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Automotive & MechanicsCalifornia Pre-Drive Safety Check
Twenty flashcards on the 17 items the California examiner checks on your car before the drive.
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20 cards
- What happens in the pre-drive safety check?
- Before driving, the examiner asks you to locate or demonstrate vehicle and driver safety items.
- What if one of items 1-8 or 15-17 fails?
- It is a "mechanical failure" and your driving test is rescheduled.
- What if you cannot show 4 or more of items 9-14?
- The test counts as "unsatisfactory", which is a failure.
- Who may ride along during the drive test?
- Only the examiner; exceptions are training, service animals and certain law enforcement situations.
- Can an interpreter help?
- Yes, during the pre-drive inspection to identify controls, but not during the drive itself.
- What is required of the driver window?
- It must open; you will be asked to open it if it is closed.
- What is required of the windshield?
- A full, unobstructed field of view for you and the examiner.
- What are the mirror rules?
- At least 2 mirrors: 1 outside on the left, the other inside center or outside right; secure, unbroken and clear.
- What are the turn signal rules?
- Right and left signals, front and back, must all work.
- What are the brake light rules?
- Both brake lights, 1 right and 1 left, must work; the center light does not count.
- How much tire tread is needed?
- 1/32 inch in any 2 adjacent grooves on each tire; no bald tires.
- How is the foot brake checked?
- There must be at least 1 inch between the pedal and the floor board when pressed.
- What horn is acceptable?
- One designed for the vehicle, working and loud enough to hear from at least 200 feet; never a bicycle horn.
- What do you show with the parking brake?
- Where it is and how to set and release it; if it does not set, the test is rescheduled.
- Which arm signals must you demonstrate?
- Left turn, right turn, and slowing down or stopping.
- What must you find for wipers and defrost?
- The windshield wiper switch or control and the front windshield defroster button.
- Which light switches must you find?
- The emergency flasher (hazard lights) switch, if equipped, and the headlight switch.
- What is checked on the passenger door and glove box?
- The front passenger door opens and closes properly; the glove box door stays securely closed.
- What is the seat belt rule?
- Working belts for you and the examiner, worn by everyone in the car.
- What changes in bad weather?
- You must show that items 11-14 work properly, or the test is rescheduled.
Official sources
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Driving Test Criteria: Pre-Drive Checklist (Safety Criteria)
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