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

A) complete a behind-the-wheel test annually

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

C) register the vehicle as a low-emission model

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

2 / 70

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

A) proceed without yielding if no traffic is present

B) merge into the right lane to avoid conflict

C) stop completely until the arrow turns green

D) yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning

3 / 70

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

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

4 / 70

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

A) unbuckle to exit the vehicle after stopping

B) remain belted until law enforcement instructs otherwise

C) remove belts if the airbags deploy

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

5 / 70

5) 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

6 / 70

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

A) signal for 150 feet before starting the turn

B) swing wide to the right before turning left

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

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

7 / 70

7) 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 8 and 4 o’clock on the steering wheel

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

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

8 / 70

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

A) stop completely until traffic clears

B) increase speed to clear the vehicles

C) signal for others to pass immediately

D) use a turnout area to let others pass

9 / 70

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

A) 70 mph

B) 55 mph

C) 65 mph

D) 45 mph

10 / 70

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

A) is yielding to the left-turning driver

B) is traveling below the speed limit

C) will turn before reaching the driver’s position

D) will stop at the intersection

11 / 70

11) 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

12 / 70

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

A) low across the hips, under the abdomen

B) behind the back to avoid pressure

C) snug across the upper abdomen

D) loosely over the abdomen for comfort

13 / 70

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

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

B) the main intersection’s signal only

C) a pedestrian signal if crosswalks are present

D) a yield sign for oncoming traffic only

14 / 70

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

A) apply the emergency brake to dry the system

B) pump the brakes rapidly to restore traction

C) increase speed to air-dry the brakes

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

15 / 70

15) 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) stop completely until the intersection clears

D) accelerate to merge ahead of traffic

16 / 70

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

A) one-third compared to dry conditions

B) 10 mph regardless of conditions

C) to 25 mph at all times

D) half compared to dry conditions

17 / 70

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

A) 50 feet

B) 150 feet

C) 200 feet

D) 100 feet

18 / 70

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

A) behind the back for long-distance comfort

B) under the arm to reduce chest pressure

C) over the collarbone with a one-inch gap

D) across the shoulder and chest with minimal slack

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) stop until the bus lane is fully unoccupied

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

20 / 70

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

A) 20 mph

B) 30 mph

C) 40 mph

D) 50 mph

21 / 70

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

A) a school bus endorsement

B) a learner’s permit for heavy vehicles

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

D) a low-emission vehicle certification

22 / 70

22) 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) 100 feet

C) 200 feet

D) 300 feet

23 / 70

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

A) adjusts the shoulder belt for comfort

B) uses only a lap belt in the rear seat

C) sits in the front seat without a booster

D) is not wearing a seat belt properly

24 / 70

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

A) slow down and look at the lights

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

C) dim high-beams and focus on the centerline

D) keep high-beams on to counter glare

25 / 70

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

C) only when directed by a traffic signal

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

26 / 70

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

A) allowed only for vehicles below the speed limit

B) prohibited unless a traffic sign permits it

C) permitted only during daylight hours

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

27 / 70

27) 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

28 / 70

28) 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 slightly left to engage the parking brake more effectively.

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

D) Kept straight to maintain alignment with the road.

29 / 70

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

A) exit the freeway if traffic is clear

B) cross only when the lines become broken

C) never change lanes across them

D) merge into traffic after checking blind spots

30 / 70

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

A) 5 seconds

B) 15 seconds

C) 10 seconds

D) 3 seconds

31 / 70

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

A) stop until the bus lane is clear

B) proceed without yielding if the bus is stopped

C) yield to any bus in the lane

D) merge into the bus lane to turn

32 / 70

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

A) 10 to 15 mph

B) 5 to 10 mph

C) 15 to 20 mph

D) half the posted limit

33 / 70

33) 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) Activate emergency flashers to warn other drivers.

B) Attempt to push the vehicle off the tracks.

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

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

34 / 70

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

A) the time of day

B) the presence of bicyclists or pedestrians

C) the type of vehicle being driven

D) the vehicle’s tire tread depth

35 / 70

35) 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

36 / 70

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

A) driving on freeways for relaxed posture

B) operating vehicle controls requiring a hand off the wheel

C) making sharp turns at low speeds

D) signaling a lane change for 100 feet

37 / 70

37) If tailgated, a driver must _________.

A) increase speed to match the tailgater

B) brake lightly to signal backing off

C) change lanes immediately to avoid conflict

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

38 / 70

38) 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 six-month probation period with restricted driving.

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

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

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

39 / 70

39) 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

40 / 70

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

A) 15 feet

B) 10 feet

C) 20 feet

D) 5 feet

41 / 70

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

A) stops until the truck completes the turn

B) must yield to the truck due to its size

C) yields only if the truck signals for 100 feet

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

42 / 70

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

A) wait until the pedestrian signals intent to cross

B) yield only if the pedestrian is on a crosswalk

C) proceed first if no other vehicles are present

D) yield to the pedestrian regardless of direction

43 / 70

43) 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

44 / 70

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

A) park for a limited time as posted

B) drop off passengers without freight

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

D) park with a disabled person placard

45 / 70

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

A) sit in a federally-approved booster seat

B) adjust the shoulder belt under the arm

C) ride in the front seat with a safety belt

D) use a lap belt without a shoulder harness

46 / 70

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

A) 21 years old

B) 18 years old

C) 25 years old

D) 30 years old

47 / 70

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

A) in the center lane if marked for turns

B) in any open lane with three or more lanes

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

D) in the right lane closest to the curb

48 / 70

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

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

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

49 / 70

49) 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) 7 days

B) 15 days

C) 10 days

D) 5 days

50 / 70

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

A) Half a block, about 150 feet

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

C) A full block, about 300 feet

D) A quarter of a block, about 75 feet

51 / 70

51) 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

52 / 70

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

A) emergency vehicles during peak traffic hours

B) passing slower traffic on narrow roads

C) commercial trucks with special permits

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

53 / 70

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

A) drive slowly until eyes adjust to darkness

B) turn on fog lights for visibility

C) use high-beam headlights immediately

D) accelerate to clear the area quickly

54 / 70

54) 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) stop completely and then turn right if safe

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

D) yield to pedestrians before turning right

55 / 70

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

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

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

C) stay within the rightmost lane without swinging wide

D) signal for 200 feet before initiating the turn

56 / 70

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

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

B) pass cautiously at a reduced speed of 15 mph

C) stop completely until the amber lights turn off

D) proceed normally unless children are visible

57 / 70

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

A) stop at the next intersection to yield

B) pull into a turnout area to let others pass

C) signal for others to pass within 100 feet

D) increase speed to clear the following traffic

58 / 70

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

A) accelerate slightly to maintain tire contact

B) slow down gradually without braking

C) apply firm brake pressure to regain traction

D) steer sharply right to exit the water

59 / 70

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

A) yield to the bicyclist over all traffic

B) expect the oncoming vehicle to yield

C) stop until the bicyclist clears

D) yield to the oncoming vehicle first

60 / 70

60) 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.

61 / 70

61) 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

62 / 70

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

A) 200 feet

B) 250 feet

C) 150 feet

D) 300 feet

63 / 70

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

A) yield to the vehicle on the right

B) stop completely until the other vehicle clears

C) proceed first due to its size and weight

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

64 / 70

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

A) using the rearview mirror simultaneously

B) turning their whole body or steering wheel

C) signaling until the lane is clear

D) glancing over the opposite shoulder first

65 / 70

65) 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

66 / 70

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

A) only with law enforcement direction

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

C) at any intersection with 200 feet of visibility

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

67 / 70

67) 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

68 / 70

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

A) 12 inches

B) 24 inches

C) 6 inches

D) 18 inches

69 / 70

69) 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) yields to bicyclists in a bike lane

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

D) must yield to left-turning vehicles

70 / 70

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

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

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

C) stop completely if oncoming traffic is approaching

D) merge into the lane for emergency maneuvers

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.