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Automotive & MechanicsCalifornia Drive Test: Critical Driving Errors
Twenty flashcards on the mistakes that fail the California behind-the-wheel test on the spot.
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20 cards
- What does one critical driving error do to a California drive test?
- It fails the test: critical errors are the actions or inactions that end in a driving test failure.
- What counts as an intervention by the examiner?
- Anything you do or fail to do that makes the examiner step in physically or verbally, like loudly saying "Stop."
- How many tries at backing up count as a critical error?
- 3 attempts to back the vehicle.
- When is touching something a critical error?
- When you make contact with a vehicle, object, bicyclist, pedestrian or animal that you could have safely avoided.
- Is it critical to touch the curb or sidewalk?
- Yes: driving over the curb or on the sidewalk is a critical error.
- What speed fails you at a stop sign?
- Going through it or above a brisk walking speed (4 mph); the same applies at a flashing red light and on a right turn on red.
- What must happen before a right turn on a red light?
- A full and complete stop; then turn only when it is safe and no posted sign forbids it.
- Which unnecessary stops are critical errors?
- Stopping without a reason at a green light or on a freeway-metered ramp.
- Which markings fail you if you disobey them?
- Lane drops, painted arrows, painted islands, curb markings (red, blue, etc.) and traffic cones.
- What is the school bus rule on the test?
- Passing a school bus with flashing red lights is critical; traffic in both directions must stop unless on a divided highway.
- What about emergency vehicles and safety personnel?
- Not pulling over and stopping for an emergency vehicle, or disobeying any police officer, firefighter or safety worker, is critical.
- When is a maneuver called dangerous?
- When anything you do or fail to do makes another driver or a pedestrian take evasive action.
- What is the critical error at an uncontrolled intersection?
- Not moving your head and eyes to check traffic when a hazard is present.
- When is stopping in an intersection a critical error?
- When your vehicle blocks the intersection at any time and impedes cross traffic.
- When must you check mirrors or look over your shoulder?
- Changing lanes, merging, backing, turning right with a bike lane and pulling away from the curb or roadside.
- When does stalling the engine become critical?
- Stalling in an intersection, or 3 times because of poor clutch or gear use.
- Which speed errors are critical?
- Driving 10 mph over the limit, or 10 mph under it when road, people or traffic do not call for a lower speed.
- Which equipment must you use when conditions require it?
- Windshield wipers, defroster or headlights in bad weather or darkness; failing to use them is critical.
- How far can you drive in a bike lane or center left turn lane?
- Not further than 200 feet; driving further is a critical lane violation.
- Which turn lane mistakes are critical?
- Going straight from a turn lane, turning from a straight lane or the wrong lane, or using the oncoming lane without need.
Official sources
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Driving Test Criteria (DL 955)
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