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

A) slow down and look at the lights

B) keep high-beams on to counter glare

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

D) dim high-beams and focus on the centerline

2 / 70

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

A) slow down and be ready to stop if necessary

B) accelerate to merge ahead of traffic

C) maintain speed but signal to proceed

D) stop completely until the intersection clears

3 / 70

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

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

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

4 / 70

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

A) 5 to 10 mph

B) 10 to 15 mph

C) 15 to 20 mph

D) half the posted limit

5 / 70

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

A) are permitted if the vehicle is registered

B) are allowed with examiner approval

C) are allowed for commercial vehicles only

D) are not permitted for any vehicle

6 / 70

6) 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

7 / 70

7) 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) 300 feet

C) 400 feet

D) 200 feet

8 / 70

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

A) permitted only during daylight hours

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

C) prohibited unless a traffic sign permits it

D) allowed only for vehicles below the speed limit

9 / 70

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

A) 5 seconds

B) 3 seconds

C) 15 seconds

D) 10 seconds

10 / 70

10) 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

11 / 70

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

A) 10 mph regardless of conditions

B) to 25 mph at all times

C) one-third compared to dry conditions

D) half compared to dry conditions

12 / 70

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

A) under the arm to reduce chest pressure

B) over the collarbone with a one-inch gap

C) behind the back for long-distance comfort

D) across the shoulder and chest with minimal slack

13 / 70

13) 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

14 / 70

14) 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) stop completely if oncoming traffic is approaching

C) merge into the lane for emergency maneuvers

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

15 / 70

15) 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

16 / 70

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

A) will turn before reaching the driver’s position

B) is traveling below the speed limit

C) is yielding to the left-turning driver

D) will stop at the intersection

17 / 70

17) 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) accelerate to clear the area quickly

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) yields to bicyclists in a bike lane

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

C) must yield to left-turning vehicles

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

19 / 70

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

A) 15 feet

B) 10 feet

C) 20 feet

D) 5 feet

20 / 70

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

A) a yield sign for oncoming traffic only

B) the main intersection’s signal only

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

D) a pedestrian signal if crosswalks are present

21 / 70

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

A) use a lap belt without a shoulder harness

B) ride in the front seat with a safety belt

C) sit in a federally-approved booster seat

D) adjust the shoulder belt under the arm

22 / 70

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

A) directly on the ramp only

B) within 5 feet

C) within 3 feet

D) within 10 feet

23 / 70

23) 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 oncoming vehicle first

D) yield to the bicyclist over all traffic

24 / 70

24) 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 is a taxi with a licensed driver over 25 years old.

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

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

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

25 / 70

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

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

B) park for a limited time as posted

C) park with a disabled person placard

D) drop off passengers without freight

26 / 70

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

A) stop partially in the lane until clear

B) signal for 100 feet before entering

C) merge completely into the lane to avoid blocking traffic

D) straddle the lane markings for visibility

27 / 70

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

A) straight to align with the driveway

B) away from the center of the road

C) toward the curb to engage brakes

D) so the vehicle will not roll into the street

28 / 70

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

A) 300 feet

B) 150 feet

C) 250 feet

D) 200 feet

29 / 70

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

A) proceed if the road has a physical divider

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

C) slow to 10 mph and pass cautiously

D) stop only if children are visibly boarding

30 / 70

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

A) apply firm brake pressure to regain traction

B) accelerate slightly to maintain tire contact

C) steer sharply right to exit the water

D) slow down gradually without braking

31 / 70

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

A) low across the hips, under the abdomen

B) behind the back to avoid pressure

C) loosely over the abdomen for comfort

D) snug across the upper abdomen

32 / 70

32) 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

33 / 70

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

A) 150 feet

B) 200 feet

C) 50 feet

D) 100 feet

34 / 70

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

A) 6 inches

B) 12 inches

C) 18 inches

D) 24 inches

35 / 70

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

A) 30 mph

B) 40 mph

C) 20 mph

D) 50 mph

36 / 70

36) 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

37 / 70

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

A) signaling a lane change for 100 feet

B) making sharp turns at low speeds

C) driving on freeways for relaxed posture

D) operating vehicle controls requiring a hand off the wheel

38 / 70

38) 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) signal for 150 feet before starting the turn

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

39 / 70

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

C) Kept straight to maintain alignment with the road.

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

40 / 70

40) 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

41 / 70

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

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

42 / 70

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

A) stop completely until the other vehicle clears

B) yield to the vehicle on the right

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

D) proceed first due to its size and weight

43 / 70

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

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

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

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

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

44 / 70

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

A) proceeds with a temporary license

B) receives a warning with no consequence

C) is allowed one attempt without lenses

D) will have the test postponed until lenses are worn

45 / 70

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

A) merge immediately into the adjacent lane

B) yield or stop for other traffic or pedestrians

C) signal for a left turn to proceed

D) maintain speed to clear the intersection

46 / 70

46) 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

47 / 70

47) 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) stay within the rightmost lane without swinging wide

C) signal for 200 feet before initiating the turn

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

48 / 70

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

A) cross only when the lines become broken

B) exit the freeway if traffic is clear

C) never change lanes across them

D) merge into traffic after checking blind spots

49 / 70

49) 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

50 / 70

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

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

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

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

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

51 / 70

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

A) stop completely until the arrow turns green

B) proceed without yielding if no traffic is present

C) merge into the right lane to avoid conflict

D) yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians before turning

52 / 70

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

A) uses only a lap belt in the rear seat

B) is not wearing a seat belt properly

C) sits in the front seat without a booster

D) adjusts the shoulder belt for comfort

53 / 70

53) 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) use a turnout area to let others pass

C) increase speed to clear the vehicles

D) signal for others to pass immediately

54 / 70

54) 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) Half a block, about 150 feet

C) A quarter of a block, about 75 feet

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

55 / 70

55) 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

56 / 70

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

A) aligned with the center divider

B) pointed straight ahead to avoid being pushed into traffic

C) turned slightly left to prepare for the turn

D) turned fully right to align with traffic

57 / 70

57) 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) Attempt to push the vehicle off the tracks.

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

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

D) Activate emergency flashers to warn other drivers.

58 / 70

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

A) glancing over the opposite shoulder first

B) using the rearview mirror simultaneously

C) signaling until the lane is clear

D) turning their whole body or steering wheel

59 / 70

59) 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 commercial Class A, B, or C license

D) a school bus endorsement

60 / 70

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

A) pass cautiously at a reduced speed of 15 mph

B) stop completely until the amber lights turn off

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

D) proceed normally unless children are visible

61 / 70

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

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

B) apply the emergency brake to dry the system

C) pump the brakes rapidly to restore traction

D) increase speed to air-dry the brakes

62 / 70

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

C) only with law enforcement direction

D) at any intersection with 200 feet of visibility

63 / 70

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

A) remove belts if the airbags deploy

B) remain belted until law enforcement instructs otherwise

C) unbuckle to exit the vehicle after stopping

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

64 / 70

64) A provisional driver under 18 must not _________.

A) drive for pay outside daylight hours

B) drive for pay unless with a licensed adult

C) drive for pay without an employer’s note

D) drive for pay under any circumstances

65 / 70

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

A) proceed first if no other vehicles are present

B) wait until the pedestrian signals intent to cross

C) yield to the pedestrian regardless of direction

D) yield only if the pedestrian is on a crosswalk

66 / 70

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

A) the type of vehicle being driven

B) the presence of bicyclists or pedestrians

C) the vehicle’s tire tread depth

D) the time of day

67 / 70

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

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

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

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

68 / 70

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

A) in the right lane closest to the curb

B) in the center lane if marked for turns

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

D) in any open lane with three or more lanes

69 / 70

69) 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

70 / 70

70) 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) stop until the bus lane is fully unoccupied

C) yield to any bus already in the lane

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