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Automotive & MechanicsCalifornia Drive Test: Scored Maneuvers
Twenty flashcards on what the California DMV examiner scores while you back up, stop, turn and change lanes.
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20 cards
- What are the 2 parts of the California drive test?
- The pre-drive safety check and the Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE), driven with a DMV examiner.
- What does the drive test try to find out?
- That you drive safely, use safe habits, apply traffic laws in real situations and can make up for any physical condition.
- What is a "traffic check"?
- Watching vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians and reacting properly; the examiner looks for it in every action.
- How far and how close to the curb do you back up?
- In a straight line for 3 vehicle lengths, staying within 3 feet of the curb.
- Where should you look while backing?
- Over your right shoulder and through the back windshield, not only at mirrors or a camera.
- Can a backup camera or self-parking do the backing for you?
- No: that technology cannot be used on its own during a driving test.
- How many corrections are allowed while backing?
- No more than 1, and a correction is any movement forward.
- Where do you stop at a limit line?
- Within 6 feet (about half a car length) behind it, or from the corner if there is no limit line.
- How much gap do you leave behind a stopped car?
- Enough to see its rear wheels, about half a car length, so you can go around it without backing.
- What is the braking rule at a stop?
- Brake smoothly, never press brake and gas together, and with a manual keep the gear engaged (no coasting).
- When do you signal before a turn?
- At least 100 feet before it, but not so early that other drivers misread you.
- When do you enter the bike lane for a right turn?
- Within 200 feet of the turn, and only after making sure no bicycle is coming.
- How should the wheels be while waiting to turn left?
- Pointed straight ahead while you are stopped.
- What checks come before a left lane change?
- Look left and behind, check the left mirror and look over your left shoulder (the mirror image for a right change).
- Must you slow down before changing lanes?
- No, it is not necessary; just keep within the speed limit and wait for an adequate gap.
- Where do you keep the car on a straight street?
- In the center of the lane, with a safe distance to the front and sides.
- When may you stop in an intersection you are crossing?
- Only for another road user, a sign or signal, or to avoid a collision.
- How do you finish a turn correctly?
- End in the proper lane, stay within the lane markings, accelerate smoothly and cancel the signal.
- How many errors in the scored maneuvers can you have and still pass?
- No more than 15, with no marks in the critical driving error section.
- Is freeway driving part of the regular California drive test?
- No: the freeway and highway criteria are only for Supplemental Drive Tests.
Official sources
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Knowledge and Drive Tests Preparation
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Driving Performance Evaluation (DPE) Scoring Criteria
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Driving Performance Evaluation Score Sheet (sample, DL 32)
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