others to pass within 100 feet

B) stop at the next intersection to yield

C) pull into a turnout area to let others pass

D) increase speed to clear the following traffic

43 / 70

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

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

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

C) signal for 150 feet before starting the turn

D) swing wide to the right before turning left

44 / 70

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

B) Activate emergency flashers to warn other drivers.

C) Attempt to push the vehicle off the tracks.

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

45 / 70

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

A) expect the oncoming vehicle to yield

B) stop until the bicyclist clears

C) yield to the bicyclist over all traffic

D) yield to the oncoming vehicle first

46 / 70

46) 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 front seat restraint system is federally approved for forward-facing use.

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

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

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

47 / 70

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

A) 150 feet

B) 250 feet

C) 200 feet

D) 300 feet

48 / 70

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

A) the presence of bicyclists or pedestrians

B) the type of vehicle being driven

C) the time of day

D) the vehicle’s tire tread depth

49 / 70

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

A) 25 years old

B) 21 years old

C) 18 years old

D) 30 years old

50 / 70

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

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

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

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

D) only when directed by a traffic signal

51 / 70

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

A) proceed without yielding if no traffic is present

B) yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning

C) stop completely until the arrow turns green

D) merge into the right lane to avoid conflict

52 / 70

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

A) ride in the front seat with a safety belt

B) adjust the shoulder belt under the arm

C) sit in a federally-approved booster seat

D) use a lap belt without a shoulder harness

53 / 70

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

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

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

C) Kept straight to maintain alignment with the road.

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

54 / 70

54) 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) register the vehicle as a low-emission model

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

D) complete a behind-the-wheel test annually

55 / 70

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

A) sits in the front seat without a booster

B) uses only a lap belt in the rear seat

C) adjusts the shoulder belt for comfort

D) is not wearing a seat belt properly

56 / 70

56) 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) commercial trucks with special permits

C) passing slower traffic on narrow roads

D) emergency vehicles during peak traffic hours

57 / 70

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

A) use a turnout area to let others pass

B) stop completely until traffic clears

C) increase speed to clear the vehicles

D) signal for others to pass immediately

58 / 70

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

A) yield to any bus in the lane

B) proceed without yielding if the bus is stopped

C) merge into the bus lane to turn

D) stop until the bus lane is clear

59 / 70

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

A) gradually brake to reduce speed

B) release the accelerator completely

C) hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands

D) steer toward the shoulder immediately

60 / 70

60) 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

61 / 70

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

A) turned slightly left to prepare for the turn

B) turned fully right to align with traffic

C) aligned with the center divider

D) pointed straight ahead to avoid being pushed into traffic

62 / 70

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

A) 150 feet

B) 100 feet

C) 50 feet

D) 200 feet

63 / 70

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

A) remain belted until law enforcement instructs otherwise

B) unbuckle to exit the vehicle after stopping

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

D) remove belts if the airbags deploy

64 / 70

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

A) 24 inches

B) 12 inches

C) 18 inches

D) 6 inches

65 / 70

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

A) merge into traffic after checking blind spots

B) never change lanes across them

C) cross only when the lines become broken

D) exit the freeway if traffic is clear

66 / 70

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

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

67 / 70

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

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

B) only with law enforcement direction

C) at any intersection with 200 feet of visibility

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

68 / 70

68) 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

69 / 70

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

A) are allowed with examiner approval

B) are permitted if the vehicle is registered

C) are not permitted for any vehicle

D) are allowed for commercial vehicles only

70 / 70

70) 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

Your score is

California DMV Practice Tests & Hard Sets

CA DMV Test 1	CA DMV Test 2	CA DMV Test 3	CA DMV Hard 1
CA DMV Test 4	CA DMV Test 5	CA DMV Test 6	CA DMV Hard 2
CA DMV Test 7	CA DMV Test 8	CA DMV Test 9	CA DMV Hard 3
CA DMV Test 10	CA DMV Test 11	CA Road‑Sign Test	CA DMV Hard 4

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.