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SAN DIEGO — There is a sense of freedom when it comes to passing your driver’s test. But for first-time drivers, the moments prior to the achievement can be very stressful and challenging.
Among 45 U.S. states, California ranks as the third toughest to pass a driving test, according toKyrosAML.
The pass rate in the Golden State is at 46.2%, researchers from the cloud-based dashboard solution found from data provided by the DMV.
The California driving test is divided into two parts: a Pre-Drive Safety CheckandDriving Performance Evaluation (DPE).
“The Pre-Drive Safety Check determines whether your vehicle meets the DMV minimum safety standard and whether you are familiar with the operation of your vehicle. The DPE portion is the behind-the-wheel driving test when you drive your car with a DMV examiner who evaluates your driving skills,” the State of California DMV states on its website.
For those of any age who have a physical, mental, or vision condition, and/or a referral due to a lack of skill that may impact their ability to safely operate a vehicle, a referral test is given by the the California DMV called a Supplemental Driving Performance Evaluation (SDPE). It includes test elements like multiple directions, additional lane changes, concentration, freeway or highway driving and destination trips.
Another referral test limits you to drive only in specified areas called the Area Driving Performance Evaluation (ADPE), according to California DMV. Those who pass this test will be restricted to only the specified areas where you were tested.
Arizona topped the list with a pass rate of 39.3%, followed by Maryland at 45.4%, the study shows. Kentucky was ranked as the easiest state to pass a driving test with a pass rate of 74.3%.
FAQs
Among 45 U.S. states, California ranks as the third toughest to pass a driving test, according to KyrosAML. The pass rate in the Golden State is at 46.2%, researchers from the cloud-based dashboard solution found from data provided by the DMV.
How difficult is the California driving test? ›
Is the California permit test hard? It's said that over half of all teens fail their first test, and that certainly makes it seem hard. But it's only as difficult as you make it. Spend some time preparing and completing practice tests to ensure you're ready.
Which states have the hardest driver test? ›
Which State Has the Hardest CDL Test?
- We've identified the top 3 states that have difficulty in passing the SDL: they are Washington, Massachusetts, and Illinois.
- According to our data, Washington is the most difficult state in the country to get a driver's license.
According to a study done by a personal injury law firm Zanes Law, the two states bordering Washington, D.C. – Virginia and Maryland – are the two hardest states in the country to get a driver's license in!
What is the failure rate for the California DMV test? ›
Results • The overall fail rates for first-attempt applicants are 50.1% for English originals, 33.6% for English renewals, 74.8% for Spanish originals, 79.8% for Spanish renewals, and 42.7% for English provisionals.
What percentage of people pass the California driver's test? ›
Among 45 U.S. states, California ranks as the third toughest to pass a driving test, according to KyrosAML. The pass rate in the Golden State is at 46.2%, researchers from the cloud-based dashboard solution found from data provided by the DMV.
What is the best way to study for the California drivers test? ›
Prepare for Your Knowledge Tests
- Review the California Driver's Handbook. It contains a lot of important information, so give yourself a few days to get through it.
- Read the test questions carefully. ...
- Remember, all the test questions are taken from the handbook. ...
- Don't be nervous.
Strictest driving laws and car accidents by state
Alaska and Oregon take the No. 1 rank for the strictest driving laws, based on our analysis of drunk driving, seatbelt and speeding laws. If you're caught zooming above the speed limit in Alaska, you could be pinned with fines anywhere from $250 to $2,000.
What state is the easiest to drive in? ›
Iowa is the best state to drive in, according to a new study by WalletHub. Jan. 19, 2022, at 5:23 p.m. WalletHub ranked states based on a number of metrics, including traffic congestion and the price of gas.
What is the hardest state to drive through? ›
New Jersey is the worst state to drive in, as it has the highest road congestion nationwide and the second-worst road quality, a new study by MoneyGeek finds.
Preparing for Your Drive Test
- Steer smoothly at all times.
- Accelerate smoothly. ...
- Stop the vehicle gently. ...
- Be in the correct gear. ...
- Always obey the posted speed limits. ...
- Follow at a safe distance. ...
- Know what the traffic signals mean and obey them at all times.
To pass, you must have no more than 3 errors marked for Items 9-14 under PRE-DRIVE CHECKLIST , no marks in the CRITICAL DRIVING ERROR section, and no more than 15 errors marked for the Scoring Maneuvers.
How many times can you fail DMV test in California? ›
Your application fee allows you three attempts to pass the driving test. If you fail the driving test, you must schedule a new driving test on another day and pay a $7 retest fee. If you fail the driving test three times, your application is no longer valid and you must reapply.
How many mistakes are allowed on a driving test in California? ›
Your examiner will keep track of any mistakes you make during the driving test. Don't sweat it if you see them make a mark on your scoresheet. You can miss up to 15 points before you automatically fail.
How to pass driving test first try California? ›
Preparing for Your Drive Test
- Steer smoothly at all times.
- Accelerate smoothly. ...
- Stop the vehicle gently. ...
- Be in the correct gear. ...
- Always obey the posted speed limits. ...
- Follow at a safe distance. ...
- Know what the traffic signals mean and obey them at all times.
8 Commonly Missed Questions on the Written Drivers Test
- What Direction Do You Turn Your Wheels When Parking on a Hill? ...
- What Is the Legal Blood Alcohol Limit? ...
- What Is This Sign? ...
- How Much Space Should You Leave Between You and the Car in Front of You? ...
- Who Do You Yield to in a Roundabout?
The written test for provisional license applicants has 46 questions. You're allowed a maximum of 8 errors. The written test for adult original license applicants has 36 questions; 5 errors are allowed. The written test for license renewal applicants has 18 questions, 3 errors are allowed.
