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 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 only for vehicles below the speed limit

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

2 / 70

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

A) pointed straight ahead to avoid being pushed into traffic

B) turned slightly left to prepare for the turn

C) aligned with the center divider

D) turned fully right to align with traffic

3 / 70

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

A) stop completely until the intersection clears

B) slow down and be ready to stop if necessary

C) maintain speed but signal to proceed

D) accelerate to merge ahead of traffic

4 / 70

4) 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

5 / 70

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

A) park with a disabled person placard

B) drop off passengers without freight

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

D) park for a limited time as posted

6 / 70

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

A) 30 years old

B) 21 years old

C) 25 years old

D) 18 years old

7 / 70

7) 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) use a lap belt without a shoulder harness

C) adjust the shoulder belt under the arm

D) sit in a federally-approved booster seat

8 / 70

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

A) 20 mph

B) 50 mph

C) 30 mph

D) 40 mph

9 / 70

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

A) must yield to the truck due to its size

B) yields only if the truck signals for 100 feet

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

D) stops until the truck completes the turn

10 / 70

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

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

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

11 / 70

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

A) the presence of bicyclists or pedestrians

B) the time of day

C) the type of vehicle being driven

D) the vehicle’s tire tread depth

12 / 70

12) 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

13 / 70

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

A) 100 feet

B) 400 feet

C) 300 feet

D) 200 feet

14 / 70

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

A) slow down gradually without braking

B) apply firm brake pressure to regain traction

C) steer sharply right to exit the water

D) accelerate slightly to maintain tire contact

15 / 70

15) If tailgated, a driver must _________.

A) change lanes immediately to avoid conflict

B) increase speed to match the tailgater

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

D) brake lightly to signal backing off

16 / 70

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

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

B) yields to bicyclists in a bike lane

C) must yield to left-turning vehicles

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

17 / 70

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

A) toward the curb to engage brakes

B) away from the center of the road

C) straight to align with the driveway

D) so the vehicle will not roll into the street

18 / 70

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

A) pull into a turnout area to let others pass

B) signal for others to pass within 100 feet

C) increase speed to clear the following traffic

D) stop at the next intersection to yield

19 / 70

19) 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

20 / 70

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

A) within 5 feet

B) within 3 feet

C) within 10 feet

D) directly on the ramp only

21 / 70

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

C) Half a block, about 150 feet

D) A quarter of a block, about 75 feet

22 / 70

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

A) a learner’s permit for heavy vehicles

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

C) a school bus endorsement

D) a low-emission vehicle certification

23 / 70

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

A) uses only a lap belt in the rear seat

B) adjusts the shoulder belt for comfort

C) sits in the front seat without a booster

D) is not wearing a seat belt properly

24 / 70

24) 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) complete a behind-the-wheel test annually

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

25 / 70

25) 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) will stop at the intersection

D) is yielding to the left-turning driver

26 / 70

26) 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

27 / 70

27) 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) passing slower traffic on narrow roads

C) commercial trucks with special permits

D) emergency vehicles during peak traffic hours

28 / 70

28) 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) only when directed by a traffic signal

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

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

29 / 70

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

D) signal for 150 feet before starting the turn

30 / 70

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

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

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

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

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

31 / 70

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

A) 150 feet

B) 50 feet

C) 100 feet

D) 200 feet

32 / 70

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

A) remove belts if the airbags deploy

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

C) unbuckle to exit the vehicle after stopping

D) remain belted until law enforcement instructs otherwise

33 / 70

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

A) one-third compared to dry conditions

B) half compared to dry conditions

C) 10 mph regardless of conditions

D) to 25 mph at all times

34 / 70

34) 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

35 / 70

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

A) 15 to 20 mph

B) 5 to 10 mph

C) half the posted limit

D) 10 to 15 mph

36 / 70

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

A) 6 inches

B) 12 inches

C) 18 inches

D) 24 inches

37 / 70

37) 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) use a turnout area to let others pass

C) increase speed to clear the vehicles

D) stop completely until traffic clears

38 / 70

38) 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) Activate emergency flashers to warn other drivers.

C) Attempt to push the vehicle off the tracks.

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

39 / 70

39) 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

40 / 70

40) 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

41 / 70

41) 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

42 / 70

42) 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) receives a warning with no consequence

C) is allowed one attempt without lenses

D) proceeds with a temporary license

43 / 70

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

A) merge into the right lane to avoid conflict

B) proceed without yielding if no traffic is present

C) stop completely until the arrow turns green

D) yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning

44 / 70

44) 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) signaling a lane change for 100 feet

D) making sharp turns at low speeds

45 / 70

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

A) dim high-beams and focus on the centerline

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

C) keep high-beams on to counter glare

D) slow down and look at the lights

46 / 70

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

A) stop until the bus lane is fully unoccupied

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

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

D) yield to any bus already in the lane

47 / 70

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

A) proceed normally unless children are visible

B) stop completely until the amber lights turn off

C) pass cautiously at a reduced speed of 15 mph

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

48 / 70

48) 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

49 / 70

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

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

B) Kept straight to maintain alignment with the road.

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

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

50 / 70

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

A) yield to pedestrians before turning right

B) stop completely and then turn right if safe

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

D) wait until the light turns green before turning right

51 / 70

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

A) steer toward the shoulder immediately

B) gradually brake to reduce speed

C) hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands

D) release the accelerator completely

52 / 70

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

A) yield or stop for other traffic or pedestrians

B) merge immediately into the adjacent lane

C) maintain speed to clear the intersection

D) signal for a left turn to proceed

53 / 70

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

A) slow to 10 mph and pass cautiously

B) proceed if the road has a physical divider

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

D) stop only if children are visibly boarding

54 / 70

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

A) merge completely into the lane to avoid blocking traffic

B) signal for 100 feet before entering

C) stop partially in the lane until clear

D) straddle the lane markings for visibility

55 / 70

55) 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.

56 / 70

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

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

B) stay within the rightmost lane without swinging wide

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

D) signal for 200 feet before initiating the turn

57 / 70

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

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

B) in the center lane if marked for turns

C) in any open lane with three or more lanes

D) in the right lane closest to the curb

58 / 70

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

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

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

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

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

59 / 70

59) 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) 15 days

B) 10 days

C) 7 days

D) 5 days

60 / 70

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

A) 3 seconds

B) 10 seconds

C) 5 seconds

D) 15 seconds

61 / 70

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

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 driving to a school activity with a note from the school principal.

62 / 70

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

A) are permitted if the vehicle is registered

B) are not permitted for any vehicle

C) are allowed with examiner approval

D) are allowed for commercial vehicles only

63 / 70

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

A) stop until the bus lane is clear

B) yield to any bus in the lane

C) merge into the bus lane to turn

D) proceed without yielding if the bus is stopped

64 / 70

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

A) 15 feet

B) 10 feet

C) 5 feet

D) 20 feet

65 / 70

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

A) snug across the upper abdomen

B) behind the back to avoid pressure

C) loosely over the abdomen for comfort

D) low across the hips, under the abdomen

66 / 70

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

A) yield only if the pedestrian is on a crosswalk

B) yield to the pedestrian regardless of direction

C) proceed first if no other vehicles are present

D) wait until the pedestrian signals intent to cross

67 / 70

67) 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) never change lanes across them

D) exit the freeway if traffic is clear

68 / 70

68) A provisional driver under 18 must not _________.

A) drive for pay outside daylight hours

B) drive for pay under any circumstances

C) drive for pay without an employer’s note

D) drive for pay unless with a licensed adult

69 / 70

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

A) 55 mph

B) 45 mph

C) 70 mph

D) 65 mph

70 / 70

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

A) merge into the lane for emergency maneuvers

B) stop completely if oncoming traffic is approaching

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

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

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.